Social platforms evolve constantly, and as a long-time tech watcher, I’ve seen how user preferences shape platform updates. Bluesky's latest move clearly speaks to that reality. With over 34 million users now, it’s no longer just an “X alternative”—it’s becoming a platform of its own. This week, Bluesky added two major updates: emoji reactions in chats and a new Explore page, bringing some familiar features back into users’ hands.
Chat Reactions Bring Familiarity to Direct Messages
One of the most noticeable updates is the introduction of emoji reactions in direct messages. If you’ve been on X (formerly Twitter), you’ll recall how emoji reactions became second nature there. Bluesky now offers the same ability—clicking the emoji button beside a message allows you to quickly respond with default reactions like a heart, thumbs up, sad face, laughing face, or eyes. What’s even better is the added flexibility to use any emoji via a three-dot menu, just like on X.
This may seem like a small addition, but having that expressive layer in private conversations helps users feel more connected—something essential in today’s fragmented social landscape.
Explore Page Transforms Discovery on Bluesky
The second major update is a complete redesign of the search experience, now rebranded as Explore. This page does more than just let users search for profiles or posts—it’s a hub for trending content, communities, and curated suggestions.
You’ll see trends marked with tags like “New,” “Hot,” or “5h ago,” helping users stay in sync with what’s catching fire on the network. Whether it’s the latest news on Trump’s tariffs or niche communities like BookSky (for book lovers), Explore surfaces conversations worth your time.
Personalized Interests and Curated Starter Packs
Another standout addition is interest-based customization. You can now enter your interests—like Politics, Sports, Video Games, or Animals—and Bluesky will tailor your feed accordingly. This isn’t just a passive recommendation system. Bluesky is actively suggesting Starter Packs—pre-built groups of relevant accounts—to help newcomers settle in faster.
I found this particularly helpful because it reduces the friction that often comes with joining a new social network. Instead of starting from scratch, users get an instant taste of the best content and communities Bluesky has to offer.
More Than Just X Clones—These Are Smart UX Choices
While it’s clear that some inspiration comes from X, Bluesky isn’t simply copying features. These updates are intentional enhancements designed to serve a growing and engaged user base. And as CTO Paul Frazee mentioned earlier this week, the company's new designer, Darrin Loeliger, played a crucial role in shaping the modernized Explore experience.
Why These Updates Matter Right Now
With social media fragmentation on the rise and users becoming pickier about where they spend time, Bluesky’s thoughtful design choices could help it win more converts from X. From personalized discovery to expressive interactions, these updates reflect a maturing platform that listens to user feedback and invests in user-friendly tools.
Personally, I see this as a strong step forward. As someone who values both community-driven content and ease of navigation, Bluesky’s latest updates hit the mark.
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