Bluesky Adds Private Bookmarks: Why This Update Matters
Bluesky adds private bookmarks, finally delivering one of the most requested features from its growing user base. The social networking startup announced the rollout of Saved Posts, a private alternative to the public “like.”
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This new feature lets you save posts with a simple bookmark icon beneath each post, right next to the heart button. Once saved, you can find your bookmarked content in a new “Saved” section within the app’s navigation.
Why Private Bookmarks Are Different from Likes
At first glance, likes and bookmarks might seem redundant. Both let you flag a post for later. But there’s a key difference: likes on Bluesky are public, while bookmarks stay private.
That matters for users who want to keep certain activity discreet. For example:
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Journalists can save posts for research without signaling their interests publicly.
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Users exploring sensitive topics can bookmark without judgment.
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Anyone can save content they enjoy—yes, even adult content—without broadcasting it.
This distinction makes private bookmarks a valuable tool for people who want control over how their activity is perceived.
How Bluesky’s Approach Differs from X
Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) recently hid likes because the public nature of them discouraged engagement. Users worried about protecting their image or being judged for “liking” edgy content.
Bluesky took a different path. Since the AT Protocol that powers Bluesky doesn’t yet support private data, the company created an off-protocol system to store bookmarks privately. It’s a temporary solution—similar to how Bluesky handles private DMs—but it ensures privacy now while leaving room for future upgrades.
Why This Update Could Boost Engagement
Private bookmarks are more than a convenience feature—they could reshape how users interact with the app. Instead of relying on the red pushpin emoji workaround, users now have a dedicated, private space for saving posts.
This change may encourage more engagement, as people feel free to save content without worrying about appearances. It also creates a more meaningful personal archive compared to likes, which often include random or fleeting reactions.
More Features Rolling Out on Bluesky
Private bookmarks aren’t the only recent upgrade. Just days before, Bluesky added:
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A combined photo and video upload button.
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Tools for giving feedback to custom feed creators.
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A Starter Pack feature, making it easier to follow recommended people.
These rapid updates signal Bluesky’s push to compete directly with X and other social platforms, focusing on user-first improvements that enhance both privacy and usability.
