As the social media landscape continues to evolve, Flipboard’s latest app, Surf, is making waves with its innovative approach to video content. Surf, designed for browsing the open social web and decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, has introduced its own video feed — a bold move that aligns perfectly with the post-TikTok-ban era.
A New Era for Video Feeds
Surf’s video feed initially took shape as a curated blend of trending video posts from Bluesky’s “Trending Video” feed and posts tagged with #SkyTok. But this is just the beginning. Flipboard has big plans to enhance the experience by personalizing the feed for individual users, setting it apart from Bluesky’s native offering.
By leveraging the power of custom feeds, Surf demonstrates the potential of open social platforms. Unlike the “walled gardens” of traditional social media giants, these custom feeds empower third parties to innovate and cater to niche interests. Surf is currently in beta, and eager testers can join the waitlist to get early access.
The Power of Personalization
Soon, Surf’s video feed will integrate a user’s Bluesky Following timeline, filtering it to display only video posts. This personalized touch ensures users see content from the creators they care about most, further distinguishing Surf’s feed from Bluesky’s native features.
Additionally, Surf has adopted Bluesky’s new TikTok-style interface, making the experience feel familiar and intuitive. If you’re using Bluesky and don’t see this interface yet, restarting the mobile app might do the trick.
For those who can’t access Surf during its private beta phase, there’s still good news: Surf’s video feed has been federated to Bluesky as a native, custom feed option. This means users can enjoy its curated video experience directly within Bluesky while Surf continues to refine its standalone app.
Expanding the Horizon with Multi-Network Feeds
One of Surf’s standout features is its ability to pull content from multiple social networks. Beyond Bluesky, Surf’s custom feeds can include videos from platforms like YouTube, Threads, and Mastodon. By leveraging protocols such as ActivityPub (used by Mastodon) and the AT Protocol (used by Bluesky), Surf creates a truly interconnected social experience.
For instance, Surf’s “BookTok”-style feed highlights the app’s flexibility and creativity. Inspired by TikTok’s popular BookTok community, this feed aggregates videos tagged with #BookTok and #BookSky, allowing users to explore book-related content across various platforms. On Surf, you’ll see these videos seamlessly integrated from multiple networks, showcasing the app’s ability to bridge different corners of the social web.
A New Frontier for Social Media
Surf is more than just an app — it’s a glimpse into the future of social media. By embracing decentralization and fostering collaboration across platforms, Surf is breaking down barriers and unlocking new possibilities for content creators and consumers alike.
As Flipboard CEO Mike McCue notes, custom feeds open doors for diverse use cases like video sharing, photo sharing, discussion groups, and messaging. These innovations challenge the dominance of traditional social media platforms and signal a shift toward a more open, user-driven internet.
While Surf is still in its early stages, the app’s rapid development and ambitious vision are clear signs that it’s poised to make a significant impact. Whether you’re a video enthusiast, a book lover, or simply curious about the future of the social web, Surf is shaping up to be an essential tool for navigating this exciting new landscape.
Get Ready to Ride the Wave
With its personalized video feeds, multi-network integration, and commitment to decentralization, Surf is setting a new standard for social media innovation. If you’re eager to explore what Surf has to offer, join the beta waitlist and stay tuned for more updates. The future of social media is here, and it’s looking bright.
