The company ‘not owned by a billionaire’ is hoping to persuade frustrated Threads users to jump ship.
Bluesky, the decentralized short-posting platform, has rolled out a suite of new features aimed at enhancing user experience, just as frustrations among Threads users have reached a boiling point. Taking advantage of the growing discontent on Meta’s rival platform, Bluesky made its announcement in an ironic twist—via the official Threads account it launched just yesterday. In its promotion, Bluesky didn’t shy away from a little jab, noting, “We’re not owned by a billionaire,” in a direct comparison to its competitor.
Threads has been grappling with a surge of complaints in recent days, with users voicing frustration over an uptick in engagement bait posts flooding their feeds. Many users have also reported experiencing excessive and inaccurate moderation, leading to accounts being deleted or restricted without clear reasons. While Adam Mosseri, head of Threads, has assured users that the team is working on these issues, the window of opportunity was wide open for Bluesky to capitalize on—and they did just that.
Bluesky’s Feature-Packed Version 1.92: Pin Posts, Font Options, and Language Filters
The latest update, Version 1.92, offers a range of fresh tools and tweaks, some of which mirror features found on more established platforms. One of the most notable new additions is the ability to pin posts to the top of user profiles, a feature reminiscent of X (formerly Twitter), giving users more control over how they showcase their content.
Image: Bluesky
For those who like to customize their online experience, Bluesky has also introduced options to switch between two different fonts in the app’s Appearance settings, as well as adjust text size for a more personalized feel. However, Bluesky recommends sticking with the “Theme” font, which the platform believes offers a more user-friendly experience than the alternative “System” font.
Quality-of-Life Updates: Cleaner DMs and More Control Over Your Feed
In addition to visual customization, Bluesky has also made several quality-of-life improvements designed to streamline interaction and make the app more intuitive. Users can now delete entire DM conversations by simply swiping on them, helping to declutter private chats more easily. Another long-awaited feature allows users to share videos directly from their camera roll to the platform, making it more seamless to post multimedia content.
Bluesky has also responded to users’ requests for better content control with new filtering tools. A muted words feature has been extended to apply not just to posts but also to notifications and search results, offering users more ways to tailor what they see. There’s also a new language filter that lets users refine which languages show up in their search results, adding another layer of personalization to the app experience.
Fine-Tuning the Experience: Visual Enhancements and Animations
Beyond the headline features, Bluesky’s update includes subtle improvements that contribute to the app’s overall aesthetic and user flow. The company says it has implemented “multiple look & feel improvements” across the platform, including new animations that should make interactions feel smoother and more polished.
Image: Bluesky
Bluesky seems to be taking a proactive approach to incorporating user feedback and rolling out continuous improvements, a strategy that’s key to gaining traction in an increasingly crowded market of decentralized platforms.
A Well-Timed Invitation to Frustrated Threads Users
Bluesky wrapped up its announcement with a friendly, if not cheeky, invitation to the growing number of disgruntled Threads users. “We’re always keeping an eye on your feedback to improve the Bluesky experience,” the post read. “If you’re on Bluesky, we’re grateful to have you along for the ride, and if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late ;)”.
As Threads works to resolve its own issues, Bluesky’s new feature set—coupled with its independence from corporate giants—might prove to be a compelling alternative for users seeking a smoother, more customizable platform. With these updates, Bluesky is clearly positioning itself as a forward-thinking, user-focused contender in the social media landscape.
Will disgruntled Threads users make the leap to Bluesky? Only time will tell, but for now, the decentralized platform is making its case clear: freedom, flexibility, and a community-driven approach are at the heart of its mission.
