In a move that could redefine user engagement on its platform, social network Bluesky has announced the testing of a trending topics feature. This new addition, unveiled on Christmas Day, is designed to surface the most talked-about subjects across the network. The feature is currently available on both desktop and mobile apps, providing users worldwide with a real-time glimpse into the hottest discussions.
Where to Find Trending Topics on Bluesky
On the desktop version of Bluesky, trending topics are prominently displayed on the right-hand sidebar, ensuring easy visibility. Mobile users can access the feature by tapping on the search button, making it a seamless experience regardless of the device.
For now, the trending topics feature is available exclusively in English. However, Bluesky has emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and plans to expand language support in future updates.
Personalization and Control
One of the standout aspects of Bluesky’s trending topics feature is the level of user control it offers. If trending topics aren’t your cup of tea, you can easily disable the feature by navigating to Settings > Content and Media and unchecking the “Enable trending topics” option.
Additionally, Bluesky’s approach to content moderation ensures that users’ preferences are respected. Muted words and phrases are seamlessly carried over into the trending topics view. This means that any terms you’ve muted will not appear in your list of trending discussions, maintaining a personalized and clutter-free experience.
Bluesky’s Vision for the Future
With over 25 million users and growing, Bluesky’s introduction of trending topics marks an important milestone in its journey to enhance user interaction. The company has described this as the “first version” of the feature, signaling its intention to iterate and improve based on user feedback. “We want to make sure trending topics reflect the interests and preferences of our diverse community,” a Bluesky spokesperson said.
This step comes as part of Bluesky’s broader mission to create a social network that prioritizes transparency and user empowerment. By providing tools that allow users to filter and customize their experience, Bluesky aims to set itself apart in an increasingly crowded social media landscape.
Competition and Context
The launch of trending topics on Bluesky positions the platform to compete more directly with rivals like Threads. Earlier this year, Threads began rolling out its own trending topics feature to U.S. users in March, followed by testing in Japan in October. While Bluesky may be playing catch-up in this space, its emphasis on user control and content customization could give it an edge.
Interestingly, third-party clients for Bluesky, such as Greysky, had already implemented a similar feature last year. However, Bluesky’s official rollout brings the functionality to a much broader audience, aligning with the platform’s strategic growth initiatives.
A Step Forward for Social Networking
Bluesky’s trending topics feature is more than just a tool to highlight popular discussions. It represents a thoughtful approach to social networking—one that acknowledges the importance of user agency and the need for a curated, personalized experience. As the platform continues to evolve, users can look forward to even more features that make staying connected and informed both effortless and enjoyable.
Whether you’re a casual browser or an active participant in online conversations, Bluesky’s trending topics feature promises to add a new layer of engagement to your social media experience. Stay tuned as the platform refines this exciting addition and continues to shape the future of digital interaction.
