The US-based social media platforms have introduced new feeds to help users discover and watch vertical videos.
As TikTok begins its slow return to normalcy in the United States following its unexpected downtime, uncertainty over the platform’s future has ignited a wave of innovation among rival social media platforms. Bluesky and X have seized this opportunity to introduce cutting-edge video features aimed at capturing a slice of TikTok’s loyal user base.
Over the past several hours, both platforms have unveiled updates that place vertical video content front and center. From dedicated video tabs to customizable feeds, these new tools promise to revolutionize the way users interact with video on Bluesky and X. The timing is impeccable: just yesterday, Instagram announced its own video-editing app designed to compete with TikTok’s CapCut, capitalizing on TikTok’s temporary absence in the U.S. market.
Bluesky’s Customizable Video Feeds
Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has jumped headfirst into the video game with the launch of customizable video feeds. These feeds make it easier than ever for users to explore and curate vertical video content. In an official statement, the company noted, “We had to get in on the video action too.”
The new feature allows users to swipe up or down through video-only timelines tailored to their interests. Users can create feeds that pull video content based on specific hashtags, like the newly introduced #BookSky feed inspired by TikTok’s popular “BookTok” reading community. Bluesky also gives users the freedom to pin these feeds for easy access, reinforcing its commitment to customization. “Bluesky is yours to customize,” the company emphasized in its announcement.
A key highlight of this update is the integration of a video feed under the search tab, showcasing trending videos across the platform. Bluesky also pointed to its developer community working on decentralized alternatives to TikTok using the AT Protocol, which powers the platform. Early-stage projects like Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, and Bluescreen.Blue are already taking shape, demonstrating the versatility of Bluesky’s ecosystem.
X Debuts its Video Tab
Meanwhile, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is not far behind. On Sunday, X began rolling out a brand-new “Video Tab” to U.S. users. The feature, represented by a circular play button in the app’s bottom navigation bar, provides a dedicated space for video discovery.
“From there, you can explore a personalized feed of recommended videos reflecting the real-time nature of X across sports, entertainment, news, and more,” the company said in its official announcement. The addition aims to align X more closely with the consumption habits of today’s social media users, who increasingly favor short, engaging video content over static posts.
This shift marks a significant step in X’s transformation under Elon Musk’s leadership. By integrating video as a core component of the platform, X hopes to establish itself as a go-to destination for dynamic, real-time multimedia content.
The Battle for Video Supremacy
The sudden turbulence surrounding TikTok’s availability in the U.S. has opened the door for competitors to make their move. Bluesky’s approach leans heavily on customization and decentralized innovation, empowering users to shape their experience through tailored video feeds. On the other hand, X is banking on its established presence and real-time updates to attract a broader audience to its new video-centric features.
While Instagram’s new CapCut competitor adds another layer of intrigue to this battle, it’s clear that the race to dominate short-form video content is far from over. With TikTok’s future still uncertain, platforms like Bluesky and X are betting big on video to win over users seeking fresh, engaging content.
As the social media landscape evolves, one thing remains certain: the competition for video supremacy is heating up, and the winners will be the platforms that can deliver the most seamless and personalized experiences for their users.
