Published on January 7th, 2025
Bluesky, the fast-growing social network, has taken a significant step towards improving user engagement by launching its Trending Topics feature.
Announced on Christmas Day, this new addition is designed to help users stay up to date with the latest conversations, events, and discussions happening across the platform.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the details of this exciting update, explore its functionality, and discuss how it compares to similar features from competitors like Threads.
Merry Christmas from us to you 🎄🎁💙 We launched Trending Topics today, and you can find it by tapping the search icon on the bottom bar of the app or the right sidebar on desktop.
— Bluesky (@bsky.app) December 26, 2024 at 6:39 AM
What is the Trending Topics Feature on Bluesky?
Bluesky’s new Trending Topics feature is a curated view of the most popular discussions happening on the platform. This feature is accessible to Bluesky users worldwide on both the desktop and mobile apps.
Users can now easily discover trending discussions, which are tailored based on what is currently capturing the attention of the Bluesky community.
How to Access Trending Topics on Bluesky
On the desktop version of Bluesky, users can find trending topics on the right sidebar, providing quick access to the discussions that are gaining the most traction.
For mobile users, trending topics are just a tap away. By tapping on the search icon located on the bottom bar of the app, users can explore the latest trends circulating across the platform.
This functionality enhances the app’s usability by making trending topics easily accessible, regardless of the device being used.
Key Features of Bluesky’s Trending Topics
- Global Availability: The trending topics feature is currently available for all Bluesky users around the world, though it is important to note that it is still in its early testing phase.
- English-Only Availability: At this stage, the feature is only available in English, which may be limiting for non-English speaking users. However, Bluesky is expected to expand this to other languages in the future.
- Customization Options: Users who prefer not to see trending topics can disable this feature by navigating to Settings > Content and Media and unchecking the “Enable trending topics” option.
- Muted Words Integration: A standout feature of the new trending topics tool is that it respects the user’s content preferences. If you’ve muted specific words or phrases, they will not appear in the trending topics feed. This ensures that users can enjoy a more personalized and relevant experience.
Why Trending Topics Matter for Bluesky Users
The introduction of trending topics is a significant move for Bluesky as it helps users stay informed about real-time discussions on the platform.
Whether you’re interested in the latest technology trends, cultural events, or popular memes, this feature enables you to easily find the content that matters most to you.
Additionally, by offering insights into what’s trending, Bluesky can increase engagement on the platform.
Users are more likely to interact with posts that are part of ongoing conversations, contributing to a more vibrant and active community.
How Bluesky’s Trending Topics Compare to Competitors
Bluesky’s new feature brings the platform closer to its competitors, particularly Threads, which introduced its own trending topics in March 2024 for U.S. users.
Threads started rolling out the feature in Japan in October, aiming to enhance user engagement similarly.
However, Bluesky has the advantage of being built with a more decentralized approach in mind, which could make its trending topics feature more privacy-conscious compared to centralized platforms like Threads.
Moreover, third-party Bluesky clients like Graysky had already integrated a similar feature last year, highlighting the platform’s flexibility and developer-friendly environment.
Bluesky’s Vision for Improving Trending Topics
Bluesky has emphasized that this is just the first version of the trending topics feature. The team plans to iterate and improve the tool based on user feedback and usage patterns.
Given Bluesky’s commitment to continuous improvement, users can expect to see more customization options, language support, and advanced features in the coming updates.
How to Disable Trending Topics on Bluesky
If you prefer not to see trending topics, you can easily turn off the feature. Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Bluesky app or desktop version.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Content and Media.
- Uncheck the “Enable trending topics” option.
By disabling this feature, you can enjoy a more tailored and distraction-free browsing experience on Bluesky.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Bluesky
Bluesky’s introduction of the Trending Topics feature is a significant step forward in enhancing user experience and engagement.
With this feature, Bluesky is setting itself apart as a platform that prioritizes user preferences and customization.
While it is still in its early stages, Bluesky’s focus on improvement, alongside the integration of user feedback, positions the platform well to compete with other social networks in the race to capture the attention of global audiences.
As Bluesky continues to refine and develop its features, we can expect it to become an even more important player in the social media landscape, offering a unique and user-centric experience.
Stay tuned for future updates and improvements that will make Bluesky’s trending topics even more relevant and engaging.
