Bluesky’s 2026 Vision: Enhancing User Experience with Real-Time Features and Improved Discoverability
Bluesky, the decentralized social network, has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for 2026, focusing on refining user experience through enhancements to its Discover feed, real-time functionalities, and foundational features. Since its public launch in early 2024, Bluesky has attracted over 42 million users, distinguishing itself with customizable feeds and algorithms. However, the platform acknowledges the need to address fundamental aspects to sustain and grow its user base.
Addressing Core Functionalities
Alex Benzer, Bluesky’s Head of Product, emphasized the importance of solidifying basic features to retain users. The platform plans to introduce support for drafts, improve media handling by allowing longer videos with faster uploads, and enable posting more than four photos simultaneously. Additionally, efforts will be made to simplify the creation of threads, enhancing the overall user experience.
Enhancing the Discover Feed
To facilitate content discovery, Bluesky aims to revamp its Discover feed by incorporating topic tags, guiding users to posts aligned with their interests. Improvements in Who to Follow suggestions are also on the agenda, aiming to foster meaningful connections and enrich the user experience.
Introducing Real-Time Features
Recognizing the importance of real-time engagement, Bluesky plans to develop curation tools for timely custom feeds during live events, such as sports or political moments. The platform is also exploring features that make feeds feel more interactive, aiming to transform passive scrolling into engaging experiences.
Strengthening the Ecosystem
Bluesky is committed to enhancing interoperability with other applications built on the AT Protocol. For instance, integrations with platforms like Twitch or Streamplace will display a LIVE badge on user profiles during live sessions, promoting cross-platform engagement.
Navigating Challenges
Despite its growth, Bluesky has faced challenges, including a 40% year-over-year decline in daily active users as of October 2025. The platform acknowledges the need to address these issues by focusing on core functionalities and user engagement strategies.
Looking Ahead
As Bluesky continues to evolve, its 2026 roadmap reflects a commitment to enhancing user experience through improved discoverability, real-time features, and robust core functionalities. By addressing these areas, Bluesky aims to solidify its position in the competitive social media landscape.
