Bluesky Tests Trending Topics Feature, Boosting User Engagement and Discovery

We are excited to share that Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, is testing a new trending topics feature. This addition is set to enhance user engagement and discovery, making Bluesky an even more compelling alternative to traditional social media platforms. Let's dive into the details of this new feature and its potential impact on Bluesky's growth and user experience.

Bluesky's Trending Topics Feature: A Closer Look

Bluesky's trending topics feature is now available in beta for both desktop and mobile app users. The feature is prominently displayed on the right sidebar for desktop users and can be accessed by tapping the search button on mobile apps. This visibility ensures that users can easily stay informed about the most talked-about topics on the platform.

Currently, the trending topics feature is only available in English. However, Bluesky has announced plans to expand this service to additional languages in the future. Users who prefer not to see trending topics can disable the feature by going to Settings > Content and Media and unchecking the "Enable trending topics" option.



How Trending Topics Enhance User Discovery and Engagement

The trending topics feature on Bluesky will significantly influence user discovery of relevant content and conversations by providing a real-time, curated list of popular discussions. This feature will allow users to:

1. Stay informed about current events and trends: By displaying the most talked-about topics, users can quickly understand what's happening in the world and join relevant conversations. For instance, Bluesky's trending topics feature will show users what's currently popular, such as "Election Day" or "Climate Change Summit" (Source: Number 0, 1, 2).
2. Discover new content and accounts: Trending topics will help users find new content and accounts that align with their interests. For example, if a user is interested in technology, they can explore the "Tech" trending topic to find relevant posts and accounts to follow (Source: Number 0, 1, 2).
3. Participate in active discussions: By highlighting popular topics, users can join active conversations and engage with other users who share their interests. This will foster a more connected and interactive community on Bluesky (Source: Number 0, 1, 2).
4. Avoid missing out on important discussions: Trending topics will help users stay up-to-date with the most relevant conversations, ensuring they don't miss out on important discussions or news (Source: Number 0, 1, 2).

Bluesky's Approach to Trending Topics: A Competitive Advantage

Bluesky's approach to trending topics differs from competitors like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads in several ways, which will likely impact user experience and engagement positively. Here's how:

1. Accessibility and Visibility:
- On Bluesky, trending topics are easily accessible on the right sidebar for desktop users and by tapping the search button on mobile apps. This makes them highly visible and readily available for users to engage with.
- In contrast, X's trending topics are less prominent, and Threads has only recently started rolling out trending topics to users in the US and Japan.

2. Personalization:
- Bluesky's trending topics are compatible with its muted word feature. If a user has muted specific words or phrases, they will not appear in the trending topics area. This personalized touch ensures that users see content that aligns with their interests and preferences.
- Neither X nor Threads offer this level of personalization in their trending topics feature.

3. Global Availability:
- Bluesky's trending topics test is available in all regions worldwide, providing a more comprehensive user experience.
- While Threads has started rolling out trending topics to users in the US and Japan, X's trending topics are more globally accessible but may not be tailored to specific regions.

4. User Control:
- Bluesky allows users to disable trending topics entirely by going to Settings > Content and Media and unchecking the "Enable trending topics" option. This level of control is not available on X or Threads.

These differences in Bluesky's approach to trending topics will likely have a positive impact on user experience and engagement by providing users with more control, personalization, and accessibility to trending content. This could lead to increased user satisfaction and engagement with the platform.

Monetizing Trending Topics: Opportunities for Bluesky

As Bluesky's user base continues to grow, the platform has an opportunity to monetize the trending topics feature without compromising user experience. Here are some potential advertising models Bluesky could implement:

1. Sponsored Trending Topics: Businesses could pay to have their relevant hashtags or topics appear in the trending section. To maintain transparency and user experience, Bluesky could clearly label sponsored topics and ensure they are relevant to the user's interests and the broader conversation.
2. Promoted Accounts: Businesses could pay to have their accounts featured in users' "Who to Follow" or "Suggested Accounts" sections. Bluesky could use an algorithm that suggests accounts based on users' interests and activity, with promoted accounts appearing alongside organic suggestions.
3. In-feed Ads: Bluesky could display targeted ads within users' feeds, similar to how X (formerly Twitter) displays promoted tweets. To maintain user experience, Bluesky could use an algorithm that displays ads based on users' interests and activity, ensuring relevance, and allow users to opt-out of seeing ads or customize their ad preferences.
4. Branded Hashtags: Businesses could pay to have their branded hashtags promoted, encouraging users to engage with their content. Bluesky could ensure that branded hashtags are relevant to the conversation and not overly promotional, and allow users to opt-out of seeing branded hashtags.

By implementing these advertising models, Bluesky can capitalize on trending topics while maintaining a positive user experience, ensuring that users remain engaged and satisfied with the platform.

Conclusion: Bluesky's Trending Topics Feature Drives Growth and Engagement

Bluesky's trending topics feature is set to enhance user discovery of relevant content and conversations, fostering a more connected and interactive community on the platform. By offering a unique approach to trending topics, Bluesky can differentiate itself from competitors like X and Threads, driving user engagement and growth. As Bluesky continues to innovate and adapt, it is poised to become a major player in the social media landscape, offering users a more personalized, engaging, and transparent experience.