Bluesky Rolls Out New Features to Lure Former X Users: Emoji Reactions, Explore Tab, Trends, and More
- AndroBranch
- 10 minutes ago
- 7 min read
The social networking universe is constantly changing, and with the digital dust yet to completely settle following post-X (once Twitter) metamorphoses, Bluesky is fast becoming a worthy player in the decentralized social media space. With more than 34 million users and counting, Bluesky is now more than a test bed it's becoming a serious contender. The open social network is getting better at replicating familiar touch points while also putting its own spin on community-driven engagement.
In its recent update, Bluesky has added emoji reactions to Direct Messages (DMs) and a dramatic revamp of its Search page, which is now renamed Explore. These new features are more than superficial changes; they represent a dramatic move towards transforming Bluesky into a user-friendly center for real-time interaction and content discovery.
Let’s dive into all the new features and what they mean for existing users and those contemplating a switch from X. Also, if you’re on Bluesky, don’t forget to follow AndroBranch for the latest in tech, digital trends, and social media updates!
Bluesky Emoji Reactions in Direct Messages
If you’ve ever found yourself missing the simple joy of reacting to a message with an emoji after leaving X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky has just rolled out something that’ll make your day. The platform is finally introducing emoji reactions in Direct Messages, bringing back that snappy, expressive way to respond that so many of us loved. It's a small but powerful feature, and yes it’s open source too!
Bluesky users can now respond to individual messages within a conversation with a set of emojis. The feature brings a familiar emoji button alongside every message in your DMs. Tap on it, and you'll notice a tidy little collection of common emoji reactions show up exactly like you might recall from X in 2020. The interface is extremely clean, quick, and simple to adjust to, particularly if you're already familiar with contemporary messaging applications.
How does it work?
When you press the emoji icon next to a message, a list of pre-set reactions appears. Currently, these are the heart ❤️, thumbs up 👍, eyes 👀, sad face 😢, and laughing face 😂 good enough for most informal responses. But if you feel like something more, just press the three-dot menu to access the full emoji keyboard. Your selected emoji will then show up directly below the message, adding that little bit of flair without having to type a single letter.
This feature is more than a playful addition. It's actually super useful in group chats, fast updates, or just casual conversations where a simple reaction can say so much. Whether you're giving props, expressing support, or just acknowledging something with a laugh, this new feature makes it all faster and more human.
Bluesky’s Smart New Search Hub
Bluesky is ramping up the game big time. Although its previous search tool was adequate, it certainly seemed a little lean. Now, with its most recent update, that plain search bar has grown into something so much more capable meet "Explore", a new feature intended to enable you to dive into popular content, find people worth following, and connect with active communities that cater to your passions.
At first glance, Explore may appear to be a redesigned search page, but it's much more than that. It serves as an intelligent hub for what's going on on Bluesky. Right at the top, you'll see trending hashtags constantly updated in real-time neatly grouped for easy browsing. Keep an eye out for tags such as 🔥 Hot, 🆕 New, or even time-stamped trends like "5h ago" that assist you in gauging what's picking up speed at the moment.
You'll also see Suggested Accounts based on what you engage with and care about, so it's even simpler to connect with users who share similar views. And don't forget the Starter Packs specially curated collections that get you acquainted with popular users on a range of topics and subtopics. Politics, books, gaming, or sub-memes: there's something for everybody here.
Popular Custom Feeds are another major highlight. Want to dive into real-time discussions about the NFL? There’s a feed for that. Curious about the latest in climate science or meme culture? You’re covered. These feeds are tailored and easy to join, making community-driven content more accessible than ever before.
Why This Update Matters
In Bluesky's early days, trend discovery wasn't exactly a thing and to be honest, with a small user base, there wasn't a lot to surface. But with more than 34 million users now signed up, discoverability has become an important part of the experience. That's where Explore excels. You can now tap instantly into live conversations about:
With Explore, Bluesky isn't merely keeping up with apps like Mastodon, Threads, and X it's making a niche for itself in the game of social discovery. Whether you're new to Bluesky or a veteran, this feature gets the app to feel more real, more in touch, and infinitely more handy.
Starter Packs on Bluesky
Let's get real entering a whole new social media site can be a little like entering a busy room where everybody already knows one another. You're left wondering: Who do I follow? Where are the discussions I'd actually be interested in? Bluesky understands this, and it has a brilliant solution Starter Packs.
Starter Packs are carefully curated collections of accounts, thoughtfully organized by themes and interests. With a single click, you can follow a whole series of voices in topics you enjoy, and it's easy to get started. Whether you enjoy 🎨 Art, 🧬 Science, 📚 Books, or 🎮 Video Games, there's a Starter Pack for you. You’ll also find ones for 📰 News, 🐶 Animals, 🏀 Sports, 🎸 Music, 🎭 Comics, and even 🗳️ Politics.
Why is this such a smart move?
For newcomers, Starter Packs eliminate the guesswork. Instead of aimlessly scrolling or searching, you’re instantly connected to vibrant communities that align with your passions. It's especially helpful if you're:
A first-time user just trying to find your footing
A topic-specific enthusiast hunting for meaningful convos
A curator or influencer looking to grow your following within a niche
What makes Starter Packs even more superior is the way they merge convenience with the decentralized ethos of Bluesky. You're not being pushed into an algorithmic bubble you're getting a head start on building genuine connections within communities that matter to you. It's considerate, it's human, and it's one more reason Bluesky remains ahead in the social media game.
Custom Feeds Get Their Moment to Shine
One of Bluesky's strongest and most distinctive features is finally receiving the attention it deserves Custom Feeds. With the recent update, these custom feeds are now highlighted more prominently, making it simpler than ever to discover conversations that actually resonate with your interests.
In contrast to opaque, algorithm-driven "For You" feeds, Bluesky's personalized feeds are open-source, transparent, and user-created. That is to say, you get to decide what you see or even create it yourself.
Consider the NFL+ Feed, for instance. It's a destination place for American football enthusiasts where they can debate plays, predictions, and all that lies in between. There's BookSky, a warm virtual corner where readers can exchange recommendations and reviews. You'll also have lively meme feeds, hyperlocal news feeds, and creator highlight feeds that bring indie voices and new talent to the forefront.
Don't get to see a feed that matches your vibe? Not a problem you can track ones created by others or get your sleeves dirty and make one from the ground up. It's a social media experience as malleable as it's enjoyable.
With this release, Bluesky is doubling down on what sets it apart: returning control to the user without sacrificing discoverability. Whether you are a die-hard NFL fan, a meme specialist, or an avid reader in search of your tribe, Custom Feeds ensure you're constantly plugged into the conversations that mean most to you.
Meet the Designer Behind the Magic
Bluesky CTO Paul Frazee took a moment to acknowledge where credit was due, offering praise for the designer of the revamped Explore page, Darrin Loeliger. Hiring Loeliger, said Frazee, served to emphasize "the benefit of bringing a designer on board" and the UI gains certainly demonstrate that.
This degree of user experience (UX) detail implies Bluesky is heavily investing in making the platform mass-ready. It's no longer a playground for devs and decentralization nerds it's preparing for mass adoption.
Designed for Former X Users
Let’s be honest if you’ve recently left X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky probably feels a little familiar. Emoji reactions in DMs, a smart Explore tab, algorithmic-style custom feeds it all echoes features that made X addictive. But here’s the key difference: Bluesky isn’t just copying. It’s reimagining.
These changes aren't about holding on to what's been done they're about providing the same ease and interaction without the weight. Bluesky offers you the features you enjoyed from X, but in a manner that empowers you to take control:
✅ You own your data.
No more feeling like your content belongs to the platform instead of you.
🔄 Switch between custom feeds.
You decide what’s relevant not a hidden algorithm.
🔍 Transparent algorithms.
Want to see how your feed works or even create your own? Go for it. It’s open-source and built to be user-driven.
🚫 No shadowbanning or mysterious feed manipulation.
What you see is what you get, and Bluesky is upfront about it.
In an age of digital existence when Big Tech easily resembles Big Brother, Bluesky's simple, decentralized framework is a breath of fresh air. The latest updates weren't only made to be more functional they're a indication that there is a wiser, more ethical approach to social media. And it exists.
Why These Changes Are a Big Deal
Let’s break down the SEO-rich value proposition for Bluesky users:
Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Emoji Reactions in DMs | Boosts real-time, expressive communication |
Explore Tab | Simplifies content discovery and trend tracking |
Starter Packs | Eases onboarding for new users |
Suggested Accounts | Helps you build a meaningful network faster |
Custom Feeds | Encourages niche content communities |
Trending Labels | Keeps users updated with fresh, timely content |
All these features reflect a platform that’s listening to users and continuously iterating for better experience.
Bluesky's newest update isn't merely catching up it's creating a more social network. By incorporating features that are intuitive but transparently and ethically operating, Bluesky is establishing itself as greater than a Twitter clone. It's an innovation laboratory, a human-centric platform, and community-driven network in one.
With emoji reactions, carefully curated feeds, personalized suggestions, and the constantly changing Explore tab, Bluesky is becoming what social media should be open, expressive, and user-driven.
As more users leave closed platforms for open ones, Bluesky's momentum is unstoppable.
Ready to explore?
Join, begin to react, check out the trends, and don't forget to follow AndroBranch on Bluesky for your daily dose of tech insights and social media trends!