The Bluesky social network is doubling down on video. Having added a new Tiktok-like personalized video feed last week in the wake of the US ban on the popular video app (now on pause), the company on Monday Announce It adds a new video tab to Bluesky user profiles.
The tab will allow people to view videos they’ve uploaded to Bluesky, whether that’s original content or something they’ve grabbed from other social networks, including Tiktok of course. But beyond just chasing the potential for more video-based social activity, video could offer another revenue stream if captured. The company could charge for features like longer or higher-quality video as part of its next upcoming subscription plan, if it chooses.
However, not all Bluesky users are ready for their network to become just another Tiktok competitor. Some people even asked in responses to the company’s announcement if they would be able to disable the tab on their profiles. Others ask Bluesky to take priority over other features they use over the X, like the edit button.
However, there is clear demand and developer interest in building Bluesky clients into video at the moment.
Several developers are already working on “Bluesky Tiktok” apps, including Berlin developer Sebastian Vogelsang, who makes Skeets Apps Bluesky and now (“Instagram” type Bluesky) and the teams behind the upcoming apps Remo and skylightFor example.
Celebrity investor and entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently said he was open to backing a video app built on the protocol, which Bluesky owns.
A new user profile profile tab was introduced in Bluesky 1.97 update, which also adds a menu to block a user or delete a conversation after reporting a DM (direct message) and other translation improvements.
