Bluesky Launches ‘Live’ Features to Rival X

Bluesky is stepping up its game in 2026, aiming to make its social media app feel more “live” and interactive. Users can expect updates that improve real-time feeds, posting, and follow suggestions, all designed to compete with X’s expansive platform. With these changes, Bluesky hopes to attract users who miss the spontaneous and community-driven feel of social platforms before X’s controversial transformations.

Real-Time Feeds and Event-Focused Interactions

Bluesky’s product team is exploring features that make feeds feel less like passive scrolling and more like real-time interactions. Alex Benzer, Bluesky’s product head, explains that the platform is taking an experimental approach to bring users closer to live events and interactive posts.

“This year, we’re focused on making feeds feel like a space where users can hang out and experience events as they happen,” Benzer said. While specifics are still under wraps, the emphasis is on creating a sense of immediacy that many social platforms lack today.

Enhancing Core Features: Drafts, Videos, and Suggestions

Alongside live updates, Bluesky plans to strengthen essential features. Draft support, longer video uploads, and faster video processing are on the roadmap. The platform is also looking to improve recommendations for “who to follow,” ensuring users can discover relevant content easily.

Bluesky acknowledges that getting the basics right is crucial to retaining users. These improvements may not launch immediately but signal a commitment to a more robust user experience in 2026.

New Discover Feed and Topic Tags

Bluesky is creating a dedicated team to manage its Discover feed, making it easier for users to explore trending topics and interests. Topic tags are also being tested to help organize content and guide users toward relevant posts.

This strategic move positions Bluesky as a platform that balances casual interactions with meaningful content discovery, a combination designed to compete with larger social networks.

Competing with Giants: Bluesky’s User Base

Currently, Bluesky has about 1.5 million daily active users, a fraction of Threads’ 150 million and X’s 270 million. However, the platform’s focus on live and interactive features aims to carve out a niche for users seeking a more authentic, event-driven social experience.

By emphasizing “live moments” and community engagement, Bluesky hopes to become a refuge for users who feel disconnected from X’s heavily monetized and algorithm-driven environment.

What Users Can Expect in 2026

Bluesky’s roadmap for 2026 signals a mix of incremental improvements and experimental features. Users can anticipate:

• Feeds that feel more interactive and event-focused

• Better posting and video support, including drafts and longer uploads

• Improved “who to follow” suggestions

• A more curated Discover feed and topic tags for easier content discovery

These updates reflect Bluesky’s commitment to evolving beyond its early-stage limitations while appealing to social media users craving authenticity and engagement.

Bluesky may still be small compared to X and Threads, but its 2026 plans show a platform intent on redefining how real-time social interaction is experienced. By focusing on live features and user engagement, Bluesky could position itself as a key alternative for those looking to escape the noise and unpredictability of larger networks.