Bluesky Introduces New Reply Settings to Enhance User Experience

Bluesky, a rising social media platform, has introduced new settings that allow users to limit replies to their posts, aligning its features more closely with major rivals. The new options include "Everybody," "Nobody," "Mentioned Users," and "Followed Users." Users can also combine the latter two with any lists they have created, offering greater control over who can interact with their content. This strategic shift is expected to differentiate Bluesky from larger competitors such as Elon Musk’s X and Meta’s Threads.

The platform plans to introduce a default reply setting feature, giving users the ability to set their preferences permanently. Additionally, the underlying AT Protocol that powers Bluesky will undergo an upgrade to support this new functionality in the future. Among the new features, the "followers only" setting stands out, allowing users to limit replies strictly to their followers. Bluesky developer Paul Frazee confirmed this addition, suggesting it could make "going viral less intense" while also reducing "context collapse."

"going viral less intense" while also reducing "context collapse."
— Paul Frazee

Frazee's confirmation follows discussions with users about introducing a followers option back in December 2023. This change reflects Bluesky's commitment to providing a more personalized and controlled social media experience. Users will also have the option to post within specific Communities they belong to, further narrowing the scope of their audience.

Sarah, a seasoned TechCrunch reporter since August 2011, has been diligently covering these updates. Her background in I.T., spanning industries such as banking, retail, and software, equips her with a unique perspective on the technological advancements at Bluesky.

Bluesky's adoption of these settings represents a significant step in its evolution as a social media platform. By catering to user demands for more privacy and control, Bluesky aims to carve out a distinct niche in the competitive landscape. The upcoming enhancements to the AT Protocol will further bolster these efforts, ensuring that user interactions are seamless and secure.