The Bluesky social network, initiated by Jack Dorsey, continues to advance and inch toward parity with its main competitor X, the platform once known as Twitter under Elon Musk. Official statements from Bluesky leadership outline a clear trajectory toward richer features that blend openness with user control, aiming to deliver a distinct experience while staying competitive in a crowded social landscape.
With the release of version 1.61, Bluesky ships with a built in media player that functions across both mobile and web interfaces. This player can fetch and play videos and audio from popular platforms via direct links from YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Twitch. Unlike X, Bluesky’s media player does not begin playback automatically, offering users a more mindful and controlled viewing experience right from tapping a post.
Another improvement in 1.61 is a dedicated hide post option. This feature helps users curate their timelines by concealing posts that feel noisy or off topic, contributing to a calmer, more focused feed. The practical effect is that individuals can tailor what they see without needing to mute or unfollow accounts, simplifying feed management while preserving connections and conversations.
The timing of Bluesky’s enhancements aligns with a broader shift in the social space, where platforms are experimenting with how content is accessed and shared. Earlier this year Bluesky announced a change that allows messages to be viewed and shared on other services without requiring a login, a move that broadens reach and ease of distribution while keeping Bluesky as the central hub for posting and moderation. This approach emphasizes accessibility while maintaining user ownership of content and accounts, a balance many users find appealing in today’s digital ecosystem.
The Bluesky project, which debuted publicly in February 2023, has grown to millions of users through word of mouth and invitation based onboarding. Invitations remain a stepping stone to entry, typically extended by existing Bluesky members who can vouch for new signups. This invitation model has helped Bluesky cultivate a community focused on authentic conversation and careful growth as the platform expands its features and stability for a broader audience across North America and beyond.
Public discussions around the competition between Bluesky and X have touched on how each platform handles links and cross platform integration. While Musk has publicly criticized the flow of links from X to Bluesky and other rivals, Bluesky continues to execute its own roadmap with an emphasis on user experience, privacy controls, and content discovery that can stand on its own merits without relying solely on external validation or cross platform dynamics. This dynamic landscape shapes user expectations and informs how Bluesky positions itself within North American markets today. official communications and industry analysis.