Janice R. Andrews
Bluesky, the decentralized social platform, has launched a new TikTok-style vertical video feature called Trending Videos, now available in the explore section of its app. Announced through a post, the feature marks Bluesky’s latest move to tap into the growing short-form video trend.
“We had to get in on the video action too — Bluesky now has custom feeds for video! Like any other feed, you can choose to pin these [to your home screen] or not. Bluesky is yours to customize,” the platform stated.
Currently in beta, Trending Videos lets users swipe through short videos in a TikTok-like experience. Bluesky has yet to disclose details about its recommendation algorithm but advises users to restart the app if the feature isn’t immediately visible.
Bluesky isn’t alone in this race. Other apps using its AT Protocol, such as Tik and Skylight, are developing similar TikTok alternatives, though these remain in closed testing.
The introduction of Trending Videos comes amid a surge in TikTok-like features across social media platforms. X (formerly Twitter) recently launched its own vertical video experience in the U.S., promising a more immersive video browsing option. Meanwhile, Instagram unveiled Edits, a video editing tool designed to rival TikTok’s CapCut.
As TikTok faces challenges in the U.S. market, platforms like Bluesky are capitalizing on the opportunity to attract users and creators. With the rise of short-form video content, these new features highlight the fierce competition among platforms vying to dominate this space.
Bluesky’s move signals its ambitions to compete in the evolving social media landscape, where vertical video is becoming a cornerstone of user engagement and content discovery.
