Bluesky teases 2026 roadmap: a better Discover feed, real-time features and more

Bluesky, the emerging social media platform, has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for 2026, focusing on enhancing user experience through improved features and real-time interactions. The company aims to refine its algorithmic Discover feed, providing users with better recommendations and a more engaging interface. Since its public launch in early 2024, following an exclusive invite-only phase, Bluesky has grown its user base to over 42 million, as reported by its developer API. However, the platform has faced challenges in keeping pace with mainstream competitors regarding essential functionalities, such as private accounts, the ability to save drafts, and support for longer videos. Alex Benzer, Bluesky's head of product, acknowledged the need to solidify these basic features in a recent post on the company's website. He emphasized that foundational improvements are crucial for retaining users, particularly after a concerning 40% decline in daily active users year-over-year as of October 2025, according to Similarweb. Benzer highlighted several key areas for development, including enhancing the app’s media handling capabilities, enabling faster video uploads, and allowing users to share more photos in a single post. While the introduction of private accounts remains a longer-term goal tied to the AT Protocol, Benzer assured users that Bluesky is committed to evolving its offerings. To enhance user engagement, the platform is also set to revamp its Discover feed with topic tags aimed at directing users to content that aligns with their interests. Improvements in the “who to follow” suggestions are expected, as establishing quality connections is essential for enriching the overall experience. Benzer envisions a more dynamic and real-time atmosphere on Bluesky, particularly during significant cultural events such as sports or political happenings. The team is working on curation tools to provide timely and relevant content during live events, making the feeds feel more interactive and engaging. Furthermore, Bluesky is exploring interoperability with other applications using the AT Protocol, allowing for features such as live badges that indicate activity across platforms like Twitch or Streamplace. This integration is anticipated to be launched soon. As Bluesky navigates user growth and fluctuating engagement levels, competition remains fierce, especially with Meta's Threads gaining traction as a formidable rival. Recent data shows Threads surpassing X in daily mobile users, leveraging its vast resources for rapid feature deployments that enhance its appeal to users seeking a more creator-focused environment. This dynamic landscape highlights the ongoing evolution of social media and the strategies platforms must adopt to thrive.