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Bluesky Enhances Video Features and DM Management
Bluesky is significantly enhancing its video capabilities with a recent update that allows users to upload videos of up to three minutes in length. This update marks a considerable increase from the previous one-minute limit and aims to provide video creators on the platform with greater flexibility in their content. This expanded video functionality is anticipated to be particularly beneficial for users of Flashes, an emerging app for photos and videos that operates on the Bluesky platform.
In addition to video enhancements, Bluesky’s latest update introduces much-needed tools for managing direct messages (DMs). A new “requests” section has been added, which allows users to view messages from individuals they do not recognize. Moreover, users now have the option to decline incoming chat requests, a feature expected to help mitigate the influx of undesired messages that many users have reported in recent weeks.
This update coincided with CEO Jay Graber’s keynote address at SXSW, where she discussed the steady growth of the decentralized social media platform, which now boasts almost 33 million users. Dressed in a t-shirt featuring the Latin phrase “mundus sine caesaribus” (meaning “a world without Caesars”), Graber subtly referenced Mark Zuckerberg’s penchant for Roman-inspired fashion while discussing the unique resilience of Bluesky against heavy-handed ownership changes.
Graber articulated her vision for Bluesky by asserting, “If a billionaire came in and bought Bluesky or took it over, or I decided tomorrow to change things in a way that people really didn’t like, then they could fork off and go on to another application.” She emphasized the importance of openness as a safeguard for users, stating that this flexibility ensures alternatives remain available, thereby promoting a culture of user choice and satisfaction within the platform.
Further addressing the future of Bluesky, Graber elaborated on the company’s exploration of business models, including subscription options and paid developer services aimed at enhancing user experiences. She expressed interest in the potential development of features like moderation services or personalized feeds into a “marketplace” where Bluesky could engage in monetization through various transactions.
On the topic of generative AI, Graber mentioned that Bluesky is currently collaborating with various partners to establish a framework focused on user consent for utilizing their data in AI applications. This initiative reflects Bluesky’s commitment to prioritizing user rights and transparency in the evolving landscape of digital content creation.
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www.engadget.com