Key Highlights:

• Bluesky plans major upgrades to its Discover feed and “who to follow” system in 2026.
• The platform wants to feel more “real-time” during live events like sports and elections.
• Core gaps such as drafts, better media handling, and longer videos are finally being addressed.
• Private accounts remain off the table for now due to protocol limits.

Bluesky has shared its 2026 roadmap, outlining plans to improve discovery, add real-time features, and fix missing basics. The update matters because the platform has grown fast but struggles with daily engagement. With rivals like Threads moving quickly, Bluesky now faces pressure to mature.

Launched publicly in early 2024, the decentralized social network has crossed 42 million users. Yet usage has slowed. Similarweb data shows a 40% year-over-year drop in daily active users by October 2025. Bluesky’s own leadership admits the product still feels incomplete.

In a new post, head of product Alex Benzer said the “basics need to be solid” before users stay long term.

What will change in the Discover feed?

A major focus is the algorithmic Discover feed. Bluesky plans to add topic tags and better interest signals. These changes aim to guide users toward posts that match what they care about.

The “who to follow” system will also improve. Better recommendations can help users build meaningful networks faster. For a platform built on custom feeds, discovery remains a weak point.

Bluesky wants this area to feel less random and more intentional.

Can Bluesky feel more real-time?

Benzer says the app must feel alive during big moments. Sports, elections, and breaking news should feel immediate.

The team is building internal curation tools. These will allow staff to publish high-quality custom feeds during live events. The goal is to move beyond endless scrolling and make feeds feel like shared spaces.

Bluesky also plans to expand integrations across the “Atmosphere,” its AT Protocol ecosystem. Today, going live on apps like Twitch or Streamplace shows a LIVE badge on Bluesky profiles. Another integration is coming soon.

Which basics are finally getting fixed?

Bluesky still lacks features users expect. Drafts are missing. Video uploads feel limited. The composer struggles with media.

Benzer says three-minute videos are not enough. Uploads should be faster. Users should post more than four photos. Threads should be easier to create.

Private accounts remain unsolved. They depend on changes to the AT Protocol and will not arrive soon.

Why this matters now

Bluesky often spikes during political shifts or changes at X. But retention remains uneven. Threads, backed by Meta, now rivals X in daily mobile users and ships features at speed.

Bluesky’s 2026 roadmap signals a shift. Growth alone is no longer enough. The platform must become reliable, intuitive, and timely. If it succeeds, Bluesky could finally turn curiosity into habit.