Bluesky, a social media platform, has announced a significant update to its features, including support for longer videos and a new filter to combat direct message (DM) spam. The update, which is rolling out in Bluesky version 1.99, aims to enhance the user experience and provide more control over interactions on the platform.

The most notable addition is the ability to upload videos up to three minutes in length, a significant increase from the previous one-minute limit. This update is likely to appeal to users who want to share more in-depth content, such as tutorials, reviews, or personal stories. The extended video duration will also provide creators with more flexibility in terms of content style and format.

In addition to the video update, Bluesky is introducing a new "Chat Requests" feature, which allows users to manage messages from people they might not know. This feature is similar to Message Requests on X and will appear as a banner at the top of the inbox. Users can tap into the banner to view messages from unknown senders and decide whether to approve or reject them. The platform will also provide additional context, such as whether the sender is followed by anyone the user follows.

The update also includes a new feature to mute accounts more easily. Users can now select the three-dot menu beneath someone's post and choose "Mute account," eliminating the need to navigate to the user's profile to achieve the same result. This change is likely to improve the overall user experience by reducing clutter and unwanted interactions.

The introduction of these features demonstrates Bluesky's commitment to providing a more comprehensive and user-friendly platform. By addressing the issue of DM spam and expanding video capabilities, Bluesky is likely to attract more users and increase engagement on the platform. As social media platforms continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Bluesky's updates impact the industry as a whole.

In the broader context, Bluesky's updates reflect the ongoing efforts of social media platforms to improve user experience and combat unwanted interactions. As users increasingly demand more control over their online interactions, platforms will need to adapt and innovate to remain relevant. Bluesky's latest update is a step in the right direction, and it will be important to monitor how users respond to these changes and what impact they have on the platform's growth and adoption.