Bluesky, the open social network, is rolling out a new version of its software, incorporating features that former X users have been missing. The updates include support for chat reactions in direct messages and a revamped search page, now dubbed "Explore", which directs users to trends, suggested accounts, and more.

The chat reactions feature takes inspiration from X, which has allowed users to react to direct messages with an emoji since 2020. Bluesky's implementation allows users to click on the emoji button next to a person's message to add a reaction, with a default set of common emojis available. However, users can also select any other emoji as their reaction by clicking on the three-dot menu, similar to X's functionality.

The revamped Explore page is a significant enhancement, transforming the search page into a discovery hub. With Bluesky's user base now exceeding 34 million, the platform can effectively surface trends and popular discussions. The Explore page showcases trending topics, marked with labels like "New", "Hot", or the time elapsed since they began trending. Users can also enter their interests to personalize the content shown to them, and receive suggestions of accounts to follow within various categories.

In addition, the Explore page offers curated lists of users, known as Starter Packs, which can be followed with a single click. This feature, along with suggestions of popular custom feeds, aims to facilitate user engagement and discovery. Bluesky CTO Paul Frazee credited the company's recent hire of Darrin Loeliger for the updated Explore page, highlighting the importance of design in enhancing the user experience.

While these updates may seem incremental, they could make a significant difference in attracting former X users to Bluesky. By adopting features that users have grown accustomed to, Bluesky is creating a more familiar and comfortable environment for new users. This move is likely to increase user engagement and retention, as users can now engage with friends and discover discussions, people, and interests more easily.

The adoption of X-inspired features also underscores Bluesky's commitment to creating a user-centric platform. By listening to user feedback and incorporating popular features from other social networks, Bluesky is positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional social media platforms. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these updates impact user growth and retention, and whether Bluesky can establish itself as a major player in the social media landscape.