Bluesky Social Network Unveils Major Update With Explore Page
New features enhance user experience with trending topics and emoji reactions in private messages
On April 11, 2025, the Bluesky social network announced the rollout of its latest software update, version 1.100, which introduces significant changes aimed at improving user interaction and engagement. The update rebrands the previous search page to an "Explore" page, where users can now discover trending topics and receive suggestions for accounts to follow.
According to a report by Ukrainian National News (UNN), the revamped Explore page features a fresh layout that prioritizes popular trends. Users will find a list of the most talked-about topics displayed prominently under the search bar, often tagged to indicate how "hot" or "new" a topic is. This enhancement is designed to help users navigate the vast content available on the platform more effectively.
In addition to the new Explore page, the update also introduces emoji reactions for private messages. Users can now react to direct messages using a variety of emojis, a feature that mirrors functionalities found in other popular messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Previously, users could only access a drop-down menu for options such as translation, copying, or deleting a message by tapping and holding on it. Now, these options appear directly beneath the message, streamlining the user experience.
The Explore page also includes starter packs intended to assist new users in finding interesting accounts based on their hobbies or industries, making it easier for them to engage with the community from the outset. A shortcut to edit interests is available at the top of the page, allowing users to customize what content is displayed according to their preferences. This option can be adjusted later in the settings under "Content and media," providing flexibility in how users curate their feeds.
The Verge, a prominent technology news outlet, reported on these updates, emphasizing the potential for increased user engagement through the improved search capabilities and chat features. The changes seem to be part of Bluesky's ongoing efforts to enhance the in-app experience, following previous updates that included a new "Mentions" tab in notifications and the ability to sort responses and save old usernames when switching to a custom domain.
These updates reflect a broader trend among social media platforms to prioritize user engagement and interaction, as competition intensifies in the digital space. By integrating features that allow for more personalized and interactive experiences, Bluesky aims to attract and retain users in an increasingly crowded market.
As social media continues to evolve, platforms like Bluesky are tasked with not only keeping up with user expectations but also innovating to stay ahead of the curve. The introduction of the Explore page and emoji reactions is a strategic move to enhance user satisfaction and foster a more engaging online environment.
In summary, Bluesky's version 1.100 update marks a significant step forward in enhancing the user experience on the platform. With its new Explore page, trending topics, and improved chat functionalities, the social network is positioning itself as a competitive player in the social media landscape.
