Bluesky and X Just Launched TikTok-Style Video Feeds

Following a tumultuous weekend, TikTok's fate remains uncertain. While temporarily spared from app store removal, the ban remains in effect for new users, giving ByteDance only 75 days to resolve the situation. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky have emerged as potential contenders in the short-form video arena.

Both platforms already offered video capabilities; X even featured swipe functionality between videos. The key additions are dedicated video feeds on both platforms.

Bluesky's Enhanced Video Experience

Bluesky's update is more substantial. Previously, videos were static attachments; now, users can create personalized video feeds, curated around specific themes. These feeds function similarly to text-based timelines, allowing users to pin them to their main page. Unlike the traditional scrolling format of text feeds (like "Discover" and "Following"), video feeds mimic TikTok's swipe-based browsing.

A trending videos feed is accessible via the search bar (disablable in Settings > Content & Media). Crucially, users can create topic-specific feeds (e.g., #BookSky Vids), offering a curated alternative to TikTok's algorithm-driven content. This approach allows for hand-picked videos from specific accounts, differentiating it from TikTok's algorithmic feed.

X's New Video Tab

X's video functionality, already similar to TikTok, is now more prominent. A new circular play button at the bottom of the mobile app launches a personalized video feed. While users can interact (like, repost, comment, share), a feed showcasing only followed creators is absent. The algorithm remains opaque, resulting in a somewhat unpredictable experience (one user's feed transitioned from pet videos to Godzilla and VTuber content). Accessing watch history requires downloading an X data archive.

Bluesky and X: Ready to Challenge TikTok?

With TikTok currently accessible (for existing users), neither Bluesky nor X poses an immediate threat, especially considering Instagram's ongoing Reels push. Both platforms are in early stages of development, with desktop functionality lacking. Bluesky displays video feeds as traditional timelines, while X's new video tab is absent entirely on desktop. However, Bluesky's advantage lies in its AT Protocol technology, which independent developers are already leveraging to create alternative TikTok-like apps.

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