- Enhanced Reply Control: Bluesky users can now restrict replies to “followers only,” reducing unwanted engagement and maintaining conversation context.
- Profile Post Search: A new search feature within user profiles allows for easy discovery of specific posts by known authors.
- App Update Required: Both features are available with app version 1.98, alongside minor search improvements and bug fixes.
Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform and competitor to X, has introduced a significant update that enhances user control over interactions. The new “followers only” reply option allows users to restrict replies on their posts to people who follow them, reducing unwanted engagement from outside audiences. This feature is joined by a new “search posts” function within user profiles, making it easier to locate specific content shared by an individual.
The “followers only” setting provides users with a more controlled conversation space, particularly useful when posts gain unexpected traction. Viral posts often attract responses from users unfamiliar with the context, leading to what’s commonly called “content collapse.” By limiting replies to followers, Bluesky aims to foster more meaningful discussions and avoid the chaotic reply sections that have become common on other platforms like X.
Bluesky’s approach offers a unique alternative to competitors’ reply controls. X, for example, allows users to limit replies to everyone, followed accounts, verified users, or mentioned accounts, while Threads offers options for anyone, followed profiles, or mentioned profiles. Bluesky’s more streamlined “followers only” option reflects the platform’s focus on user safety and content moderation.
To activate the new reply restriction, users can adjust their default settings in the app under Moderation > Interaction Settings. The update requires version 1.98 of the app. Notably, if a user replying hasn’t updated their app, their reply might still go through but won’t be visible to the original poster if the “followers only” setting is enabled.
Alongside the reply controls, the new post search feature simplifies content discovery within user profiles, making it easier to find specific posts by a known author. The update also includes minor improvements to the app’s search functionality and other bug fixes, reinforcing Bluesky’s commitment to refining the user experience.
