Bluesky, X, and Instagram Jump on Vertical Video Trend Amid TikTok Ban Talks
Bluesky has introduced vertical video feeds, taking inspiration from the format popularized by the Chinese platform TikTok. The announcement came late on January 19, coinciding with discussions around a potential TikTok ban in the United States.
Bluesky’s new video feed is available under the Search tab of its mobile app, featuring a “Trending Videos” section. Users can pin this section to their home screen or add it to their list of custom feeds. Unlike standard feeds, videos do not automatically appear in this timeline unless users specifically include them.
The video feed allows users to swipe up to view the next video or tap to pause. Additional options include liking, sharing, commenting, reposting, and accessing a menu with features like copying or translating captions, muting threads or tags, and providing feedback to tailor future recommendations. For those who do not see the update, Bluesky advises restarting the app to enable the latest features.
Interestingly, X (formerly Twitter) rolled out its own vertical video feed just an hour earlier, describing it as “an immersive new home for videos.” Currently available only to users in the U.S., X’s video feed has a dedicated tab on the home page, accessible via a play button icon. It includes features for casting videos to larger screens or minimizing them for multitasking.
Meanwhile, Instagram also took steps to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future, unveiling a taller grid for profiles to better showcase vertical content. According to Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, the update was introduced because most content on the platform is now uploaded in vertical format. However, user feedback was mixed, as the changes disrupted curated profile grids. In response, Instagram plans to introduce more customization options, including direct posting to grids and improved thumbnail adjustments, allowing users to restore their desired layouts.
Newer Articles
- Meta Unveils ‘Edits’: A New Video-Editing App Amid ByteDance App Removals
- Unlocking AI: Practical Ways to Enhance Your Everyday Life
- How to Avoid Job Search Scams
