Bluesky Hits 40 Million Users, Launches ‘Dislikes’ Feature for Better Personalization
Bluesky has announced that it now has 40 million users and will soon begin testing a “dislikes” feature to refine personalization across its Discover feed and other areas. The new beta aims to help users curate their experience more effectively. When users dislike certain posts, the system learns to show them less of that type of content. This change is not limited to feed rankings; it will also influence how replies are ordered and displayed.
Alongside this, Bluesky revealed a range of updates designed to promote more positive interactions. These include better detection of toxic comments, tweaks to how replies are handled, and expanded options for managing conversations. The platform says these improvements will make Bluesky a place for “fun, genuine, and respectful exchanges.” The announcement follows user debates over moderation, as some believe the platform should take stronger action against controversial figures. However, Bluesky continues to emphasize user control, encouraging individuals to tailor their own experiences.
Tools for Safer and More Personal Interactions
Currently, users can manage their environment with moderation lists, filters, muted words, and external moderation service subscriptions. They can also detach quote posts to reduce unwanted attention—a feature meant to curb the toxic “dunking” behavior seen on other networks. The company’s focus remains on giving users the tools they need to protect themselves instead of centralizing moderation decisions.
Beyond “dislikes,” Bluesky is also experimenting with design updates, ranking adjustments, and feedback tools. One major feature under development is a system that maps out “social neighborhoods.” This will show connections between users who frequently interact, helping the algorithm prioritize replies from people closer to each user’s community. The new “dislikes” feature may also contribute to this system, further fine-tuning what appears in users’ feeds.
Improved Conversation Flow and Reduced Toxicity
The platform is also improving how it handles discussions. Its latest model more accurately detects replies that are “toxic, spammy, off-topic, or posted in bad faith,” lowering their visibility across threads, search results, and notifications. A small but meaningful change to the Reply button will now direct users to the full thread before they respond, which may help them read context first and avoid redundant comments.
Bluesky says this design tweak will help “reduce content collapse and redundant replies.” Additionally, reply settings will soon be easier to find, making it clearer that users can choose who can respond to their posts. Through these updates, Bluesky hopes to balance openness with civility, giving users both freedom and control as the platform continues to grow.
