Bluesky Trending Topics Feature: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Update

Social media platform Bluesky has officially launched its highly anticipated Trending Topics feature, marking a significant milestone in the platform's evolution. Announced on December 25, 2024, this new functionality brings Bluesky in line with competitors like Threads and X (formerly Twitter), offering users an intuitive way to discover what's popular and engaging across the network. With over 25 million users now calling Bluesky home, this feature arrives at a pivotal moment in the platform's growth trajectory.

What Is the Bluesky Trending Topics Feature?

The Trending Topics feature is a curated list that highlights the most popular subjects and conversations happening on Bluesky in real-time. Currently available in English and rolling out globally, this beta version represents the platform's response to one of the most requested features from its user community. Unlike algorithmic feeds that can feel opaque or manipulative, Bluesky's approach emphasizes user control and transparency.

How to Access Trending Topics on Bluesky

On Mobile Devices

Mobile users can easily access the new Trending Topics feature by tapping the search icon (magnifying glass) located in the bottom navigation bar of the app. Once tapped, you'll see a dedicated Trending section displaying current popular topics alongside a Recommended list. Simply tap any topic to dive into related posts and ongoing conversations.

On Desktop

Desktop users will find Trending Topics even more accessible. The feature appears prominently in the right sidebar of the Bluesky web interface, providing quick access without interrupting your main feed. This placement mirrors the familiar design patterns used by other social platforms while maintaining Bluesky's clean aesthetic.

Key Features and Customization Options

Privacy and Content Control

Bluesky has prioritized user control with this launch. The platform automatically respects your existing content preferences, meaning any words or phrases you've previously muted won't appear in your Trending Topics feed. This intelligent filtering ensures a personalized experience that aligns with your boundaries and interests.

Easy Opt-Out Option

Not interested in seeing what's trending? Bluesky makes it simple to disable the feature. Users can either tap the small "x" button in the upper right corner of the Trending section or navigate to Settings > Content & Media and toggle off the "Enable trending topics" option. This flexibility demonstrates Bluesky's commitment to user autonomy—a core principle that distinguishes it from competitors.

How Bluesky Compares to Competitors

While Bluesky is just now rolling out Trending Topics, the feature has been a staple on competing platforms for years. Meta's Threads introduced trending topics to all U.S. users in March 2024 and expanded testing to Japan in October 2024. X (formerly Twitter) has offered trending topics since at least 2017, making it a veteran feature in the social media landscape.

Despite being late to the game, Bluesky's implementation focuses on transparency and user control—elements that have resonated with its growing community. The platform's decentralized architecture and commitment to open-source principles set it apart from traditional social networks, and this philosophy extends to how trending content is surfaced and displayed.

What's Currently Trending on Bluesky?

Since the feature's launch, Bluesky users have been engaging with diverse topics ranging from holiday celebrations like "Christmas" to entertainment buzz around "Nosferatu"—the critically acclaimed horror film. Interestingly, "Wikipedia" also trended shortly after launch, partly due to discussions sparked by Elon Musk's social media activity. These early trending topics showcase the platform's eclectic user base and diverse interests.

The Road Ahead: Future Improvements

Bluesky has been transparent about the current version being "V1" of the Trending Topics feature, explicitly marking it as beta in the app. The development team has committed to iterating based on user feedback, suggesting that significant improvements and refinements are on the horizon. This collaborative approach to feature development has become a hallmark of Bluesky's relationship with its community.

Other Requested Features Still in Development

While Trending Topics represents a major addition, Bluesky users continue to request other functionality including bookmarks, post editing capabilities, verification badges, and private posts. The platform's development roadmap remains ambitious as it scales to meet the expectations of its rapidly growing user base.

Why This Feature Matters for Bluesky's Growth

The timing of this launch is significant. Bluesky recently crossed the 25 million user milestone, experiencing substantial growth particularly following the 2024 U.S. elections when many users migrated from X. Users have consistently praised the platform for high engagement levels, minimal bot activity, and reduced harassment compared to other networks. Trending Topics enhances discoverability, helping new and existing users connect with vibrant conversations and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize which trending topics I see?

Yes! Any words or phrases you've muted in your settings will automatically be filtered out from Trending Topics, ensuring you only see content aligned with your preferences.

Is the Trending Topics feature available in languages other than English?

Currently, Trending Topics is only available in English. However, Bluesky has indicated this is the first version, and expanded language support may come in future updates.

How does Bluesky determine what topics are trending?

While Bluesky hasn't disclosed the exact algorithm, trending topics reflect real-time conversations and engagement across the platform, prioritizing authenticity and user activity over automated promotion.

Can I turn off Trending Topics if I don't want to see them?

Absolutely! You can disable Trending Topics by tapping the "x" button in the corner or going to Settings > Content & Media and toggling off "Enable trending topics."

Conclusion: A Promising Step Forward

Bluesky's introduction of Trending Topics represents more than just feature parity with competitors—it signals the platform's maturation and commitment to enhancing user experience while maintaining its core values of transparency and control. As the platform continues to refine this feature based on community feedback, users can expect an increasingly sophisticated discovery experience that respects their preferences and amplifies meaningful conversations.

Whether you're a longtime Bluesky user or considering making the switch from other platforms, the Trending Topics feature provides an excellent entry point into the platform's most engaging discussions. With continued development and a user-first philosophy, Bluesky is positioning itself as a genuine alternative in the social media landscape.