Bluesky Unveils Private Bookmarks Feature: "Saved Posts" for a More Personal Social Experience

Bluesky Adds Private Bookmarks Feature to Social App On Monday, social networking startup Bluesky announced the rollout of a highly anticipated feature: private bookmarks, which it has dubbed "Saved Posts." This new addition allows users to save posts for later reference without making them publicly visible. The Saved Posts feature is accessible through a bookmark icon located underneath each post, next to the heart symbol used for favoriting. Users can then view their saved posts at any time from the new Saved section in the app's main navigation. Bluesky's decision to introduce private bookmarks comes as users increasingly seek more control over their online presence. According to Bluesky officials, the feature addresses a key concern: the public nature of likes on social media platforms. "We've heard from many users that they want to save posts without broadcasting it to the world," said a company spokesperson. "Saved Posts provides a private alternative to liking a post." The Saved Posts feature has been in development for several months, with Bluesky's team working closely with users to refine the functionality. The rollout marks a significant milestone for the social app, which has faced criticism for its public-by-default approach. Bluesky's decision to introduce private bookmarks is also notable given the recent shift towards more private and secure online interactions. "As people become increasingly aware of their digital footprints, they're looking for ways to maintain control over what they share," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on social media behavior. "Bluesky's Saved Posts feature is a step in the right direction." The Saved Posts feature will be available to all Bluesky users starting immediately. The company has not announced any plans for future updates or expansions of the feature. Background and context: Bluesky launched in 2022 as a social networking platform focused on user data privacy and security. Unlike other major social media platforms, Bluesky's default setting is public-by-default, meaning that all user interactions are visible to others unless explicitly set to private. The company has faced criticism for this approach, with some users expressing concerns about the lack of control over their online presence. Implications: The introduction of Saved Posts on Bluesky marks a significant shift in the social media landscape. By providing users with a private alternative to liking posts, Bluesky is addressing a key concern: the public nature of likes on social media platforms. This development has implications for users who require more control over their online presence, particularly journalists and individuals seeking to reference content without broadcasting it publicly. Next developments: Bluesky officials have not announced any plans for future updates or expansions of the Saved Posts feature. However, the company's commitment to user data privacy and security suggests that further innovations in this area are likely on the horizon. As social media platforms continue to evolve, Bluesky's focus on private interactions may set a new standard for the industry. Attribution: This article was written by [Your Name], a technology journalist with expertise in social media and online behavior. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*