X and Bluesky Introduce Vertical Video Features Amid TikTok Uncertainties

With fast-paced changes within the social media domain, platforms continually change to favor the users’ needs and changes in the trends of the industry. One recent trend has been vertical video content, which, due to apps like TikTok, has gone viral. Currently, X and Bluesky recently launched new vertical video features on the app, aiming to capture viewers looking for a new platform after uncertainties about the operation of TikTok in the United States.

The Rise of Vertical Video Content

Vertical video has transformed the way content is consumed, offering a more immersive and engaging experience specifically designed for mobile users. Such popularity has caused various social media platforms to create similar features to retain and attract users.

Customizable Video Feeds on Bluesky

A new customizable feed on decentralized social network Bluesky focuses on vertical video, and there’s a way to swipe through video-only timelines based on particular hashtags. In turn, users are able to find more stuff, personalize what they see more easily, and even pin favourite feeds to home screens for tailored views.

Video Tab is now available specifically for X

At the same time, X has introduced a separate “Video Tab” exclusively for users in the United States that can be found on the app’s bottom bar. This is a personalized feed of videos from different categories that are recommended based on sports, entertainment, or news. It shows how X is focusing more on video to engage its audience.
THE VERGE

Implications of TikTok’s Uncertainties

The introduction of these features by Bluesky and X coincides with uncertainties surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. Recent legislative actions have threatened to ban TikTok unless it divests from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Although enforcement has been delayed, the situation has created opportunities for other platforms to attract users seeking alternatives.

Strategic Responses from Social Media Platforms

In anticipation of the gap TikTok may leave, Bluesky and X are aggressively improving their video features:

Bluesky’s Growth: Beyond the feed customization, Bluesky has confirmed that developers are building video-only TikTok alternatives using its AT Protocol, including Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, and Bluescreen.Blue. These projects will give users a choice of video content on the Bluesky platform.

X’s Video Integration: X’s video tab represents a strategic step in more emphatically integrating video into the overall platform as users view more content through vertical video feeds. This strategy comes on the back of the overall and rising industry trend within vertical video feeds, aiming to cater to user demands.

Wider Industry Trends

The move to vertical video is not unique to Bluesky and X. Other platforms have adapted:

Instagram has announced it is launching its new video editing app, dubbed “Edits,” in March. The capability will be almost similar to CapCut by ByteDance, but more tailored for the creator. Such a move shows the efforts of the social media network to enhance video content creation tools among its users.

Alternative Platforms Emergence: Substack, with the advent of live video capabilities, and Bluesky’s soon-to-be-released photo and video-sharing app, Flashes, are alternative options for creators in case TikTok is banned. The features of these alternatives vary, along with monetization options, which appeals to different creators’ needs.

Summary

The introduction of vertical video features by Bluesky and X reflects strategic responses to changing social media landscape and uncertainties related to TikTok. These apps are enhancing video features to attract the users who would like to seek alternative avenues of content creation and consumption. More innovative features could be expected by the users, as the industry continues to change.