Flipboard Introduces Custom Feed Feature for Decentralized Social Network Bluesky

In a move aimed at enhancing user experience on the decentralized social network Bluesky, popular social magazine app Flipboard has unveiled a custom feed feature. The new “Tech by Flipboard” feed, curated by Flipboard’s recommendation algorithm, seeks to provide Bluesky users with tailored content.

Bluesky had recently introduced the ability for users to create custom feeds utilizing personalized algorithms, in contrast to traditional social networks with a centralized recommendation system. This innovative approach grants app developers an opportunity to design custom feeds that present relevant content to Bluesky users. Flipboard’s tech feed primarily focuses on various user-posted articles, akin to the now-defunct article recommendation system Nuzzle on Twitter.

Flipboard’s algorithm diligently sifts through the vast stream of content on Bluesky, handpicking pertinent posts. Rather than merely analyzing the raw text of user posts, Flipboard’s AI topic extraction algorithms delve into shared articles, categorize their contents, and ensure adherence to Flipboard’s stringent quality standards. Consequently, Bluesky users can access streams of stories that are not only topically relevant but also of high quality, as stated in a recent company blog post.

The tech-focused feed is just the beginning, as Flipboard plans to introduce custom feeds for diverse topics such as Business and Entertainment in the near future. Users can seamlessly connect their Bluesky accounts with Flipboard and explore these feeds within the news app.

To enable this integration, Flipboard has incorporated various open protocols, including ActivityPub and AT Protocol. This integration empowers users to access their Mastodon, Bluesky, and Pixelfed feeds directly within the Flipboard app.

Bluesky, presently boasting a limited user base, aims to provide users with a glimpse of the algorithmic freedom envisioned by CEO Jay Graber and co-founder Jack Dorsey. In contrast to platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, which experiment with restrictive approaches to feed curation, the introduction of feeds governed by distinct algorithms in Bluesky promises a refreshing user experience.

As Flipboard partners with Bluesky, the collaboration anticipates a new era of personalized content discovery and engagement on the decentralized social network.