Bluesky has introduced a new feature called “Saved Posts,” a private bookmarking option that allows users to save content within the social network without publicly signaling their interest.
The feature, announced on Monday, includes a bookmark icon located beneath each post, adjacent to the like button, and a “Saved” section accessible from the app’s main navigation. This new functionality provides a private alternative to likes, which are public on Bluesky, addressing the need for private bookmarks stemming from the public nature of user data.
The public visibility of likes on Bluesky has been a concern, as it may discourage users from engaging with certain content or reveal their personal interests. This issue is not unique to Bluesky, as Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) hid public likes last year due to concerns that they could influence user behavior and negatively impact users’ public image.
However, the AT Protocol underlying Bluesky currently lacks support for private data, making it impossible to hide likes directly. To address this limitation, Bluesky has implemented a system where bookmarks are stored “off-protocol,” ensuring their privacy, similar to how direct messages (DMs) are handled. The company has indicated that the bookmark system may be revised if the AT Protocol is updated to include native support for private data.
The introduction of saved posts is expected to boost user engagement on Bluesky by providing a dedicated space for curated content that users can easily revisit. This feature also serves as an alternative to the common practice of replying to posts with a red pushpin emoji, a workaround used by many Bluesky users to save posts. Bluesky has included a migration tool to help users transition from the pushpin emoji method to the new Saved Posts feature.
