Bluesky plans to launch community-focused spaces this year, allowing users to organize into smaller, interest-based groups with customizable privacy settings. Head of product Alex Benzer confirmed the feature will integrate with the AT Protocol, enabling administrators to build tailored experiences that function similarly to subreddit-style forums rather than a singular, global feed.
How will Bluesky communities function?
Bluesky intends to shift from a single, massive public forum to a modular system of smaller, specialized spaces. According to Alex Benzer, these communities will allow users to focus on niche interests. Each group will receive a unique URL, such as name.bsky.social, and feature a dedicated homepage. Administrators can enhance these pages using specialized tools and apps built on the open-source AT Protocol, providing a level of customization currently unavailable on the platform’s main feed.
What are the privacy levels for new groups?
Administrators will choose from three distinct privacy tiers to manage participation, as outlined in the company’s recent roadmap. Open communities will remain accessible to all users for reading and posting. Invite-only groups will appear in search results but require authorization for entry. Private communities will be hidden from public discovery, accessible only via a direct link and requiring an invitation for both viewing and contributing content.
Why is Bluesky pivoting toward a Reddit-style model?
The move toward community-based interaction marks a strategic departure from the traditional “public square” model favored by platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Rose Wang, Bluesky’s chief operating officer, told CNBC on June 4, 2026, that the company views the public forum model as insufficient for long-term engagement. Wang explicitly cited Reddit as a primary inspiration, noting that Bluesky intends to prioritize depth of conversation over the broad, often chaotic, reach of a single, unfiltered feed.
Comparison: Public Feeds vs. Community Spaces
| Feature | Public Feed | Community Space |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Global/Unfiltered | Interest-based/Niche |
| Visibility | Always Public | Public, Invite, or Private |
| Customization | Standard | High (via AT Protocol) |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will community posts appear on my main feed? According to Bluesky, posts from these groups will surface in the Discover feed, with potential for dedicated community-specific feeds.
- Do I need an invitation to join every group? No, only for “Invite-only” and “Private” communities. “Open” communities will remain accessible to all users.
- Can I create my own community? Yes, the feature is designed to allow any user to set up a space with a custom URL and specific management tools.
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