Observed Signal · Apr 23, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Bluesky boosts photo upload quality
Bluesky released app version 1.121, increasing photo upload and rendering quality. The platform doubled the per-photo upload limit from 1MB to 2MB and raised maximum render resolution from 2,000px to 4,000px. It also replaced its image grid with a swipeable carousel that supports mixed aspect ratios without cropping, though some users have requested an option to choose between grid and carousel. The update positions Bluesky to be more competitive with other social networks that emphasize photo presentation, such as X and Meta’s Threads.
Product update to a social platform that modestly improves image quality and UX — relevant to creative specs and competitive positioning among social networks but not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Bluesky released app version 1.121.
- Maximum photo upload size increased from 1MB to 2MB.
- Photo rendering resolution increased from 2,000px to 4,000px.
- Bluesky replaced its image grid with a swipeable carousel that handles mixed aspect ratios without cropping.
- Some users requested an option to choose between grid and carousel presentation.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Bluesky Raises Photo Limit to 10 with New Galleries
Bluesky rolled out an update (v1.123) that increases the per-post photo limit from four to ten and adds a carousel-style gallery view for posts containing five or more images. The release includes numbered indicators for gallery position and improved swipe handling to reduce accidental menu openings, aiming for a smoother photo-browsing experience. The article frames the change as part of Bluesky's broader growth strategy: the platform, built on the AT Protocol and marketed as a decentralized, ad-free alternative, now offers features closer to Instagram, Threads and X while remaining smaller (reported >40 million users vs. Threads’ >400 million). The update improves creator and user UX for image-led content and signals incremental product maturity for the social network.
Bluesky Adds 10-Minute Video Uploads
Bluesky announced it has increased its video upload limit to 10 minutes (up from three minutes), raised the maximum file size to 300MB, and improved upload speeds by about 2x–3x. The change aligns Bluesky with other social apps that support longer-form short videos and will allow third-party apps running on the AT Protocol (e.g., Bluescreen, Reelo, Skylight) to serve longer videos as well. The article compares Bluesky’s update to limits on competing social platforms and notes Bluesky’s active user base had declined by more than 25% year-over-year as of July, according to Similarweb data. The update appears aimed at increasing engagement and competitiveness for the decentralized social network.
Threads tests Gems to honor valuable posts daily
Threads is testing a new feature called Gems, which awards up to 25 outstanding conversations daily with a visible diamond badge. The selection is algorithm-based, focusing on originality, timeliness, and authentic discussion, regardless of follower count. Posts or direct replies qualify, but reposts and content cross-posted from Instagram are excluded. The feature is currently limited to public US-based accounts of users aged 18 and older, though the badges are visible globally, including in Germany. Recipients get a notification and can share the badge. Users can hide the label if desired. Initial hints appeared in August via app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi. Threads aims to encourage original and engaging content, with no negative impact on reach for non-recipients.
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