Bluesky’s testing support for live-streams hosted on third-party platforms, while it’s also trying out a live sports content integration for the NBA Playoffs, as it continues to build out its feature set.
First off, on user live streams. Bluesky says that, starting this week, select accounts will be able to add a live stream link to external hosting sites, including YouTube or Twitch, with their Bluesky profile then indicating when they’re broadcasting.
So it won’t be live-streaming on Bluesky, but an indicator, with a direct link to a third-party provider. Which could help to spark more interest from streamers, as another means to raise awareness of their content.
As explained by Bluesky:
“Bluesky is the place for breaking news and real-time updates. This tool supports streamers, journalists, and anyone sharing live moments as they happen. If you spot a Live Now badge in your feeds, click through to catch a livestream in action.”
As noted, only a select few creators are able to use the feature at present, though Bluesky says that it’s looking to expand access in the near future.
Bluesky’s also extending similar functionality to professional sports leagues, beginning with the NBA, which will also now be able to redirect its Bluesky audience to live games via an indicator on its profile icon.
As you can see in the above post, Bluesky will provide direct linkage to NBA live-streams, adding another way for users to tap into live events. Bluesky’s currently testing this directly with the NBA.
Leaning into sports is a smart move, considering that sports are the most discussed topic segment on X. Real-time fan engagement has changed the way we consume sports content, and as such, providing sports options is a must for any real-time focused app.
Which Bluesky is, while Threads is also trying to get more sports fans across with its own live sports elements.
Though they’re proving tough to dislodge from X, where many sports fans have established communities and habits, that are aligned with X’s networks.
But Bluesky is smart to offer alternatives, while facilitating live-streams without hosting them itself will also save the company money.
I don’t know that I see a massive future for the app, given the relative growth of Threads, and the staying power of X. But as an alternative, which could still capitalize on one of the other players slipping up, Bluesky remains an interesting consideration, while the push towards more open protocols could also gain more momentum at some stage.
But that’s what it feels like needs to happen, that something else needs to trigger a surge towards Bluesky again. The question then is: “Will that next user migration come before the app runs out of cash?”
