Bluesky, the decentralized social network, is expanding its horizons with a new feature called ‘communities’. According to Alex Benzer, head of product, these will be smaller, more focused spaces where users can delve deeper into topics they care about. They’ll sit on Bluesky’s AT Protocol backbone, offering customization and integration with other Atmospheric applications.

Communities will have a unique URL handle which directs you to a custom homepage, allowing builders to host entirely bespoke experiences there. Three privacy levels—public, invite-only, private—are available, giving users control over their interactions. Each community will feature its own feed, promising a personalized user experience within the network.

The launch of communities follows recent statements from Bluesky COO Rose Wang, who hinted at moving away from a ‘public square’ model and towards something inspired by platforms like Reddit. While Meta’s Threads are testing similar features, Bluesky aims to create a more open web ecosystem with its new structure.

This move could mark a significant shift in how we interact on social media, turning the vast plains of public feeds into smaller, more intimate digital communities. Whether this will lead us out of echo chambers and towards meaningful connections remains to be seen.