The recent TikTok ban in the U.S. has sparked a wave of innovation in the social media landscape. Following Bluesky's launch of a dedicated video feed, Flipboard's new app, Surf, has introduced its own unique take on video content consumption.
Surf: Navigating the Open Social Web
Surf is designed to be a hub for exploring the open social web, connecting users with decentralized services like Mastodon and Bluesky. By offering a curated video feed, Surf aims to differentiate itself from these platforms and provide users with a more personalized and engaging experience.
Beyond Bluesky's Trending Videos:
Initially, Surf's video feed aggregated content from Bluesky's "trending video" feed and posts featuring the #SkyTok hashtag. However, the company is actively working on personalizing the feed based on individual user preferences. This evolution will allow Surf to stand out from Bluesky's own video offerings, showcasing the power of third-party developers to build unique and customized experiences within the open social web ecosystem.
The Power of Custom Feeds
Flipboard CEO Mike McCue emphasizes the significance of custom feeds in the evolving social media landscape. He believes that these personalized feeds empower users and developers alike, enabling them to curate content around specific interests and communities. This shift away from centralized control opens up new possibilities for niche content discovery and fosters a more diverse and engaging social media experience.
Personalization on the Horizon:
To enhance the user experience, Surf will soon incorporate users' Bluesky Following timelines into the video feed, ensuring that the content reflects individual preferences and interests. This personalized approach will provide a more tailored and relevant video experience for each user.
A Design Inspired by Bluesky
Following Bluesky's recent release of its native custom video feed with a TikTok-style interface, Surf has adopted a similar design for its video feed. This consistent user interface enhances the overall user experience and ensures a seamless transition between platforms.
Beyond Bluesky: A Multi-Platform Approach
While the initial focus is on Bluesky, Surf's vision extends beyond a single platform. The app's ability to connect to various social networks, including those powered by ActivityPub (Mastodon) and the AT Protocol (Bluesky), allows users to discover and enjoy video content from diverse sources like YouTube, Threads, and Mastodon.
A Case Study: The BookTok Feed
To demonstrate the versatility of Surf's custom feed capabilities, McCue highlights the creation of a "BookTok" feed. This curated feed focuses on user-generated video content related to book discussions and recommendations, mirroring the popular BookTok community on TikTok.
The Future of Social Media: Decentralization and Customization
The integration of custom feeds into the social media landscape signifies a shift towards a more decentralized and user-centric model. Platforms like Surf empower users to curate their own experiences, fostering a more diverse and engaging social media ecosystem. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and personalized content experiences emerge, further enriching the way we connect and consume information online.
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