Jack Dorsey’s alternative to Twitter called Bluesky is taking off. Last week, Bluesky had its biggest single-day jump in new sign-ups. Still in beta, the platform has only a few thousand users, but seems to have the right ones. High-profile socialistas including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) model Chrissy Teigen and influencer Dril (Paul Dochney) have joined, and thousands of others are waitlisted. Bluesky began rolling out to iOS devices in February and added Android last month. The app offers some of the same features as Twitter, including the ability to post short text and photo updates, replies and shares. Continue reading Dorsey’s Bluesky Heats Up with Well-Timed Influencer Invites

Twitter is testing a function that allows third-party app developers to reach out to users on the platform. The beta test, which currently displays only to select users, allows apps in the “Twitter Toolbox” collection to connect with Twitter’s audience at crucial moments when user intent is its strongest — such as when they’re seeking to implement one of Twitter’s native features. For instance, if a beta test user elects to block someone using Twitter’s own safety toggle, they’ll be presented with the choice to use a  developer-built Toolbox safety offering like Block Party, Bodyguard or Moderate. Continue reading Twitter Toolbox Testing In-App Third-Party Developer Promos

Two months from now, the Buffer Festival in Toronto plans to bring some of the more compelling YouTube content to the big screen. The festival will be held November 8-10 at several theaters throughout Toronto, such as TIFF Bell Lightbox, Scotiabank Theatre, Glenn Gould Studio and the Jane Mallett Theatre. While YouTube content has been included in other film festivals before, there has never been a festival solely dedicated to the video site’s content and its creators. Continue reading Buffer Festival in Toronto Will Showcase YouTube Content