Graysky, one of the first third-party apps for Twitter/X competitor Bluesky, is launching a subscription service with its latest release as a means of monetizing its app by offering paid access to features that Bluesky itself doesn’t yet support . In the initial release, users will be able to personalize the app with a theme of their choice and translate posts using DeepL instead of Google Translate. Additional pro-level features coming soon include custom app icons, support for polls, and post analytics, which will track your likes, posts, and other engagement metrics. Meanwhile, the broader app update for all users brings a lot of new features, including Trending Topics, to see what’s popular on Bluesky right now.
While many developers play with the Bluesky API to build services that extend the capabilities of the Bluesky platform, Graysky made waves to be the first cross-platform third-party app to go directly to consumers on both iOS and Android. (An Android app called Seiun was available before Graysky, but was not available for iPhone users).
Graysky, which launched in October, is that it takes you to an interface where you can choose which stream you want to browse first, rather than a default Home timeline. On Bluesky, users can choose from multiple, custom feeds — a kind of algorithmic selection that other microblogging platforms like Instagram Threads and X don’t have.
Additionally, Graysky introduced a searchable interface for finding users, posts or feeds, and a way to see everyone’s likes, not just yours, similar to Twitter/X. The development of the app is ahead of the official Bluesky app by adding support for things Bluesky didn’t have, like GIFs, and he said he plans to add other Twitter-like features like clipboards, bookmarks, muted words, polls, lists and but. later versions.
Image Credits: Graysky
Some of these features now arrive with the Pro subscription, such as support for polls, while the app update brings a host of new features to all users, both free and paid.
This includes a newly rebuilt post composer screen that is faster and allows you to choose the post language. a “Topic Trends” section to see what’s trending on Bluesky right now. support for Quick Actions like compose, search or open settings. support for opening links in Graysky directly from Safari on iOS. Improved user suggestions. support for “registration date” on user profiles. the ability to rotate Graysky on Android tablets. new pull-to-refresh animations; and other performance improvements.
Of these, the “Trending Topics” section – available from the app’s search tab – is the biggest feature, as it makes the world of Bluesky more like Twitter/X. (It also reflects the community that has sprung up there, as hashtags like #furry and #nsfw are among the trending topics right now).
Graysky Pro is an optional subscription that supports the continued development of the app and includes additional features. It is available for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
