Explore Flipboard’s Surf: Discover the Exciting New Video Feed Feature!

In response to the recent TikTok ban, innovative social networks are stepping up to fill the void. One of the latest developments is the introduction of a custom video feed by Bluesky, a decentralized social platform. This move has inspired the launch of Surf, an app by Flipboard designed for browsing the open social web and integrating with decentralized services like Mastodon and Bluesky.

Bluesky’s Video Feed Launch

On Sunday, Bluesky unveiled its native custom video feed, which features a new TikTok-style user interface. This feed showcases trending video posts and those tagged with #SkyTok. The aim is to create a dynamic environment for users looking to share and discover videos.

Surf’s Response to the TikTok Ban

Surf, currently in beta, has quickly adapted to this change by integrating its own video feed. Initially, Surf’s feed aggregates content from Bluesky’s trending video section and posts under the #SkyTok hashtag. However, the platform plans to introduce personalization features to enhance user experience.

• Personalized video feeds based on users’ Bluesky Following timeline.
• Filtering to display only video content from followed accounts.
• Ability to explore various content types, including discussions and messaging.

Flipboard CEO Mike McCue emphasized the significance of custom feeds, stating, “This is just the latest example of how custom feeds on the social web can be used for all sorts of use cases.” This flexibility allows third-party developers to create unique experiences that differentiate from traditional social media platforms.

Exploring Surf’s Features

As Surf continues to evolve, McCue has introduced a “BookTok” feed, which curates videos focused on book discussions. This feed utilizes hashtags like #BookTok and #BookSky to gather relevant content. Users can access this feed on both Surf and Bluesky, benefiting from its diverse content sources.

Multi-Network Support

One of Surf’s standout features is its ability to aggregate videos from various platforms, including:

• YouTube
• Threads
• Mastodon

This is made possible through Surf’s support for protocols like ActivityPub and RSS, allowing users to navigate through multiple social networks seamlessly.

Getting Started with Surf

If you’re interested in experiencing Surf’s features, you can sign up for the private beta. Meanwhile, users can also access Surf’s custom video feed directly on Bluesky as an additional native option.

For more information on decentralized social networks and their evolving landscapes, you can explore resources on TechCrunch and Flipboard.

With the rapid development of platforms like Surf and Bluesky, the social media landscape is transforming, offering users new ways to connect, share, and engage with content—especially in the wake of the TikTok ban.