**X’s New “Starterpacks” Feature: A Copycat or a Game-Changer?**
I’m always excited to see new features emerge in the social media world, and X’s latest addition has definitely piqued my interest. The company has introduced something called “Starterpacks,” which is eerily similar to Bluesky’s popular “Starter Packs” feature. But before we dive into the details, let me say that I’m a bit torn about X’s decision to copy this concept.
For the uninitiated, Starter Packs are essentially curated lists of accounts that users can follow to discover new content and connect with like-minded individuals. Bluesky, a relatively new social network, has been rocking this concept since its inception, and it’s been a huge hit. So, when I heard that X was launching something similar, I was curious to learn more.
According to X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, the company’s “Starterpacks” were compiled through a thorough research process, where they scoured the globe for top posters in various categories. These categories include things like News, Politics, Fashion, Technology, Business, and more – all the usual suspects.
The idea behind Starterpacks is that users will be able to find accounts that match their interests, making it easier to discover new content and connect with like-minded individuals. And, let’s be real, who doesn’t love discovering new accounts to follow? It’s like finding a treasure trove of great content all in one place.
But here’s the thing – unlike Bluesky, where anyone can create and share Starter Packs, X is handling things differently. The lists are being curated internally, without any input from individual users. This means that the recommendations are based on X’s own knowledge and algorithms, rather than personal suggestions.
I have to admit, I’m a bit torn about this approach. On the one hand, it’s great that X is trying to make the discovery process easier for users. On the other hand, it’s a bit unsettling that the company is relying on its own algorithms to curate these lists, rather than letting users take the reins.
Bier notes that the Starterpacks will roll out to all X users in the coming weeks, so if you’re an X user, you can look forward to discovering new accounts that might just become your new favorite follows.
The concept of prompt user lists isn’t new to X, of course. The app has been around since its early days as Twitter, where users could find and follow accounts based on their interests. But the way X is introducing Starterpacks is a bit different. Instead of relying on algorithms, X is using internal research to curate the lists.
So, what do you think about X’s decision to copy Bluesky’s Starter Packs? Is this a game-changer for social media, or is it just a me-too move? Let me know in the comments!
**Read the full post on TechCrunch**
