X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to launch a feature called 'Starterpacks' in the coming weeks, a move that closely mirrors a similar offering from competitor Bluesky. Nikita Bier, X's head of product, announced the rollout, stating the feature is designed to help new users discover relevant accounts based on their interests. This development highlights the ongoing trend of social media platforms borrowing ideas from one another in the race for user engagement.
Déjà Vu: X Follows Bluesky's Lead
The core concept of 'Starterpacks' involves curated lists of accounts that new users can readily follow. Bluesky pioneered this approach in 2024, empowering its users to create and share their own packs, each containing up to 50 accounts. These packs could then be distributed via QR codes or shared across the platform. The Verge notes that X has taken a different approach, opting to create and curate its own lists, claiming to have "scoured the world for the top posters in every niche and country.” This centralized curation raises questions about bias and the potential for X to exert greater control over user discovery.
A Trend of Imitation Across Social Media
X isn't the first platform to adopt the 'Starterpacks' concept. Threads implemented a similar feature in late 2024, suggesting collections of profiles to new users directly within their feeds. Mastodon followed suit in 2025, granting users more control by allowing them to opt in or out of inclusion in these lists. This pattern underscores a broader trend in the social media landscape, where platforms are quick to replicate successful features from their rivals. The underlying motivation is clear: to enhance user onboarding and boost engagement. However, such tactics can also lead to a homogenization of social media experiences, potentially stifling innovation.
The real test will be whether X's curated 'Starterpacks' genuinely improve the experience for new users and drive engagement, or if they fall flat as a mere imitation. The success of these features ultimately depends on the quality of the curated content and the degree to which they align with users' interests. With X's approach differing from Bluesky's decentralized model, it remains to be seen whether this latest feature will be a hit or a miss.