Bluesky, the decentralised social network, has announced a significant evolution of its AI assistant, Attie. Originally designed to help users build customised social feeds, Attie is now expanding into an open-ended research tool. This new functionality, dubbed 'Quests', enables users to directly query the AI for insights into news, trending topics, and conversations unfolding across the broader Bluesky social network, known as the Atmosphere, and any other applications built on the underlying AT Protocol.
The introduction of Quests represents a strategic move by Bluesky as it seeks to stimulate user growth and explore potential avenues for monetisation. While the platform saw its user base double to 40 million by October of the previous year, growth has since moderated, with current reports indicating approximately 45.6 million registered accounts. This expansion of Attie's capabilities is therefore part of a broader effort to develop innovative tools and services that can attract new users and enhance the platform's value proposition.
Attie, which first launched in March of this year, operates as a distinct product from Bluesky, providing users with the ability to design their own algorithms and create bespoke feeds. While the AI assistant is currently free, the company has indicated it is considering charging for the service in the future. The new Quests feature empowers users to ask specific questions, such as identifying influential accounts in particular fields or locations, or pulling information about popular discussions, thereby making sense of the open social web more accessible.
Jay Graber, Bluesky's Chief Innovation Officer, who transitioned from her role as CEO in March to be succeeded by Toni Schneider, emphasised the tool's potential in combating misinformation. Graber stated that Attie's AI is designed to help individuals understand the internet, providing them with the means to discover truth amidst a proliferation of noise. She added that the company's belief is that tools which help people comprehend the world will ultimately prove more beneficial than those that contribute to confusion, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for customising the AT Protocol experience.
Further developments for Attie are anticipated in the coming months, including a redesign to incorporate enhanced accessibility features and a new logo. Currently, the expanded Attie experience is in its beta phase, with users being gradually invited from a waitlist over the coming weeks. This initiative follows a significant funding round that closed in 2025, where Bluesky raised $100 million, providing the company with substantial resources to experiment with AI-driven services like Attie, as well as other potential offerings such as premium subscriptions.