Social media used to feel simple. You had your usual spots: Instagram for the perfect selfies, Facebook for random family updates, TikTok for endless scrolling, and Twitter (X now) for all the drama. But lately, the vibe’s been off. Platforms feel messy, politics are everywhere, and it’s like everyone’s stuck in a digital shouting match. Then all of a sudden, Bluesky swooped in, like a new kid on the block that’s quietly been waiting for its moment to shine.
With all the hype, most people won’t know that Bluesky didn’t just pop up yesterday. It’s actually been around since 2019, dreamed up by none other than Jack Dorsey (yep, the same guy who brought you Twitter). Back then, it was more of a “research project,” and when it launched in 2023, you had to score an invitation to join; like the most exclusive club you’ve never heard of. Fast-forward to 2024, and it’s open to everyone, led by CEO Jay Graber, and now, slowly but surely, starting to feel like the cool spot people are curious about.
Bluesky isn’t trying to take down X or play in the same league as the big guys. It’s just here, quietly growing, especially after some questionable decisions from Elon Musk over at X. It can either be the simple interface or people just looking for a break; the platform now has over 19 million users and counting.
In this article, we’re breaking down what Bluesky is, why it’s buzzing, and how it’s shaking things up in the social media world. Let’s get into it!
Table of contents
What is Bluesky?
Unlike the usual centralized platforms, Bluesky uses a decentralized model, giving users more control over their data and how they interact online. It became public in February 2023, with an interface that feels like old-school Twitter but with a modern twist. You can share 256-character posts (called “skeets”) alongside photos, videos, and other media.
Although small compared to giants like X, Bluesky’s exclusivity, paired with its emphasis on user control, has driven steady growth. It’s attracting big names like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Neil Gaiman, and NPR, giving the platform a rich mix of content and personalities. Looking ahead, Bluesky’s goal is to federate its network further, expanding its reach while sticking to its decentralized roots.
Why Is Everyone Switching to Bluesky?
Since Musk took over X, the platform has seen major changes that haven’t sat well with everyone. From lifting bans on political ads to allowing controversial figures to resurface, the platform’s vibe has shifted in a big way. For many, this has meant less trust in the platform’s content moderation, with companies pulling their ads or simply walking away.
The blue checkmark, once a symbol of authenticity, is now just another paid feature, turning what was once a badge of credibility into a subscription service. Oh, and let’s not forget NPR ditching X after being hit with the “government-funded media” label, which they definitely didn’t agree with.
Musk’s growing political influence has added fuel to the fire, with critics claiming he’s giving a louder voice to pro-Trump rhetoric. Still, this didn’t stop the Kamala Harris campaign from going all-in on X for political messaging. But what really set things off? X’s latest move, watering down the block feature. Users can now block others from interacting with their posts, but not from seeing them. This, many argue, will just lead to more trolling and harassment.
So, what’s a social media user to do? Well, some are looking to Bluesky. The platform has that familiar Twitter-ish feel but with a different approach. As more people explore alternatives, it’s becoming a platform to keep an eye on in the social media space.
Features
Bluesky gives you more freedom than most platforms out there. Here’s a look at what makes it stand out:
- User Control and Personalization: Bluesky gives you full control over your experience. From customizing your feed to deciding who can see your posts, you have the power to shape how you interact with the platform.
- Custom Algorithms: A major draw for Bluesky is the ability to select or even create your own algorithms. This feature allows you to decide how your feed is organized, making it more personalized than most platforms.
- Public/Private Posts: Bluesky provides flexibility when it comes to sharing. You can post publicly for all to see or keep things private for a smaller group, allowing you to control who sees your content.
- Profile Customization: Bluesky offers extensive options for customizing your profile. If you want to change themes, layouts, or add personal touches to your bio, you can fully express yourself and create a profile that matches your identity.
- Starter Packs: For those new to the platform, Bluesky offers starter packs. These are preset tools and content collections designed for different interests or communities. This makes it easier to start engaging right away.
- Custom Domains: Bluesky’s custom domain feature is great for building a more personalized or professional online identity. Whether for individuals or businesses, having a custom domain adds another level of customization to your profile.
- User Moderation Tools: Bluesky takes community safety seriously. The platform gives you tools to moderate your experience, including the ability to block or mute accounts, create moderation lists, and filter out adult content. This helps keep your space respectful and free from disruptions.
- Reply Controls: Tired of random replies cluttering up your posts? Bluesky allows you to control who can reply to your content. The conversations stay relevant and focused on the topics you care about.
- Report-and-Review System: The platform has a system for reporting inappropriate content or behavior. Users can flag content they find problematic, and Bluesky reviews these reports to maintain a respectful environment.
- Labeling: Bluesky uses labeling to categorize content. Whether marking sensitive topics or tagging certain types of posts, labels help users better control the platform and understand what they’re engaging with.
- Trending Topics and Hashtags: Stay connected with what’s going on in the Bluesky ecosystem. Trending topics and hashtags allow users to see what’s popular and join in on real-time conversations happening across the platform.
- Content Discovery: Bluesky’s content discovery tools make it easy to find new creators, communities, and content that aligns with your interests. Its intelligent search functionality makes sure that you’re connected with relevant and engaging material.
- Multimedia Sharing: Sharing multimedia, such as photos, videos, and audio, is a core feature of Bluesky. This lets you express yourself in creative ways while connecting with others who enjoy the same type of content.
- Search and Notifications: Bluesky’s smart search and notification systems help you stay on top of your interactions. With easy access to search posts, profiles, and hashtags, plus updates on replies and likes, it’s simple to stay engaged and informed.
- Activity Feed: The activity feed aggregates all of your recent interactions, from new followers to mentions. This makes it easy to track your activity, stay organized, and keep up with how others are engaging with your content.
How to Use Bluesky
Here’s a detailed guide on how to use Bluesky for first-time users:
- Browse the Bluesky Website: Bluesky allows you to explore its website without needing an account. Head to the Discover section to scroll through posts, or use the search bar to find specific topics or accounts. This feature is perfect if you’re just curious about the platform before signing up.
- Sign Up for Bluesky: Once you’re ready to create an account, hit the “Sign up” button on the homepage. Enter your email address, pick a password, and provide your date of birth. Follow the prompts by clicking “Next” to proceed.
- Create a User Handle: Now, pick a unique handle that will represent you on Bluesky. The handle you choose will automatically include the “.bsky.social” domain (e.g., @xyz.bsky.social). After selecting your handle, click “Next” to continue.
- Set Up Your Avatar or Photo: To personalize your profile, upload a photo of yourself or create an avatar. Before proceeding, you may need to complete a CAPTCHA challenge. Once done, hit “Continue.”
- Select Your Interests: Bluesky will then prompt you to choose topics that interest you. These preferences help the platform recommend accounts you might want to follow. After making your selections, click “Continue.”
- Explore Your Feeds: You’ll be welcomed with a feed of suggested accounts personalized to your chosen interests. Start browsing through the feed to see posts and recommendations.
- Follow Suggested Accounts: Scroll down your feed and review the suggested accounts. If any of them interest you, hit the “Follow” button. This helps build your feed with relevant content.
- Discover New Feeds: Bluesky offers more options for finding unique feeds. Use the “Discover new feeds” button to browse through a variety of topics and communities. Add any feed you like to your following list by clicking the plus sign.
- Access Your Following Feed: Once you’ve followed a few accounts or feeds, you can view all their posts in your “Following” feed. On the desktop site, click “Following” from the homepage. On the mobile app, tap the “Home” icon, then select the “Following” tab.
- Search for More Accounts to Follow: Use the “Search” option to find even more accounts. Bluesky will provide a list of recommendations based on your activity. You can hit “Follow” to add these to your feed.
- Search for Specific Topics or Users: If you’re looking for something specific, tap the search icon and type a name, word, or topic. The platform will show related accounts and posts. Review the results and follow any accounts that catch your eye.
- Check Out Popular Posts: The “Discover” section on the main feed showcases trending posts and popular accounts. There’s also an option called “Popular with Friends,” which highlights posts that are engaging for the accounts you already follow.
- Engage with a Post: When you find a post you like, there are several ways to interact. You can reply to start a conversation, repost it to share with your followers, or tap the heart icon to like it. Use the three-dot menu to translate, copy, or report a post if necessary.
- Create and Share Posts: To share something yourself, click the “New Post” button (blue icon in the mobile app). Write your post, add an image, or include a link. Bluesky also supports ALT text for images, allowing you to describe them for users with visual impairments.
- Post Links with Previews: If you want to include a link in your post, simply paste it into the text field. Bluesky allows you to generate a preview of the webpage by selecting the “Add link card” option.
- Include Media in Your Posts: You can add more to your posts, such as videos, GIFs, or new photos. Click the corresponding button to attach your media before publishing your post.
- Stay Updated with Notifications: Bluesky keeps you informed about your activity with notifications. Tap the notification icon to see likes, replies, or new followers.
- Mute or Report Problematic Posts: If you encounter inappropriate content, click the three-dot menu on the post and choose “Mute thread” to silence it or “Report post” to notify Bluesky. When reporting, you can select a category (e.g., spam, inappropriate content, etc.) and provide additional details if needed.
- Mute or Block Entire Accounts: For accounts posting objectionable content, visit their profile, click the three-dot menu, and select “Mute” or “Block.” You can also report the account to Bluesky for further action.
- Moderate Your Feed: Take control of your feed by using moderation tools. Access the settings and go to the moderation section. Here, you can filter out specific words, tags, or accounts. You’ll also find lists of muted and blocked accounts.
- Edit Your Profile: Click on your profile icon to update your avatar, handle, bio, or other details. Keep your information up-to-date to reflect your personality or interests.
A Fresh Take on Social Media
Bluesky presents an exciting new option for those looking for a fresh approach to social media. Whether it becomes the next big thing or not is still uncertain, but it’s clear that the platform has a lot of potential.
Ready to claim your spot on Bluesky? Let us know what you think of Bluesky; are you already using it, or are you planning to join soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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FAQs
How does Bluesky differ from Twitter?
Bluesky focuses on decentralization, giving users more control over their content and interactions. Unlike Twitter, which is managed by a central entity, Bluesky operates on a protocol that allows for more customization and less censorship.
Can I use Bluesky for business marketing?
While Bluesky is still growing, it can be an excellent platform for businesses to build brand awareness, connect with early adopters, and claim their handle. It’s worth experimenting with if your target audience is active on the platform.
Is Bluesky free to use?
Yes, Bluesky is free to use, but since it’s still in the early stages of development, additional features and monetization options might be added in the future.
How can I grow my following on Bluesky?
Growing your following on Bluesky is similar to other social media platforms: engage consistently with your audience, create valuable content, and follow and interact with others in your niche. As the platform grows, more opportunities will likely arise.
Can I use Bluesky on mobile devices?
Yes, Bluesky is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing you to manage your account and engage with others on the go.
