Bluesky offers a refreshing take on social media, blending the familiarity of short-form posts with innovative decentralised features. Launched publicly in early 2024, it has rapidly grown to millions of users seeking an alternative to traditional platforms.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is an open social network built on the AT Protocol, originally conceived as a Twitter research project by Jack Dorsey in 2019. It became independent in 2021 under CEO Jay Graber and opened to the public in February 2024, expanding from 3 million to over 25 million users by year’s end.
Unlike centralised platforms, Bluesky emphasises user control, custom feeds, and federation, allowing personal data servers. This decentralised model aims to prevent single-entity dominance, fostering an interoperable ‘social internet’.
Key Features and Updates
Bluesky supports posts up to 300 characters, with likes, reposts, replies, photos, and videos. It also allows for direct messaging. Users enjoy custom feeds, stackable moderation like content labels and filters, and self-tools such as hiding replies.
It’s currently ad-free, with plans for subscriptions and creator monetisation in 2025.
How to Get Started
Signing up is straightforward: visit bsky.social or download the app, enter your email, password, birth date, and choose a handle like @username.bsky.social (custom domains possible). Select interests to curate your initial feed, then upload a profile picture.
Import followers from X/Twitter using tools like SkyBridge. Customise your profile with a header, bio, and starter packs—curated lists of accounts to follow for topics like news or hobbies.
Post via the compose button, engage with notifications, and explore via search or Discover. Enable two-factor authentication for security.
Bluesky feels like early Twitter—playful and community-driven—but prioritises openness and portability.
Why Choose Bluesky?
For those disillusioned with corporate control, Bluesky delivers a fun, flexible space with portable identities and developer tools for custom apps. Its growth in 2024, amid X’s changes, highlights demand for user-centric social media.
As its features evolve, it’s ideal for creators, communities, and casual users alike. Join the conversation and shape the future of social networking.