Bluesky is the new kid on the block of social media platforms. First introduced in 2019, Bluesky only rose in popularity following the results of the 2024 US presidential election.
As of November 2024, Bluesky counts with over 20 million registered users and almost 3 million daily active users, surpassing Threads temporarily.
Let's find out all the answers to all the popular questions people have about Bluesky.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform initially led by Jack Dorsey (former Twitter CEO) and developed in parallel with X (now Twitter). Bluesky is seen as alternative to X because it has a Twitter-like user interface but it allows people to choose what algorithm curates their content. This means people can build their own algorithms and have their content curated the way they want it.
Jack Dorsey, as Twitter's CEO in 2019, introduced the Bluesky social app project. At the time, the project's team was described as a “small independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers,” and he said they would build a decentralized standard for social media so Twitter could adopt it. However, as we all know, Elon Musk bought the platform and Bluesky was separated from X.
As of May 2024, Jack Dorsey is no longer on the board of Bluesky. The Bluesky app is now an independent public benefit corporation led by Jay Graber.
What Makes the Bluesky App Different?
The Bluesky social network functions as a refreshing alternative to conventional platforms. Users of the Bluesky app can create posts of up to 256 characters and share photos, similar to Twitter but with enhanced features.
What truly distinguishes Bluesky is its transparency to the public on how its built, and on how content is curated and moderated. The Bluesky app also uses a different handle system where users can register with a format like @typefully.bsky.social or use their own custom domain like @typefully.com.
Recent updates to the Bluesky app include direct messaging capabilities, though currently limited to one-on-one conversations, and custom feeds and algorithms that users can select based on their preferences.
Bluesky vs X: Key Differences
While Bluesky started as a Twitter project, it has evolved into a completely independent platform. The Bluesky social experience differs significantly from X, employing a decentralized protocol (AT Protocol) and maintaining stronger user privacy protections. Unlike Twitter's recent changes, Bluesky has explicitly stated it won't use user content for AI training and preserves traditional blocking features. Instead of relying on advertising revenue, the Bluesky app focuses on developing premium services to sustain its operations.
How to Use Bluesky
After signing up, you simply create a handle with your username which will appear like @username.bsky.social or use your own custom domain if you own one.
Once you're in, you'll see that the Bluesky app works very similarly to a more basic and simplistic version of X.
- You can add a profile pic, background pic, and a bio to your profile.
- You can write posts up to 256 characters, including videos, photos and gifs.
- You can like, reply, and reshare to posts.
- You can search for and follow other people and brands.
Then, for the feed, you'll see a "Discover" and "Following" feeds. Discover will show you content based on an algorithm that learns about what you like (a bit like the "For You" on X) and "Following" will only show content from accounts you follow.
Then, you can add custom Feeds by clicking on the # icon on the top right and add other ways to curate content you want to see.
Who Uses the Bluesky App?
Since its launch, the Bluesky social network has experienced a huge growth, attracting over 20 million users. The platform hosts prominent figures such as Barbara Streisand, Mark Cuban, and major news organizations including The Guardian (which recently left X), Bloomberg and The Washington Post.
Is Bluesky free?
Yes. The platform has yet to introduce paid features but does not want to rely on traditional advertising revenue.
Is Bluesky safe?
Generally, yes, as safe as any other social media platform. Security is a cornerstone of the Bluesky social network, with comprehensive measures protecting users. The platform has implemented email verification, sophisticated link warning systems, and advanced automated moderation tools.
What is Ozone by Bluesky?
Bluesky has introduced Ozone, an innovative tool enabling users to create and manage their own moderation services, providing unprecedented control over their social media experience.
Is Bluesky available on iOS and Android?
The Bluesky social network maintains its commitment to accessibility, remaining free to use and open to the public. Users can access Bluesky through iOS and Android devices, as well as web browsers at bsky.social. As the platform grows, it continues to refine its user experience while maintaining its core principles of decentralization and user empowerment.
Who owns Bluesky?
While Jack Dorsey initially funded Bluesky, he is not involved in day-to-day development and no longer sits on the company’s board. The CEO of Bluesky is now Jay Graber, who previously worked as a software engineer for the cryptocurrency Zcash.
The company is now owned by Jay Graber, the Bluesky team, and their investors. Bluesky has retained a traditional corporate structure but it wants to take control of content away from a top-down entity and return it to people.
The Future of Bluesky
Looking ahead, Bluesky has secured $15 million in Series A funding as of November 2024, with ambitious plans to enhance the platform.
The Bluesky app's roadmap includes introducing premium features such as high-quality video uploads, while maintaining its commitment to user-centric development. The platform continues to evolve with more robust moderation tools and federation features, all while staying true to its vision of sustainable monetization without advertising dependency.
