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Bluesky is currently No. 1 on the free app section of the US iPhone App store, beating out popular social network Threads and AI assistant ChatGPT. While Bluesky might be growing at first rate, it still has a long way to go to match X ( formerly Twitter) which has 588 million global users as of September.
Down below, we have explained Bluesky, why is growing so fast, how it is different from X and why are people quitting X for Bluesky. If you have made the switch or already on Bluesky, be the first to follow Caleb MS here
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a decentralised social app designed by former Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey which was developed in parallel with Twitter. Bluesky is using an open source framework built in-house, the AT Protocol, meaning even people outside the social app have transparency into how it is built and what is being developed.
Bluesky project was introduced back in 2019 by Dorsey while he was still the CEO of Twitter. At the time, he said Twitter would be funding a “small independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers,” charged with building a decentralized standard for social media, with the original goal that Twitter would adopt this standard itself. But that was before Elon Musk bought the platform, so Bluesky is completely divorced from X. As of May 2024, Dorsey is no longer on Bluesky’s board. Bluesky is now an independent public benefit corporation led by CEO Jay Graber.
Similarity between X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky
In many ways, Bluesky may seem similar like to X. The social network has a similar interface to X and by plainly looking at it, you may not notice any difference apart from the logos. So here is how Bluesky is similar to X:
- Microblogging Format: Both platforms have character limits which focus on short posts, known as "skeets" on Bluesky and tweets on X. The format encourages concise communication and quick engagements. Also users can share images, videos, and links in their posts on both platforms.
- Timeline and Feed: Both offer a scrollable timeline where posts from followed accounts appear in a chronological or algorithmic order. Users can engage by liking, commenting, reposting (retweeting on X), or sharing posts.
- User Profiles : Just like X users can create profiles with a photo, bio, and a banner image. Profiles display posts, likes, and followers.
- Followers and Networking: Both platforms are follower based. There is no forced connection like "friends" on Facebook. Users can follow accounts to see their posts in their feed.
- Hashtags and trends : Hashtags similar in X are used to categorize posts and make them searchable. Trending topics may emerge similarly, though Bluesky is still developing its trending algorithm.
- Public conversations: Both platforms focus on open, public conversations, making them ideal for news updates, viral content, and social interactions. Users can participate in discussions with strangers or interact with celebrities and influencers.
Differences between Bluesky and X
While Bluesky may feel more a bit like X due to microblogging experience and similar UI, there are a some key differences that make Bluesky Unique from Elon Musk's X and why it may have been traction:
- Decentralized Social Media :Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), a decentralized networking standard. This means no single entity has full control over the platform, and users can eventually choose different "servers" or "instances" to join, each with its own moderation policies. Decentralization gives users more control over their data and experience, which is a growing concern on centralized platforms like X.
- Customizable Algorithms :Unlike X, where the algorithm is decided by the platform, Bluesky plans to let users customize their feeds by choosing or even creating their own algorithms. This empowers users to decide how they want to see content, whether chronological, curated, or interest-specific.
- Focus on Privacy and Moderation: Bluesky claims to prioritize privacy and user autonomy, with moderation tools that aim to give individuals and communities more control over their online spaces. Users can avoid unwanted content more effectively, reducing the prevalence of harassment or misinformation.
- No Ads (Currently):The platform doesn't rely on ads (yet), which could attract users looking for a cleaner, less commercialized experience compared to X.
- Simplicity and Familiarity: Its user interface and functionality are deliberately simple and familiar, resembling the earlier days of Twitter. This makes it easy for users to transition and adopt the platform.
- Invitation-Only Growth :Initially, Bluesky was invite-only, which created a sense of exclusivity. As it opens up to more users, it’s maintaining a steady growth rate, avoiding some of the chaos that plagued earlier Twitter alternatives.
Why Are Users Switching from X?
Well there is no exact pin point as to why people are leaving X but here might some of the reason why people are opting for Bluesky. One could be Elon Musk's Policies, since Elon Musk bought Twitter he has made a lot of controversial changes and decisions such as changing the name to X, paid verification, premium subscription , algorithmic changes, perceived biases and recently allowing peoples tweets to be used as training data for AI models.
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Secondly would be the political factor. Since Trump's win on November 5th , and Elon Musk's apparent support for him some users who oppose Trump may view X as aligning with his ideology and prefer a neutral space like Bluesky. This is evident through the 5.5 million + people who have joined Bluesky just after Trump's win.
Thirdly may be that people are just looking out for a fresh start. Bluesky offers a new, less cluttered, and drama free environment for people tired of X's controversies and decline in user experience. Especially now that Bluesky is not showing ads may be a factor why people are opting to join it.
How does Bluesky make money?
While currently Bluesky does not have any monetization options, Bluesky’s goal is to find another means to sustain its network outside of advertising with paid services, so it can remain free to end users. On July 5, 2023, Bluesky announced additional seed round funding and a paid service that provides custom domains for end users who want to have a unique domain as their handle on the service. Bluesky has also emphasized that it does not want to “require selling user data for ads” in order to monetize its platform. In November 2024, Bluesky announced it raised a $15 million Series A round and is developing a subscription service for premium features like “higher quality video uploads or profile customizations.” Bluesky, however, noted its subscription model will not follow in the footsteps of X’s “pay to win” premium offerings.
How to Join Bluesky?
Joining Blusky is almost similar to X. Upon signing up, users can create a handle that is looks like @username.bsky.social as well as a display name. If you don't want that username, you can turn a domain name that you own into your username.
The app is both available in iOS and Android as well has a web version of it. The app itself functions much like a bare-bones X, where you can click a plus button to create a post of 256 characters, which can also include photos. Posts themselves can be replied to, retweeted, liked and, from a three-dot menu, reported, shared via the iOS Share Sheet to other apps, or copied as text. You can search for and follow other individuals, then view their updates in your “Home” timeline. Previously, the Bluesky app would feature popular posts in a “What’s Hot” feed. That feed has since been replaced with an algorithmic and personalized “Discover” feed featuring more than just trending content.
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