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Exited founder (Officient). Now building MagicSpace SEO, LinkDR, AI SEO Tracker, and GenPPT.
Get weekly insights on tech
Bluesky, a new decentralized social platform similar to Twitter, offers custom feeds, user control & no ads through the AT Protocol. Join the growing community at bsky.app!
In the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a new social media platform has been making waves and attracting users in the millions.
Bluesky, a Twitter-like social network, has seen explosive growth, surpassing 20 million users in November 2024.
This surge in popularity comes as many users seek alternatives to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), particularly following controversial changes to the platform's blocking feature and data usage policies.
Bluesky's roots trace back to 2019 when it was conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey as a decentralized social media project. Now an independent entity, Bluesky has emerged as a serious contender in the social media landscape, attracting high-profile users and offering a unique approach to online communication.
As Bluesky continues to gain traction, many are wondering: What exactly is this platform, and should they join? We’ll explore Bluesky's features, technology, and potential impact on the future of social media. By the way, I’m on Bluesky as *@il.ly!
At its core, Bluesky is a microblogging social networking service that bears a striking resemblance to Twitter/X. Users can share short posts of up to 300 characters, along with images and videos. The platform is accessible via iOS and Android apps, as well as through web browsers at bsky.app.
Bluesky began life in 2019 as a research initiative within Twitter, spearheaded by Jack Dorsey. However, it has since evolved into an independent company led by CEO Jay Graber. The platform officially launched to the public in February 2024, after an initial invite-only beta period.
Key features of Bluesky include:
What sets Bluesky apart is its focus on decentralization and user control. The platform is built on an open-source framework called the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), which aims to create a more open and interoperable social media ecosystem.
Bluesky's mission is to foster a "thriving online commons" that can't be controlled by a single entity. This approach is designed to address many of the concerns users have with traditional, centralized social media platforms.
While Bluesky may look familiar to Twitter users, it offers several unique features that set it apart from other social networks:
The backbone of Bluesky is the AT Protocol, an open-source, decentralized framework for social networking. This protocol allows for:
One of Bluesky's standout features is its "marketplace of algorithms". Users can choose from over 40,000 custom feeds, each with its own method of curating and displaying content. This gives users unprecedented control over their social media experience.
Bluesky offers a unique verification system that allows users to link their account to a custom domain name they own. This provides a way to verify identity without relying on a centralized authority.
The platform is developing advanced moderation tools that allow for community-driven content filtering. Users will be able to create and share moderation lists, giving individuals and groups more control over the content they see.
Unlike many social networks, Bluesky has pledged not to rely on advertising for revenue. The company is exploring alternative monetization strategies, including optional paid features.
Bluesky encourages third-party development, allowing creators to build bots, custom clients, and other integrations. If you're interested in building at scale, check out our Programmatic SEO Course to learn more about automation.
For example, users can create automated accounts like this air fryer recipe bot (AirFry.Bot) I created:
Getting started with Bluesky is straightforward:
Navigation is intuitive for anyone familiar with Twitter. The main feed shows posts from accounts you follow, while the Discover tab helps you find new content and users.
To make the most of Bluesky, experiment with different custom feeds and take advantage of the platform's unique features like domain verification and composable moderation tools.
One of Bluesky's innovative features is the concept of "starter packs" – personalized invites that allow users to introduce friends to their own curated slice of the Bluesky experience.
Launched in June 2024, Bluesky starter packs are a unique way to help new users quickly find their community and customize their experience.
Key features of Bluesky Starter Packs include:
I made a starter pack of founders to follow: go.bsky.app/Miiq9jZ!
Starter Packs are created on your profile
To create your own starter pack:
For example, I've created a starter pack of founders to follow: go.bsky.app/Miiq9jZ
Starter packs are an excellent way for communities, interest groups, or even businesses to create a tailored entry point into the Bluesky ecosystem. They help solve the common problem of "where do I start?" that many users face when joining a new social network.
To discover more starter packs, you can visit BlueskyStarterPack.com, a directory of over 36,000+ curated starter packs. The site makes it easy to:
For example, you can find starter packs for podcasters, founders, artists, and many other communities. Each pack includes a curated list of recommended accounts and custom feeds to help new users get started quickly.
Bluesky's decentralized approach is central to its identity. But what does this mean in practice?
Unlike traditional social networks where all user data and interactions are controlled by a single company, Bluesky uses a federated architecture. This means that the network is made up of multiple, interconnected servers (or "instances") that can communicate with each other.
Key aspects of Bluesky's decentralization:
While this may sound similar to other decentralized networks like Mastodon, there are important differences:
The benefits of this decentralized approach include increased user privacy, resistance to censorship, and the potential for a more diverse and innovative social media ecosystem.
Bluesky is structured as a Public Benefit Corporation, which means it can prioritize its mission over pure profit-seeking. Key figures and facts about the company include:
Importantly, Bluesky is now completely independent from Twitter/X. The company has no plans to integrate advertising into the platform, instead exploring alternative revenue models like premium features and subscriptions.
So finally, is it worth it to you to use Bluesky?
As Bluesky continues to grow, the platform has ambitious plans for the future:
Bluesky's growth trajectory has been impressive, but it still faces stiff competition from established players like X and Meta's Threads. However, its unique approach to decentralization and user control could position it as a significant force in shaping the future of social media.
While Bluesky may not yet have the user base of Twitter/X or the backing of a tech giant like Meta's Threads, Bluesky offers a refreshing alternative that puts users first.
Its open-source nature and focus on interoperability could lead to innovations we haven't yet imagined in the social media space.
If you're interested in exploring Bluesky and want to connect with me there, you can follow me @il.ly. I regularly share insights about technology, programming, and the future of social media.
You can also join the conversation about this article and share your thoughts about Bluesky's approach to social networking. Looking forward to connecting with you there!
