What is Bluesky and Why Should You Care?

With ongoing changes and controversies at X (formerly Twitter), many users are searching for alternative social media platforms. Bluesky, a decentralized social app, has emerged as a notable contender.

As of February 2025, Bluesky boasts over 30 million users, driven by concerns around X's policies, including those related to blocking and AI training on user data. While growth has slowed, it's clear that Bluesky has gained traction as an alternative. But how does it work, and is it a real threat to X?

Key Takeaways

• Decentralized Approach: Bluesky uses the AT Protocol, offering transparency and user control.
• X-like Interface: It has a familiar interface reminiscent of Twitter, making it easy to adopt.
• Focus on User Control: Bluesky prioritizes user data privacy and offers customizable moderation.

How Bluesky Works

Signing up is straightforward. You create a handle (@username.bsky.social) and a display name. You can even use your own domain as your handle.

The interface is similar to X, with a 256-character limit for posts (including photos). You can reply, repost, like, and share posts.

The "Discover" feed helps you find new people and content, and the "Starter Pack" feature guides new users with curated lists of accounts and feeds.

Features and Functionality

• Profiles: Standard profile features like profile pictures, bios, and follower counts.
• Timelines: Mirrors X with separate feeds for posts and posts & replies. Video tab was added in January 2025
• Direct Messages (DMs): Private messaging is available, with emoji reactions, but currently limited to one-to-one conversations.
• Customizable Feeds: Users can subscribe to multiple algorithms showcasing different types of content.

Who's Using Bluesky?

Bluesky has attracted a diverse range of users, including politicians (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton), celebrities (Mark Cuban, Quinta Brunson), news organizations (Bloomberg, The Washington Post, TechCrunch), and even heads of state.

Bluesky vs. X: Key Differences

• Decentralization: Bluesky's AT Protocol allows for greater user control and portability of data, unlike X's centralized system.
• Moderation: Bluesky offers customizable moderation tools and emphasizes user safety.
• AI Training: Bluesky has stated it will not use user content to train AI, contrasting with X's new terms of service.
• Open to the Public: As of recently, Bluesky is now available to the public to join. You no longer need an invite.

The Future of Bluesky

Bluesky aims to sustain itself through paid services like custom domains and premium features, avoiding reliance on advertising and data sales. A subscription service (Bluesky+) is in development, offering features like higher-quality video uploads.

The platform is also fostering development on the AT Protocol through initiatives like the Skyseed fund, which provides grants to developers building on the platform.

Decentralization Explained

Bluesky's decentralized architecture means that users can potentially move their accounts and data to different apps built on the AT Protocol, giving them more control over their social media experience.

Addressing Misinformation and Safety

Bluesky is taking steps to combat misinformation, including flagging misleading links and updating its impersonation policy.

The platform is also addressing moderation challenges, investing in automated tooling and expanding its moderation team to handle increasing reports of harassment and intolerance.

Bluesky vs. Mastodon

While both platforms embrace decentralization, Bluesky aims for a more user-friendly experience compared to Mastodon's often complex and intimidating interface.