7 things to know about Bluesky before you join – and why you should

Every time you think the evolution of social media is over, something shakes things up. Twitter has been the go-to for years, with algorithms controlling what we saw. but blue sky is here to offer something different: an open source decentralized network that puts control back in the hands of users.

Also: 8 Bluesky Tips Every New User Should Know

Now that it’s open to everyone, I’ve spent some time researching how it works, and this is a breath of fresh air for those of us who want to own our digital identities.

What exactly is Blue Sky?

blue sky runs over AT protocolIt may sound technical, but here’s the summary: Bluesky allows you to carry your social graph (or connections) between apps that employ this protocol.

Unlike mastodonHowever, Bluesky’s AT protocol is currently not connecting. activity pubthe standard behind Fediverse and Mastodon decentralized social networks. In other words, Bluesky remains its own self-contained ecosystem.

Related article: How to use Bluesky Social: What you need to know about the popular X alternative

Mastodon and Threads can communicate with each other via ActivityPub, but Bluesky is in its own lane for now. However, with our new mobile client, Openvibe, you can join Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads simultaneously in a single feed.

Here’s what else you should know about it:

1. Growing rapidly

Bluesky’s growth has been rapid, with millions of new users joining since the recent US elections. The platform now has more than 24 million users (as of December 2024), a sign that people are increasingly attracted to an alternative to Elon Musk’s X. A real-time view of Bluesky’s growth can be found at: bcounter.nat.vg

Bluesky’s popularity has propelled it to the top of Apple’s free apps chart, ranking it higher than apps like Threads, ChatGPT, and TikTok. With new features rolled out regularly, Bluesky offers something fresh in a landscape saturated with algorithm-heavy platforms.

2. No algorithm adjustments needed here

If you’re tired of algorithms determining what you see, Bluesky might be the solace you’re looking for. Like Mastodon, Bluesky doesn’t have a central algorithm that feeds posts based on popularity contests. Instead, visibility comes from genuine engagement. Posts gain visibility based on how many people like and reskeet them (Bluesky’s version of retweets).

For me, it’s refreshing to have a feed that isn’t manipulated to favor certain posts over others.

3. Description of feeds, lists and starter packs

feed: In Bluesky, a feed is a stream of user-generated content centered around a particular topic or interest. Unlike traditional platforms where a central algorithm decides what you see, Bluesky allows users to subscribe to these custom feeds and tailor their content consumption to their preferences. For example, you might follow a feed dedicated to science discussions or a feed that collects quiet cross-posting. This approach gives users the ability to control their own timelines and discover content that suits their interests.

Also: How to migrate from X to Bluesky without losing followers

list: Lists serve as a versatile tool for grouping accounts and can be used in a variety of ways. You can create lists of people to follow around specific topics, such as industry experts or news sources, and organize your profile content by interests. The list also functions as a moderation list (MOD list), allowing you to track or block specific users. Additionally, Bluesky lets you publish these lists directly on your profile, so you can see recommended accounts for others to follow and understand who you’ve blocked for safety and moderation purposes. You can.

Starter pack: Introduced in June 2024, starter pack carefully selected Collection of up to 150 recommended users Up to 3 custom feeds. These are designed to help new users quickly discover and follow accounts and feeds that match their interests. Existing users can create and share these packs to provide new users with a personalized onboarding experience. For example, starter packs focus on tech enthusiasts, the LGBTQ+ community, or political debates, immersing users in relevant conversations from the get-go.

Related article: How to find a greener social media ranch with Bluesky Starter Pack

of Pack2List utility Starter packs can be converted into lists and moderation lists (and vice versa).

4. “Nuclear Block” gives you complete control

Bluesky’s blocking feature is very strict. Users call this a “nuclear block.” This is because it effectively erases any connections between you and the blocked user within the digital space. If you are blocked, your posts will no longer be seen, even if they are cited. Additionally, Bluesky allows you to remove mentions of yourself from conversations and quotes from other users’ posts.

Also: How to manage Bluesky, Mastodon, and threads all in one free app

This creates a clear solution for managing conflicts and allows users to resolve issues without dragging them into comment threads. If you want to know who has blocked you or if you are on a moderation list, you can find this information by: clearsky.appThis is an independently operated service.

5. Get a customizable handle for validation

Bluesky’s approach to verification is also a little different. By default, you get a handle of bsky.social, but you can take it a step further by registering your own domain as a handle. It’s like having a verified badge without the badge, and it’s an easy way to establish credibility and create your own identity on the platform. It’s easy to set up and adds an extra layer of authenticity to your profile.

Also: How to create your own Bluesky domain – why you should (or shouldn’t) create one

6. No ads (for now)

Bluesky’s rapid growth, fueled by a decentralized protocol and vibrant user community, has raised questions about its financial future and whether it will accept advertising. While striving to avoid the pitfalls of traditional advertising, CEO Jay Graeber said: Doesn’t exclude ads that aren’t too intrusivesomething like in the search results. Potential revenue sources include subscriptions, custom algorithm marketplaces, and domain name sales. Graeber advocates for protocols that would exempt AI from licensing and prevent AI from scraping user data. With 24 million users and growing, Bluesky remains focused on scaling up while exploring sustainable user-first monetization strategies.

Related article: Replacing Twitter with Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon: What I learned

Blue Sky has also joined federation phasewhich allows users to set up their own personal data servers (PDS). Hosting your own server gives you even more control and allows you to contribute directly to the decentralized Bluesky network. Setting up PDS is easy. Most organizations can do this. Choose a VPS provider with ready-to-use PDS configurations.

If you want to try it by yourselfyou can download the required Bluesky PDS files and start the server. Docker simplifies the process and makes management and security easier. For those interested, detailed setup instructions and support are available through Bluesky. GitHub page and Discord among PDS administrators.

With these monetization and federation options, Bluesky offers a unique user-centric platform that combines control, privacy, and customization.

7. There’s a great Bluesky app

Bluesky offers a variety of tools and apps to customize your experience. The official app is available for iPhone and Android, but iPad users can explore third-party clients like Skeets and Openvibe. For those who miss TweetDeck’s multi-column layout. deck blue Replicate it and support account management, post scheduling, and easy tracking of conversations.

Also: If you want to convert your domain name with Bluesky, you need to do this now.

Bluesky’s open API has inspired a thriving ecosystem of utilities, all cataloged. blue sky directory. Notable options include: gray skiwith features like GIF support and inline translation. blue sky meterprovides analysis on profile growth. Through custom feeds, creative tools, and advanced client apps, Bluesky’s ecosystem provides everything you need to personalize and optimize your experience.

Should I join Blue Sky?

If you’re ready to move away from algorithm-driven feeds and try a network that prioritizes user control, Bluesky might be worth a try. While it’s not a direct replacement for Twitter (X), Bluesky has a lot to offer those looking for a fresh start with a decentralized, privacy-focused network.