At this point, you’ve likely heard about Bluesky Social, the budding Twitter alternative. It’s one of a few text-based social networks that have cropped up as Twitter, now X, makes the shift to becoming an “everything app” under its new leader, Elon Musk. And while Bluesky may be new to the social scene, it’s showing plenty of promise — in fact, it’s already reached one million users. If your FOMO is kicking in, you may be wondering if you need to start a Bluesky account for your business. We’re here to help!
What is Bluesky?
The excitement surrounding Bluesky, dubbed as Twitter 2.0, has reached a fever pitch this week. Notable Twitter personalities like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and renowned model-cum-cookbook author Chrissy Teigen have already hopped on board, fueling a frenzy of demand for invitations among thousands of eager users. With dissatisfaction simmering among some Twitter users ever since Elon Musk’s acquisition and subsequent alterations to the platform last year, Bluesky emerges as a promising alternative. Founded by Twitter co-creator Jack Dorsey, Bluesky mirrors the tone and ambiance of its predecessor while offering a slew of comparable features. Users can share short text updates, and photos, engage in discussions, and repost others’ content, akin to the Twitter experience.
The Rising Star in Social Media Landscape
Currently in its developmental phase, Bluesky rolled out its iOS version in February, followed by the recent launch on Android devices. Jay Graber, Bluesky’s CEO, emphasized in a recent blog post that the platform’s resemblance to Twitter is deliberate. However, Bluesky distinguishes itself by aspiring to be a decentralized system, enabling users to potentially craft their applications and communities within the platform. This approach is envisioned to prevent any single entity from dictating rules about Bluesky community, fostering a more democratic and inclusive online environment.
Pioneering Openness in Social Media with an Open Protocol
Bluesky also operates using an “open protocol.” This is unusual because social media platforms have traditionally been walled gardens, meaning that what is posted on individual platforms remains only on that platform. For instance, your tweets show up on Twitter and your photos show up on Instagram, but they cannot be easily cross-posted across those social networks.
But because Bluesky is trying to be more open, it could someday allow posts to flow between different social media platforms with ease. Last month, a Bluesky user speculated that the app’s name came from Mr. Dorsey’s desire to transform Twitter into an open protocol, freeing Twitter’s bird mascot to a blue sky. Mr. Dorsey responded, “Yes.”
All about Bluesky: How to Use it?
Bluesky is presently only accessible by invitation due to its ongoing development. Ms. Graber stated in a platform post last month about Bluesky that it is developing moderating mechanisms before it is made available to the public. To sign up, people must obtain an invitation code from a current user.
The Shift in the Social Media Landscape
Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, significant changes have been implemented, including the removal of restrictions on online speech and alterations to verification practices. However, these adjustments have resulted in user confusion and a surge in misinformation and hate speech on the platform. Consequently, disillusioned Twitter users have begun exploring alternative platforms. Mastodon, a decentralized social media platform, has emerged as a popular choice among those seeking refuge from Twitter’s evolving landscape.
Exploring Alternatives to Twitter
Initially confined to a select group of tech insiders, Bluesky gained traction as notable Twitter accounts and public figures, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chrissy Teigen, and the influential Dril, migrated to the platform. Despite initial resistance to the platform’s terminology, with users referring to posts as “skeets” akin to tweets, efforts to alter this naming convention have been largely ignored, signaling a growing interest about Bluesky’s Twitter-like environment.
