Bluesky Everything to Know About This X Competitor In 2025

X Alternative: Bluesky Emerges as Decentralized Social Media Contender

Bluesky is a new social media platform that’s gaining attention. It aims to be different from other social networks. The app was started by Jack Dorsey, who helped create Twitter.

Bluesky uses a decentralized system, which gives users more control over their data and experience. This means people can choose how they want to use the platform. They can even create their services within Bluesky’s network.

The app has familiar features like posting short messages and following other users. But it also offers new tools that let people customize their feeds and connect with others uniquely. As more people join Bluesky, it could become a significant player in social media.

Key Takeaways

• Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform started by Twitter’s co-founder.
• Users have more control over their data and can customize their experience
• The app combines familiar features with new tools for connecting and sharing

Bluesky: What Is It?

Bluesky is a new social media platform. It aims to be a decentralized alternative to sites like X (formerly Twitter).

The app lets users post short messages, images, and links. People can follow others and see their posts in a feed.

Bluesky uses a technical approach that is different from most social networks. It’s built on the AT Protocol, allowing more user control.

Some key features of Bluesky include:

• Custom domains for user profiles • Ability to move accounts between providers
• Open-source code • No ads (for now)

The platform is still in testing. It’s invite-only, so not everyone can join yet.

Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s co-founder, first announced the Bluesky project in 2019. But the app only launched in 2023.

Bluesky’s CEO is Jay Graber. The company is set up as a public benefit corporation.

The goal is to create a more open social media ecosystem. Users should have more say in how their data is used.

Bluesky faces challenges. It needs to grow its user base and add new features. The team also has to figure out how to make money.

If You Liked Twitter Before It Becomes Alternative To X, You Be Just At Home With Bluesky

Bluesky feels a lot like the old Twitter. It has a similar look and features that Twitter users will recognize. The main feed shows posts from people you follow, just like Twitter did.

Users can post short messages, share photos, and use hashtags. They can also repost and like other people’s posts. The interface is clean and easy to use.

Some key Bluesky features:

• The 300-character limit for posts
• Ability to follow other users
• Chronological timeline
• Trending topics
• Search function

Bluesky doesn’t have direct messages or lists yet. However, these may be added later as the platform grows.

The most significant difference is that Bluesky is decentralized. This means users have more control over their data and experience. They can even move their account to a different server if they want.

 

For those who miss the simplicity of early Twitter, Bluesky offers a familiar feel. It aims to keep the parts people liked while improving privacy and user control.

What Are The Features And Functionality Bluesky?

Bluesky offers several key features that set it apart from other social media platforms:

Feed Customization: Users can tailor their feeds by choosing different algorithms or creating their own.

Decentralized Network: Bluesky uses the AT Protocol, allowing users to move their data between providers.

Custom Domains: Users can create unique handles linked to their web domains.

The platform supports typical social media functions:

• Posting text updates
• Sharing images
• Liking and reposting content
• Following other users

Bluesky’s interface is simple and easy to navigate. The main feed shows posts from followed accounts in chronological order.

Users can search for topics or accounts using the search bar. Trending topics are displayed to help users discover new content.

The platform currently lacks some features found on other networks:

• No direct messaging
• No video uploads
• Limited profile customization options

Bluesky is still developing, so new features may be added over time. The team focuses on creating a stable, user-friendly experience before expanding functionality.

Is Bluesky Sustainable Financially?

Bluesky’s financial sustainability remains uncertain. The platform currently operates without ads or user fees. This raises questions about its long-term funding model.

Bluesky received $13 million in initial funding from Twitter in 2019. This money helped launch the platform. But it’s unclear how long this funding will last.

The company may need to explore revenue options soon. Possible strategies include:

• Premium features
• Paid subscriptions
• Partnerships with businesses
• Donations from users

Bluesky’s decentralized nature could make traditional advertising difficult. The platform might need creative solutions to generate income.

User growth will be key to Bluesky’s financial future. More users could attract investors or enable new revenue streams. But rapid growth also means higher operating costs.

Bluesky’s team has not shared detailed financial plans publicly. This makes it hard to assess the platform’s long-term viability. The coming months will be crucial in determining Bluesky’s financial path forward.

Why Is Bluesky’s Decentralization Setup Important?

Bluesky’s decentralized structure gives users more control over their data and online experience. This setup differs from centralized platforms like X, where one company manages everything.

With decentralization, Bluesky users can:

• Choose their server provider
• Move their account between servers
• Keep their followers when switching servers
• Have more say in content moderation

This system makes it harder for any single entity to control or censor information. It also protects against widespread outages that can affect centralized networks.

Bluesky’s approach uses a protocol called ATP (Authenticated Transfer Protocol). This allows different servers to communicate and share data seamlessly.

The decentralized model can lead to more innovation. Developers can create new features or even entire apps that work with Bluesky’s network.

Privacy is another key benefit. Users’ data isn’t all stored anywhere, reducing the risk of large-scale data breaches.

Bluesky’s setup also promotes competition. If users don’t like one server’s policies, they can easily switch to another without losing connections.

This decentralized approach aims to create a more open and user-focused social media landscape. It gives people more choices and control over their online interactions.

Bluesky Key Moderation Features

Bluesky takes a different approach to content moderation. It gives users more control over what they see on the platform.

Users can choose their moderation services. These services filter out content the user doesn’t want to see. This is unlike other platforms where the company decides what to remove.

Bluesky also lets users create and share custom filter lists. These lists can block specific words, phrases, or accounts.

The platform has basic rules against illegal content and harassment. But it aims to give users tools to curate their own experience.

Bluesky’s moderation system includes:

• User-selected content filters
• Community-created blocklists
• Ability to mute or block accounts
• Reporting tools for harmful content

This approach aims to balance free speech with user comfort. It puts more power in the hands of individuals to shape their feed.

Bluesky is still developing its moderation features. The team plans to add more tools as the platform grows.

Bluesky Vs. Mastodon: What Are The Main Differences?

Bluesky and Mastodon are decentralized social media platforms but have some key differences.

Protocols: Bluesky uses the AT Protocol, while Mastodon runs on ActivityPub. This affects how users interact across different servers.

Server Structure: Mastodon has many independent servers called “instances.” Bluesky plans to allow custom servers but currently runs on a single server.

User Experience: Bluesky’s interface is more similar to Twitter/X. Mastodon has a unique layout that may take more time to learn.

Content Moderation: Each Mastodon instance sets its own rules. Bluesky aims for a more unified approach to moderation.

User Discovery: Bluesky makes finding and following users across the entire network easier. Mastodon users often need to know specific server addresses to connect.

Data Portability: Both platforms allow users to move their data, but Bluesky’s approach may be more seamless.

Development: Mastodon is fully open-source. Bluesky’s client apps are open-source, but its server code is closed.

Funding Model: Mastodon relies on donations and volunteers. Bluesky is backed by initial Twitter/X funding but plans to explore different revenue options.

These differences shape how each platform grows and attracts users. Both offer alternatives to traditional social media but with distinct approaches to decentralization.

What Are The Main Tools That Can Help You Move Smoothly From X To Bluesky

Several tools can make switching from X to Bluesky easier. These include:

1. Account Migration Tools: Bluesky offers tools to help transfer followers and posts from X.

2. Cross-Posting Apps: Some third-party apps allow users to post on X and Bluesky simultaneously.

3. Contact Finders: These tools help locate X contacts who have also joined Bluesky.

Bluesky’s search function helps find friends and interests. The platform’s “What’s Hot” feed shows popular posts and trending topics.

Bluesky’s user guide explains key features and how to use them. This can help new users get comfortable with the platform quickly.

The Bluesky mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It offers a familiar interface for those used to other social media apps.

Bluesky’s notification settings let users control what alerts they receive. This helps manage the flow of information as users build their new network.

Some users find it helpful first to keep both X and Bluesky accounts active. This allows for a gradual transition between platforms.

Who Was The Founding Team Behind Bluesky

Bluesky’s founding team came from Twitter. Twitter’s co-founder and former CEO, Jack Dorsey, started the project in 2019. He wanted to create a new type of social network.

Jay Graber joined as Bluesky’s CEO in 2021. She has a background in cryptocurrency and decentralized systems. Graber leads the company’s efforts to build an open social media platform.

The core team also includes:

• Daniel Holmgren (Head of Product)
• Paul Frazee (Protocol Lead)
• Aaron Goldman (Head of Operations)

These early members brought expertise in decentralized technologies and social media development. They aimed to create a more open and user-controlled social network.

Bluesky became its own company in 2022. It separated from Twitter but kept working on the original vision. The team grew as the project moved forward.

They focused on building the core technology and launching a test version of the app. As Bluesky gained users, the founding team continued to shape its development and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Bluesky and Twitter?

A: Bluesky is conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and aims to create a decentralized social media experience. Unlike X, which Elon Musk controls, Bluesky allows for custom feeds and prioritizes user data privacy.

Q: How does the Bluesky app work?

A: The Bluesky app offers a unique platform for users to connect and share content. It emphasizes a decentralized model and allows users to curate their feeds, setting it apart from X’s traditional algorithmic approach.

Q: How many users does Bluesky have as of 2025?

A: Bluesky has continued to grow, reaching approximately 20 million users in 2025. The platform’s user base has expanded rapidly since its inception, attracting users interested in alternatives to X.

Q: Is Bluesky a competitor to X?

A: Yes, Bluesky is considered a competitor to X, formerly known as Twitter. With its unique features and focus on user control, it aims to attract users looking for a different social media experience.

Q: What features does Bluesky offer that are different from X?

A: Bluesky offers custom feeds, an emphasis on user privacy, and a decentralized structure, allowing more control over user data. These features distinguish it from X’s more centralized and algorithm-driven model.

Q: Who is leading Bluesky?

A: Bluesky is led by CEO Jay Graber, who has been instrumental in developing the platform and its vision for a decentralized social media landscape.

Q: How has Bluesky announced its plans for future growth?

A: Bluesky has announced plans to expand its features and user engagement strategies to reach even more users in the coming years. It continues to innovate and adapt to the changing social media game.

Q: Can Bluesky replace X in terms of user engagement?

A: While Bluesky has gained traction with millions of users, whether it can completely replace X depends on its ability to attract and retain users seeking alternatives. The social media landscape remains competitive, especially with the upcoming presidential election 2024.

Q: What is Bluesky’s subscription model?

A: Bluesky may implement a subscription model to support its platform and enhance user experience. This model could provide users with additional features or benefits, differentiating it further from X.

Final Thoughts

Bluesky offers a fresh take on social media. It aims to give users more control and freedom. The platform’s decentralized approach sets it apart from X and other networks.

Users can create custom domains and own their data. This appeals to those worried about privacy. Bluesky also lets people move their accounts between servers quickly.

The app is still new and growing. It faces challenges in attracting a large user base. Many people are curious but hesitant to switch from familiar platforms.

Bluesky’s success will depend on several factors:

• User adoption rates
• Feature development
• Stability of the network
• Ability to compete with established social media giants

As Bluesky evolves, it may reshape how we think about online interactions. Its focus on user empowerment could influence other platforms, too.