If you’ve been a Twitter user for a long time, you may have noticed a lot of changes in the platform since Elon Musk’s takeover in 2022 – aside from the noticeable generic rebrand to X.
While X is still a good social media platform for many, it can’t be helped that some people want to switch to a different app similar to the old Twitter (but not named Threads) — this is where Bluesky comes in.
So, if you’re an ex-Twitter/X user looking for another microblogging app, why not try Bluesky?
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a microblogging platform pretty much similar to X (formerly known as Twitter), where you can share your thoughts in short-form posts using text, images, or videos.
It’s also not an accident or a copy of X that made Bluesky possible. It all started in 2019 as a small research team funded by then-Twitter CEO and Founder Jack Dorsey to develop an open-sourced and decentralized standard for social media. It was built on the AT Protocol, ensuring decentralization and user autonomy.
In August 2021, they hired Jay Graber to lead the Bluesky project. A few months later, Graber incorporated the project into an independent company called “Bluesky Social,” where she became the first CEO.
By the time Twitter transitioned under its new owner, Bluesky had continued to develop in the background and started accepting invite-only sign-ups. By 2024, Bluesky accepted the general public to sign up for the platform. It has since boomed in popularity among users looking for a Twitter alternative, particularly in mid-November 2024, coincidentally after the US Presidential Elections.
How is Bluesky similar to Twitter/X?
Since Bluesky can be considered a Twitter/X “spin-off,” it has gained its own identity. This new platform is expected to share many similarities with X.
1. Social media interface
The first thing I noticed after creating a Bluesky account is that it looks and feels very similar to Twitter regarding the homepage, timeline navigation, and profile settings. It also uses the same terms, like followers, following, and posts.
2. Character limits
The character limits used to be unique on Twitter, starting from 140 characters before being doubled to 280 characters for free accounts and as many as 25,000 characters for X premium users. On the other hand, Bluesky has a slightly higher character limit of 300. These limits traditionally encourage users to be concise with their posts.
3. Basic functions
The basic functionalities of the two platforms are also similar. You can post text, images, and links. You can also repost, quote, and like other users’ posts.
4. Real-time interactions
Similar to Twitter, Bluesky also allows real-time interaction among users. You can also see trending topics and discover the latest viral posts. Both social media platforms also encourage public discourse, though the newer platform is relatively “quieter” than X – maybe due to the current number of users, or maybe my algorithm is now more personalized.
How is Bluesky Different from Twitter/X?
Bluesky won’t attract a large following in a short time if it’s exactly the same as X. Here are some of the differences or even advantages of the new microblogging site.
1. Decentralized platform
As already mentioned, Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform. This means it gives users more control over their data, unlike centralized platforms like Facebook and X, which control everything, including how our data can be used.
2. Algorithm customization
Bluesky allows its users to have control over their algorithms for content discovery, which is impossible for centralized platforms like X, which are more secretive about how their algorithms work.
3. Longer handles
X handles are fairly straightforward – composed of @ + letters and/or numbers. However, since Bluesky’s business model involves selling custom domains (not ads), their handle is longer and ends with “.bsky.social.” For instance, if your X handle is “@noypigeeks,” your free Bluesky handle will be “@noypigeeks.bsky.social.”
4. No ads and verification badges
Bluesky’s business model differs from the ad-based and subscription model of X. That’s why the platform is fairly clean and doesn’t have targeted ads (for now?). Verification badges that authenticate users are also currently non-existent in Bluesky. On the other hand, you have to pay for it on X.
5. No monetization tool for content creators
A good advantage of X is it offers a way for content creators to earn good money through various monetization tools on the platform, such as subscriptions and creator revenue sharing. On the other hand, we can’t expect monetization anytime soon on Bluesky because of their business model, which may not be attractive for content creators.
6. Doesn’t support paid ads
Another key difference between Bluesky and X is that the former doesn’t support paid ads so you won’t see big consumer brands on Bluesky any time soon.
What’s the possible future of Bluesky?
Bluesky has been the beneficiary of the user exit from X, primarily due to Elon Musk’s opposing politics. Musk is a vocal and mega-supporter of President-elect Donald Trump.
Regarding Bluesky’s potential to become the next Twitter, only time will tell how it will evolve in the future and how it can retain the influx of new users. In addition to Bluesky, there are other players in the microblogging space, like Meta’s Threads and Mastodon.
However, regardless of how Bluesky’s future looks, it has created a fresh start for social media users who want to step back and try something new, minus the ads.
Have you tried Bluesky? Please share your thoughts in the comments.