Bluesky emerges as a contender for those seeking an alternative to Twitter
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Bluesky emerges as a contender for those seeking an alternative to Twitter. Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, a wave of users has flocked to platforms like Mastodon, Post, Pebble, and Spill, but Bluesky stands out with its rapid growth, boasting over a million users and 8,300 daily installs in July 2023.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky, conceived by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, operates as a decentralized social app developed independently from Twitter. Utilizing the open-source AT Protocol, Bluesky offers transparency and a federated design with community-specific moderation.
Getting Started with Bluesky
Upon receiving an invitation, users create a handle represented as @username.bsky.social. The app functions similarly to Twitter, allowing posts of 256 characters with the option to include photos. Notable figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Neil Gaiman have migrated to Bluesky, contributing to its growing user base.
Is Bluesky Just Another Twitter?
While Bluesky shares similarities with Twitter, it lacks direct messaging and some advanced tools. Bluesky does not use a decentralized protocol like ActivityPub or AT. Initiated in 2019 under Dorsey’s leadership, Bluesky became an independent company in 2021.
Bluesky’s Monetization and Security
Bluesky, currently invite-only, aims to sustain itself without relying on advertising. In July 2023, Bluesky introduced additional seed round funding and a paid service offering custom domains. The app emphasizes security, adding email verification in October 2023.
Customization and Features
Bluesky offers custom feeds, allowing users to subscribe to different algorithms, enhancing the user experience. Available on iOS, Android, and the web, Bluesky aims to create a federated network, allowing individually operated communities within the open-source network.
Addressing Controversies
Bluesky faced moderation challenges, with accusations of failing to protect marginalized users. In response, the app introduced measures to flag offensive content. A “posting strike” ensued, prompting the platform to establish guardrails against racial slurs and offensive terms.
Differentiating Bluesky and Mastodon
While Bluesky shares architectural similarities with Mastodon, users find Bluesky more intuitive. Mastodon simplified its sign-up flow to remain competitive, acknowledging the need for user-friendly onboarding.
Who’s Behind Bluesky?
Although Jack Dorsey funded Bluesky, day-to-day development is overseen by CEO Jay Graber, a former software engineer with experience in the cryptocurrency space.
Wrapping Up
Bluesky’s journey to replace Twitter involves navigating challenges, addressing controversies, and continually enhancing user experience. As the app evolves, its future in the social media landscape remains a topic of intrigue. If you have more questions about Bluesky, share them in the comments below.
