While Bluesky may share a similar user interface with X, the underlying technology and concept are vastly different. Here’s an in-depth look at Bluesky—from its origins to its sign-up process and how it stands apart from X.
Origins of Bluesky
Bluesky began in 2019 as a project incubated under Twitter (now X) during Jack Dorsey’s tenure as CEO. It was funded by Twitter, with the aim of exploring open and decentralized standards for social media.
In 2021, Bluesky became an independent company, and by 2022, Twitter officially ended its service agreement with the platform. Unlike X, which operates on centralized servers worldwide, Bluesky was envisioned to create a decentralized social media ecosystem, allowing multiple networks to operate seamlessly within a single hub.
What Are Decentralized Social Media Networks?
Bluesky leverages the Authenticated Transfer Protocol (ATP), enabling separate social networks to coexist within a unified framework. This is akin to the ActivityPub protocol used by Mastodon, which also supports federated and decentralized networks.
In a decentralized system, users can transfer their accounts between providers effortlessly. Unlike conventional platforms like Facebook or Instagram, Bluesky is not a singular service but a set of protocols and standards that developers and communities can customize.
Moreover, Bluesky users can choose between hosting their accounts on Bluesky’s servers or setting up their private servers. Hosting a private server is relatively accessible, requiring minimal hardware—just 1GB of RAM, far less than what modern browsers like Chrome or Safari consume.
How to Sign Up for Bluesky
Joining Bluesky is straightforward:
- Download the Bluesky app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create a new account on the platform.
- Verify your email address and log in.
The user interface of Bluesky closely resembles X, featuring a bottom bar with tabs for:
- Home: A vertically scrolling feed with options to Like, Repost, Comment, and Share.
- Search: A tool for finding people and posts.
- Messages: A tab for checking direct messages.
- Notifications and Profile: To keep track of activity and view your account.
For users familiar with X, Bluesky provides an intuitive experience while offering a fresh approach to social media.
Key Differences Between Bluesky and X
Customized Handles and Verification
Bluesky allows users to create unique handles that reflect their affiliations. For instance, an employee at “ABC” could use a handle like yourname@abc.org, verified by the organization. This feature extends to brand accounts, which can differentiate their handles for authenticity.
Decentralization and Hosting Flexibility
Unlike X’s reliance on centralized servers, Bluesky empowers users to host their accounts on private servers, bypassing company-owned infrastructure. This decentralized approach fosters independence and control over user data and content.
Moderation Challenges
Moderation policies differ significantly between Bluesky and X.
- On Bluesky’s servers, content moderation is handled by its built-in service.
- Users hosting their servers can either adopt Bluesky’s moderation standards or implement third-party solutions.
This flexibility ensures tailored moderation but could lead to inconsistencies across servers.
Bluesky’s Growing Popularity
Bluesky has seen a surge in users, particularly after political events like Donald Trump’s landslide victory in the U.S. elections, which led many X users to explore alternative platforms. Bluesky recently surpassed 15 million users, with a million new sign-ups in a short period.
As more users seek decentralized, flexible, and transparent social media platforms, Bluesky continues to gain traction as a viable alternative to X.
Final Thoughts
Bluesky’s decentralized model offers users unparalleled flexibility in account management, hosting, and moderation. With its origins rooted in Twitter but breaking away to establish an independent identity, Bluesky provides an innovative social media experience.
If you’re considering leaving X or simply exploring alternatives, Bluesky’s unique protocols and user-friendly interface make it an attractive choice for those seeking greater control over their social media presence.