X, previously identified as Twitter, has been embroiled in scandals since its inception, with the Elon Musk era adding fuel to the fire. Regardless of your opinion on X’s current situation, it’s evident that many are seeking an alternative, and the budding social media platform Bluesky is emerging as a top choice. Over a million U.S. users flocked to Bluesky in the week following Donald Trump’s reelection as president in November 2024, pushing it past the 15 million user mark and catapulting it to the pinnacle of the App Store chart. Previously, registration for the new social media platform was by invitation only, but the removal of this requirement has facilitated the transition from X to Bluesky for users.
But what exactly is Bluesky and how can you register for it? Here’s a detailed guide on what to expect from this burgeoning Twitter replica, Bluesky.
Understanding Bluesky
Unless you’re deeply immersed in tech news, Bluesky might be a new term for you. It was established in 2019 using parts of X, but did not become an autonomous entity or hire its first employees until 2021. It started making waves when it launched an iOS app in February 2023, and has since been gaining momentum as a viable alternative to X, gaining further recognition with the release of an Android app in April 2023.
So what is Bluesky? Simply put, it’s a fresh social media platform that shares many similarities with X. You can follow people, like their posts, and comment – it’s very reminiscent of X, right down to the app interface. However, there are certain key differences.
A key distinction is Bluesky’s structure. Unlike X that operates via a central server, Bluesky is decentralized, much like Mastodon, another alternative to X. This means that there isn’t one single server under Bluesky’s control, but multiple independent servers with their own moderation policies and curation. Despite having an official Bluesky Social server open for anyone to join, the expectation is that users will eventually form their own networks, termed “applications” by Bluesky.
Confused? It’s not that complex. Bluesky simplifies it for you. If the notion of multiple applications and decentralized networks seems daunting, you can simply register for the Bluesky Social network.
Is Bluesky Credible?
Bluesky was co-founded by Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter, adding significant credibility to its name. Interestingly, Bluesky appears to be Dorsey’s second attempt at perfecting the Twitter/X formula. Dorsey’s major regrets about Twitter (now X) revolved around its centralized nature and its transformation into a company. With Bluesky, he aims to give control back to the people. While Bluesky operates its own server, the emphasis is on user-run servers, shifting power from the company to various moderation teams. Given X’s past struggles with content moderation, this could be a wise move by Dorsey. So, in short, yes, Bluesky is a bona fide social network, but the level of trust you place in it, as with any social network, is a personal decision.
Is Bluesky a Subsidiary of X?
The straightforward answer is “no”, but there’s more to it. Initially, Bluesky was “spun out” from X in 2019. This means that while Bluesky originated as a part of X, it has since become a completely separate entity. Although X founder Dorsey and former X CEO Parag Agrawal are involved in Bluesky, it operates independently of Musk’s X and is not owned by X.
Is Bluesky Available for Android and iPhone?
Yes, the Bluesky app is currently available on both Android and iPhone. You can download Bluesky from the Google Play Store or Bluesky Social from the Apple App Store. Unlike last year when an invite code was necessary to join Bluesky, no such requirement exists now since it has moved beyond its beta phase. All you need to do is create an account.
What Sets Bluesky Apart?
Bluesky offers users the ability to create starter packs and mass block lists, which have proven useful for those transitioning from X by providing directories of accounts to follow and block, thereby enabling better feed customization. Bluesky is also ad-free, a feature that many X users will appreciate given the irritation caused by random ads on X. However, the standout feature of Bluesky is that it puts control of the news feeds in the users’ hands, not in the company’s. This allows users to curate their feeds to see content from people they follow while blocking those they don’t, providing a safer and more personalized experience.
