7 things to know about Bluesky before you join - and why you should

Just when I thought social media had hit its peak, along comes Bluesky, shaking things up in a way I hadn't anticipated. For years, Twitter was the go-to, with its algorithms dictating our feeds. But Bluesky? It's a whole different ballgame—an open-source, decentralized network that hands the reins back to the users. It's refreshing, to say the least, especially now that it's open to everyone. I've been diving in to see what it's all about, and it feels like a breath of fresh air for anyone eager to take control of their digital identity.

What Exactly is Bluesky?

Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol, which might sound like tech jargon, but it's pretty straightforward. It allows you to take your social graph—your connections—with you across different apps that use the same protocol. Unlike Mastodon, Bluesky's AT Protocol doesn't currently play nice with ActivityPub, the standard behind the Fediverse and Mastodon's distributed network. This means Bluesky is its own little world, for now. But hey, if you want to dip your toes in multiple waters, you can use Openvibe, a new mobile client that lets you engage with Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads all at once, with a single feed.

It's Growing Fast

Bluesky's user base has been exploding, especially since the recent US election. As of December 2024, it boasts over 24 million users, a clear sign that folks are looking for alternatives to Elon Musk's X. You can watch the real-time growth at bcounter.nat.vg. It's fascinating to see the numbers climb. Bluesky's surge in popularity has even propelled it to the top of Apple's free app charts, outranking heavyweights like Threads, ChatGPT, and TikTok. With new features rolling out regularly, Bluesky keeps things fresh in a world dominated by algorithm-heavy platforms.

No Algorithm Tinkering Here

If you're sick of algorithms deciding what you see, Bluesky might just be the breath of fresh air you need. Much like Mastodon, Bluesky doesn't have a central algorithm pushing posts at you based on some popularity contest. Instead, what you see is driven by genuine engagement—posts gain visibility based on likes and "re-skeets" (Bluesky's version of a retweet). For me, having a feed that isn't manipulated to favor certain posts is a game-changer.

Feeds, Lists, and Starter Packs Explained

Feeds

In Bluesky, feeds are user-created streams of content focused on specific topics or interests. Unlike traditional platforms where an algorithm dictates your feed, Bluesky lets you subscribe to these custom feeds, tailoring your content consumption to your preferences. You might follow a feed dedicated to science discussions or one that aggregates posts from quieter mutuals. It's all about empowering users to control their timelines and discover content that resonates with them.

Lists

Lists are versatile tools for grouping accounts. You can create lists around specific themes, like industry experts or news sources, or organize content on your profile by interest. They can also serve as moderation lists (mod lists), helping you track or block specific users. Bluesky even lets you showcase these lists on your profile, making it easy for others to see recommended accounts or understand who you've blocked for safety and moderation purposes.

Starter Packs

Introduced in June 2024, Starter Packs are curated collections of up to 150 recommended users and up to three custom feeds. They're designed to help new users quickly find and follow accounts and feeds that match their interests. Existing users can create and share these packs, offering newcomers a personalized onboarding experience. Whether you're into tech, the LGBTQ+ community, or political discussions, a Starter Pack can help you dive right into relevant conversations. The Pack2List utility can convert a Starter Pack to a List and a Moderation List, and vice versa.

The 'Nuclear Block' Gives You Total Control

Bluesky's blocking feature is no joke. Users call it a "Nuclear Block" because it completely severs any digital connection between you and the blocked user. Once blocked, they won't see your posts, even if they quote you. Plus, Bluesky lets you remove any mentions of yourself from conversations and your quotes from other users' posts. It's a clean way to manage conflicts without dragging them out in comment threads. If you're curious about who's blocking you or if you're on a moderation list, you can check this using clearsky.app, an independently operated service.

You Get Customizable Handles for Verification

Bluesky's approach to verification is unique. By default, you get a handle on bsky.social, but you can go a step further by registering your own domain as a handle. It's like having a verified badge without the badge—an easy way to establish credibility and create a unique identity on the platform. Setting it up is simple and adds that extra touch of authenticity to your profile.

It's Ad-Free (For the Time Being)

Thanks to its decentralized protocol and vibrant user community, Bluesky's rapid growth has sparked questions about its financial future and potential ads. CEO Jay Graber is committed to avoiding traditional ad-driven pitfalls but hasn't ruled out less intrusive ads, like those in search results. Other potential revenue streams include subscriptions, a marketplace for custom algorithms, and domain name sales. Graber has ruled out AI licensing and is pushing for protocols to prevent AI scraping of user data. With 24 million users and growing, Bluesky remains focused on scaling while exploring sustainable, user-first monetization strategies.

Bluesky has also entered its federation phase, allowing users to set up their own Personal Data Servers (PDS). By hosting your own server, you gain even more control and can contribute directly to the decentralized Bluesky network. Setting up a PDS is straightforward: most organizations can choose a VPS provider to turn-key a PDS configuration. If you want to go it alone, you can download the necessary Bluesky PDS files and launch your server. Docker can simplify the process, making it easier to manage and secure. For those interested, detailed setup steps and support are available through Bluesky's GitHub page and the PDS Administrators Discord.

With these monetization and federation options, Bluesky offers a unique, user-centric platform that combines control, privacy, and customization.

There Are Great Bluesky Apps

Bluesky offers a variety of tools and apps to customize your experience. The official app is available on iPhone and Android, while iPad users can explore third-party clients like Skeets and Openvibe. If you miss TweetDeck's multi-column layout, Deck.blue replicates it, supporting account management, post scheduling, and easy tracking of conversations. Bluesky's open API has inspired a thriving ecosystem of utilities, all cataloged in the Bluesky Directory. Notable options include Graysky, with features like GIF support and inline translation, and Bluesky Meter, which provides analytics on profile growth. Whether through custom feeds, creative tools, or advanced client apps, Bluesky's ecosystem offers everything you need to personalize and optimize your experience.

Should You Join Bluesky?

If you're ready to ditch algorithm-driven feeds and try a network that puts user control first, Bluesky might be worth your time. It's not a direct replacement for Twitter (X), but it offers a lot for those seeking a fresh start in a decentralized, privacy-minded network.