Social media is a big part of our lives, but it often comes with frustrations—like having no control over your data, seeing ads you didn’t ask for, or feeling stuck with platforms that don’t work for you. That’s where Bluesky comes in. It’s a new kind of social media that’s decentralized and gives you more power over how you use it.
Let’s break it down and see what Bluesky is all about and why it could change the way we connect online.
Table of Contents
What Is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a social media app, but it’s built differently from platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Instead of everything being controlled by one company, Bluesky uses something called the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol).
This fancy term simply means that Bluesky:
- Gives you control of your data: You decide what to share and where it goes.
- Lets you customize your experience: You can choose how your feed looks or even design your own algorithms (rules that decide what you see).
- Connects across platforms: Your account isn’t tied to just one app. If you switch apps that use the same system, your profile and connections come with you.
Why Is Bluesky Different?
Most social media platforms are centralized. That means everything—your data, posts, and even the rules—is controlled by one company. Bluesky flips the script by decentralizing its system.
Here’s what that means for you:
- Freedom: You’re not locked into one app or forced to follow rules you don’t like.
- Privacy: Your data isn’t mined and sold without your knowledge.
- Community Control: Moderation (like removing harmful content) is handled by the people who actually use the platform, not just a company’s team.
What’s the AT Protocol, and Why Should You Care?
The AT Protocol is the backbone of Bluesky. It’s a system that makes everything decentralized and user-friendly. Here’s how it helps:
- Your Data Belongs to You
- With traditional apps, your account, posts, and followers are stuck on one platform.
- On Bluesky, you can move your profile to another app using the same protocol without losing your history or connections.
- You Control What You See
- Bluesky doesn’t decide what content is “good” for you. You can pick an algorithm that works for you—or even create your own.
- Apps That Work Together
- The AT Protocol allows different apps to work as a team. For example, if another platform uses the same protocol, you can interact with people there too!
Who is Behind Bluesky?
Bluesky began in 2019 as a research initiative by Twitter, led by its then-CEO Jack Dorsey, to explore decentralized social media. Now an independent organization, Bluesky is helmed by Jay Graber, a strong advocate for open-source and decentralized systems.
How Does Bluesky Compare to Other Social Media Platforms?
| Feature | Bluesky | Mastodon | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decentralization | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Data Ownership | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Custom Algorithms | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| User Privacy | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Why Should You Join Bluesky?
If you’re tired of feeling like a product on social media platforms, Bluesky offers a refreshing alternative. It’s designed to:
- Give you control: Choose what you see and how your data is used.
- Be flexible: Your account and content go where you go.
- Encourage fairness: Decisions about content are made by users, not just corporate policies.
Jay, CEO of Bluesky, confirmed on a post on 19th Nov 2024 that over 20M people are onboard indicating the rapid growth of the platform.
How Do You Get Started?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started on this community-led platform.
On Bluesky, you can even choose your own hosting provider by providing the server address on signup page. It gives you control over your own data.
Bluesky isn’t just another social media app—it’s a movement toward a fairer, user-focused online space. With its decentralized design and the power of the AT Protocol, Bluesky gives you control over your online experience like never before.
