BlueSky: The New Social Platform People Are Flocking To
Social media is constantly evolving, and the latest platform causing a stir is BlueSky. If you've been hearing whispers or tweets about it but aren’t quite sure what it is, why people are leaving X (formerly Twitter) for it, or how it works, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
What is BlueSky
BlueSky is a decentralised social media platform that functions similarly to Twitter/X. It was originally conceived as a project within Twitter in 2019 but later spun off into an independent company.
BlueSky is designed to give users more control over their online experience by operating on the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), which allows for greater customisation, moderation, and interoperability between different social networks.
Who Owns BlueSky
BlueSky was founded by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, along with a small team of developers. While Dorsey provided initial funding, the platform is now operated independently, led by CEO Jay Graber.
Unlike X, which is now controlled by Elon Musk, BlueSky aims to be a more user-driven and decentralised alternative.
Why Are People Leaving X for BlueSky
Since Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, many users have been unhappy with the platform’s direction, particularly in areas like content moderation, algorithm changes, the rise of paid verification, and the influx of misinformation.
Some key reasons why people are switching to BlueSky include:
- A Familiar Experience – BlueSky’s layout and features feel almost identical to classic Twitter, making it an easy transition.
- Decentralisation – Unlike X, BlueSky allows for different servers (similar to Mastodon), giving users more control over their feed and moderation settings.
- No Paid Verification – BlueSky does not have the controversial paid blue tick system that Twitter introduced under Musk.
- More Transparent Algorithms – BlueSky is designed to allow users to control their own feeds rather than rely on a single, opaque algorithm.
- Less Toxicity – With a smaller and more curated user base, many people find BlueSky a less hostile and more enjoyable platform.
What Kind of Platform Is It
BlueSky is most similar to Twitter/X, focusing on text-based posts with limited image and video sharing. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, it is not a visual-first platform, though images and GIFs are supported.
It works with a federated social media model, meaning different servers can operate independently while still interacting with each other. However, unlike Mastodon, users don’t have to pick a server when they sign up—right now, BlueSky functions as a single network, though this may change in the future.
Rules and Content Guidelines
Like any social platform, BlueSky has specific rules around content, image, and video uploads. Here’s what you need to know:
- Post Length – Currently, posts are limited to 300 characters (slightly longer than Twitter’s original 280-character limit but shorter than X’s paid user limit).
- Images and GIFs – You can attach up to four images per post, and GIFs are supported.
- Videos – Video uploads are not yet fully supported natively.
- Content Moderation – BlueSky offers custom moderation tools that allow users to filter out unwanted content and even block entire topics from appearing in their feed.
- No DMs – Unlike Twitter/X, BlueSky currently does not have direct messaging (DMs).
Sizing and Media Guidelines
If you’re planning to post images on BlueSky, here are the current sizing guidelines:
- Profile Picture – 400x400 pixels (minimum)
- Header Image – 1500x500 pixels
- Post Images – Optimal size is 16:9 ratio, though there are no strict cropping rules
Videos are still in limited testing, so there is no official sizing guide yet.
How to Join BlueSky
For now, BlueSky is invite-only, meaning you need an invite code from an existing user to sign up. However, the platform has been gradually rolling out more invites, and a full public launch is expected soon.
Is There Any Controversy
While BlueSky has been well received, it’s not without issues:
- Scalability Concerns – Some users worry that as BlueSky grows, it may struggle with moderation and spam, similar to what happened with early Twitter.
- Jack Dorsey’s Involvement – Some are sceptical about Dorsey’s role, given his history with Twitter and past decisions that led to Twitter’s problems.
- Federation Delays – While BlueSky promised a fully decentralised model, it still largely operates as a centralised network (unlike Mastodon, which has multiple independent servers).
The Verdict: Should You Join
If you’re fed up with X but want a similar experience without the chaos, BlueSky is a great alternative. It retains Twitter’s best elements while avoiding many of its recent missteps. However, as it’s still in beta and invite-only, it’s not quite a full replacement just yet.
As it continues to grow and refine its features, BlueSky could very well become the next big thing in social media. Until then, keep an eye out for those invite codes.
