OK, I haven’t been excited or obsessed over a social media platform in years. I stepped away from Facebook in 2016 and moved on from X when new management took over.
So, if you’re like me and loved the original Twitter, then you might be excited by Bluesky.
Imagine a social media platform where you’re in control—your data, your feed, your experience. That’s Bluesky in a nutshell. Created in 2019 by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, it officially became its own thing in 2021, and it’s been shaking up the online world ever since.
Bluesky runs on something called the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol. Sounds techy, right? But all you need to know is that it lets Bluesky play nicely with other networks while giving you tools to make the platform truly yours. Want to tweak your feed or try out custom algorithms? Go for it.
The vibe on Bluesky feels familiar, but fresher—think Twitter, but lighter and friendlier. You’ll find direct messaging, hashtags, pinned posts, and a good ol’ chronological feed, all wrapped up in a space that skips the ads and shuts out the hate speech.
And people are loving it. As of November 2024, Bluesky hit over 18.5 million users and gained more than 3 million in the two weeks following the results of the U.S. presidential election. The platform is for folks who are tired of the same old platforms and looking for something a little more human. For someone who studies, researches, and teaches social it’s what social media used to be. What it was intended to be.
So, if you’re ready to explore a social app that feels like a breath of fresh air, it might be time to give Bluesky a try. Let’s explore the highlights of Bluesky, how to get started, and what to expect as a first-time user.
Why Choose Bluesky?
Bluesky stands out by challenging how we think about social media. Or more specifically, brings us back to what the purpose of social media was really all about. Connecting with like-minded people.
Here are the standout features:
- Custom Algorithms: Bluesky gives you the power to choose or design algorithms for your feed. Whether you prefer a chronological timeline or a curated feed tailored to your interests, the choice is yours.
- Ad-Free Environment: Say goodbye to intrusive ads. Bluesky focuses on providing an uncluttered, organic experience.
- Focus on Positivity: The platform prioritizes a welcoming atmosphere with safeguards against hate speech and trolling.
- Moderation Lists: Bluesky offers a feature called “Moderation Lists,” which enables users to block or mute multiple accounts simultaneously. These lists can be community-driven, allowing collective control over the content visible in users’ feeds.
- Starter Packs: By far my favorite feature. Bluesky’s “starter packs” are curated collections of up to 50 user accounts and three custom feeds centered around specific interests or themes. They help new users quickly find and follow relevant content, enhancing their experience on the platform. My colleague Dan Pacheco created this Newhouse School starter pack.
How to Get Started
Getting started on Bluesky is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the App: Bluesky is available on iOS and Android. Search for it in your app store and simply download.
- Create Your Account: Set up your username and password. No special invite is needed!
- Personalize Your Profile: Add a profile picture, a catchy bio, and any additional details to make your space unique.
- Explore and Follow: Use the explore feature to discover people, hashtags, and communities that align with your interests.
- Customize Your Feed: Experiment with custom algorithms to find a setup that works for you. This is one of Bluesky’s most innovative features.
- Engage Thoughtfully: Bluesky thrives on positivity, so be mindful of your contributions. The platform’s community guidelines are designed to keep interactions respectful and enjoyable. Posts can be short and engaging, much like tweets. Reply, repost, or use hashtags to amplify your reach.
Features You’ll Love
Bluesky blends familiar social media tools with unique twists that enhance the user experience. Here’s a breakdown of key functions:
- Commenting: Engage in conversations by replying directly to posts. This feature fosters thoughtful discussions within a friendly community.
- Reposting: Share content you love with your followers, much like a retweet.
- Hashtags: Use hashtags to join trending discussions, categorize your posts, or discover content in your areas of interest.
- Hearts: Hearts are the Bluesky equivalent of “likes,” allowing you to show appreciation for posts and positively connect with others.
- Feeds: This feature allows users to curate and follow customized timelines tailored to specific interests.
- Discover: Helps explore trending topics, suggested accounts, and popular conversations across the platform.
- Lists: Enables users to organize accounts into specific groups, facilitating streamlined content viewing and interaction management.
- Chat: Allows for private, one-on-one direct messaging within the platform, enhancing personal communication among users.
These features make Bluesky intuitive and easy to use while still offering plenty of room for creativity and exploration.
Fun Fact – Why the Butterfly?
One of Bluesky’s most distinctive symbols is its butterfly logo. This wasn’t just a random choice. Early users organically began using the butterfly emoji 🦋 to represent their profiles, and the platform embraced this trend in December 2023. The butterfly reflects the idea of transformation and growth, perfectly capturing Bluesky’s mission to reimagine social media.
Ready to Soar?
In my humble opinion, Bluesky isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a movement. Bluesky has something to offer whether you’re looking for a more customizable online experience or a space free from ads and negativity. Its commitment to user empowerment, creativity, and community makes it a refreshing alternative to mainstream platforms.
So, set up your profile and start exploring. Who knows? You might find yourself in a space that feels more like home than any other social media platform.
The sky’s the limit – get it 😉
Let’s connect. Find me on Bluesky — @ginaluttrell! 🦋
Gina Luttrell 
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