What is Bluesky? Everything You Need to Know About the X Competitor

Is the grass greener on the other side of social media? Maybe not, but the sky is definitely bluer. Since Elon Musk purchased Twitter (now X), users have been exploring alternative platforms. While Mastodon, Post, Pebble, and Spill have tried to capture attention, only Meta’s Threads has matched the explosive growth of Bluesky.

As of February 2025, Bluesky has surpassed 30 million users. The platform’s rise is largely due to unpopular changes at X, such as the controversial block feature update and new terms allowing third-party companies to train AI on user posts. Bluesky also gained momentum after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which spurred many users—including Taylor Swift fans—away from X.

But what exactly is Bluesky, and why is it gaining so much attention? Let’s break it down.

What is Bluesky?

Bluesky is a decentralized social app originally conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019. Built on its own open-source framework called the AT Protocol, Bluesky offers transparency and freedom for both users and developers.

The app has a familiar interface, similar to Twitter/X, but with a stronger focus on federated design, algorithmic choice, and community-driven moderation. Since 2021, Bluesky has been an independent public benefit corporation, currently led by CEO Jay Graber.

How to Use Bluesky

Signing up is simple: users create a handle in the format @username.bsky.social, though custom domains can also be used. Posts are limited to 256 characters, with support for images, replies, reposts, and likes.

Key features include:

• Discover Feed: Personalized recommendations beyond trending posts.

• Starter Packs: Curated lists of people and feeds to follow for beginners.

• Custom Feeds: Multiple algorithmic feeds you can pin and personalize.

• Video Support: A dedicated video tab and vertical video feed introduced in 2025.

Who’s on Bluesky?

Bluesky has attracted celebrities, politicians, and thought leaders. Notable names include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Cuban, Quinta Brunson, Weird Al Yankovic, Barbra Streisand, Guillermo del Toro, and even former U.S. Presidents and global leaders. News organizations like Bloomberg and The Washington Post also have a presence.

Key Differences Between Bluesky and X

While Bluesky feels familiar to X, there are important distinctions:

• Decentralization: Built on the AT Protocol, giving users control over their data and communities.

• Traditional Block Feature: Unlike X’s weaker block tool, Bluesky prioritizes user safety.

• No AI Training on Posts: Bluesky has no plans to use user data for AI training.

• Customization: Users can build or join different feeds and moderation systems.

Is Bluesky Free?

Yes. The platform is free to use and now open to the public. To stay sustainable, Bluesky is exploring paid services such as custom domains, premium features under “Bluesky+,” and grants for developers building on its protocol.

How Does Bluesky Handle Moderation and Security?

Bluesky has faced challenges with moderation but has steadily improved:

• Community Guidelines revamped in August 2025.

• Ozone Tool allows independent moderation services.

• Misleading Link Warnings to reduce misinformation.

• Blue Check Verification for notable users without pay-to-play models.

• Expanded moderation team to over 100 members.

The AT Protocol Explained

Bluesky’s backbone is the AT Protocol, an open-source framework enabling developers to build apps with interoperability. This means users can switch apps, take their followers with them, and avoid being locked into a single platform.

Third-party apps already being built on AT Protocol include Flashes (photo sharing), Spark (short videos), and Skylight Social, backed by Mark Cuban.

Why Bluesky Matters

Bluesky isn’t just another Twitter clone—it’s a bold attempt to reimagine social media as open, decentralized, and user-controlled. While its growth lags behind Threads, its unique approach to moderation, transparency, and customization makes it a strong contender in the evolving social landscape.

In summary

Bluesky is positioning itself as a safer, more open, and customizable alternative to X. Whether it can truly compete with Threads or scale to mainstream adoption remains to be seen, but for now, the sky is looking bluer than ever.