## What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a decentralized social app that was conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and developed alongside Twitter. It features a Twitter-like user interface with algorithmic choice, a federated design, and community-specific moderation. The app is built on an open-source framework called the AT Protocol, which allows transparency into its development process. Bluesky was initially introduced in 2019 with the goal of creating a decentralized standard for social media, but it has since become an independent company. As of May 2024, Jack Dorsey is no longer on Bluesky’s board, and it is now led by CEO Jay Graber.
## How do you use Bluesky?
Using Bluesky is similar to using Twitter. Upon signing up, users can create a handle, represented as @username.bsky.social, and a display name that appears more prominently. The app allows users to create posts of up to 256 characters, which can include photos. These posts can be replied to, retweeted, liked, reported, and shared. Users can search for and follow other individuals, view updates in their “Home” timeline, and discover new content through personalized feeds. Bluesky also offers a “Starter Pack” feature for new users, creating a curated list of people and custom feeds to follow.
## Who’s on Bluesky?
Bluesky has attracted a diverse range of users, including notable figures like Neil Gaiman, Dril, and Chelsea Manning. It is also home to news organizations like Bloomberg, The Washington Post, and Engadget. Bluesky has gained popularity among users and has reached over 9 million users as of September 2024. It has also begun allowing heads of state to join the platform, further expanding its user base.
## Does Bluesky work just like X?
Bluesky shares similarities with X (formerly Twitter) in terms of its user interface and features. However, there are some differences. For example, Bluesky recently implemented direct messages (DMs), although they are currently limited to one-to-one messages. Bluesky has expressed interest in implementing features similar to X’s Community Notes. Additionally, X does not use a decentralized protocol like Bluesky’s AT Protocol.
## Is Bluesky free?
Yes, Bluesky is free to use, and it is now open to the public. The goal of Bluesky is to sustain its network through means other than advertising, such as paid services, so it can remain free for end users. Bluesky has introduced a paid service that offers custom domains for users who want a unique domain as their handle on the platform.
## How does Bluesky make money?
Bluesky aims to generate revenue through paid services rather than advertising. It offers custom domains as a paid service, allowing users to have a unique domain as their handle on the platform. By offering these paid services, Bluesky can sustain its network while remaining free for end users.
## Is Bluesky decentralized?
Yes, Bluesky is decentralized. It is built on the AT Protocol, a decentralized framework developed in-house. Currently, users can only join the bsky.social network, but Bluesky plans to be federated, allowing individually operated communities to exist within the open-source network. This means that if a developer outside of Bluesky builds their own social app using the AT Protocol, Bluesky users can migrate to the new app and retain their followers, handle, and data.
## Is Bluesky secure?
Bluesky has taken steps to improve its security and account authentication. In October 2023, the app added email verification to enhance account security. It also allows users to opt out of exposing their posts to the public web, prioritizing user privacy. These efforts demonstrate Bluesky’s commitment to providing a secure platform for its users.
## Is Bluesky customizable?
Yes, Bluesky offers customization options for users. It allows users to create custom feeds, known as “custom algorithms,” which showcase different kinds of posts based on users’ preferences. Users can pin these custom feeds to access them easily. Bluesky has also launched the AT Protocol Grants program, providing small grants to developers to foster growth and customization. One recipient, SkyFeed, allows users to build their own feeds using a graphical user interface.
## Is Bluesky on iOS and Android?
Yes, Bluesky is available on both iOS and Android devices. It was initially launched on iOS and later rolled out to Android users. Users can also access Bluesky through its web interface.
## Are Bluesky posts really called ‘skeets’?
While there is technically no official name for posts on Bluesky, users have adopted the term “skeets” to refer to them. “Skeets” is a portmanteau of “tweet” and “sky.” Despite some objections from Bluesky CEO Jay Graber and others, the term “skeets” has become widely used by the user community.
## How does Bluesky tackle misinformation?
Bluesky has implemented measures to tackle misinformation on its platform. In an October 2023 update, the app introduced a feature that flags misleading links. If a link shared in a post doesn’t match the accompanying text, Bluesky will provide a warning to the user, indicating that the link may lead to misleading information. This feature helps users navigate and identify potentially misleading content on the platform.
## Has Bluesky had any controversies?
Bluesky has faced controversies related to moderation and user safety. The app has been criticized for failing to protect marginalized users and moderate racist content. In response to these concerns, Bluesky has introduced various moderation features. It has rolled out more advanced automated tools to flag content that violates its Community Guidelines. Bluesky has also launched features similar to those on X, such as user lists and moderation lists, to help users manage their online experience. Additionally, Bluesky has faced backlash over its public web interface and users have advocated for the ability to set their accounts to private.
## What’s the difference between Bluesky and Mastodon?
Bluesky and Mastodon share similarities in terms of their decentralized architecture. However, many users have found Bluesky to be more intuitive and accessible compared to Mastodon. Bluesky’s sign-up process is simpler, and it offers personalized feeds to help users discover content. Mastodon, on the other hand, can be seen as more complex and intimidating to join due to the diverse range of instances and established posting norms. However, both platforms are working towards federation, allowing users to choose which servers to join and freely move their accounts.
## Who owns Bluesky?
Although Jack Dorsey initially funded Bluesky, he is no longer involved in its day-to-day development and does not sit on the company’s board. The CEO of Bluesky is Jay Graber, who has experience as a software engineer for the cryptocurrency Zcash and as the founder of an event-planning site called Happening.
