Bluesky

Bluesky is a social networking app that has been making waves as an alternative to X. Originally incubated by X itself, Bluesky officially launched in 2023 with the goal of creating a platform built on the AT Protocol, an open, decentralized system that gives users more control over their data, their feeds and their online communities. As of 2025, Bluesky has over 33 million users and is steadily growing, especially as more people explore alternatives to X and migrate to decentralized platforms. With its familiar microblogging format and emphasis on transparency, Bluesky is quickly becoming the go-to space for people seeking a Twitter alternative.

What Is Bluesky?

Designed to feel familiar to X users, Bluesky is a social networking platform with brief posts and replies. But unlike X, Bluesky is built on an open-source framework that prioritizes transparency, user control and interoperability. 

Decentralization is at the heart of Bluesky. This model spreads control across an open network, unlike traditional platforms that keep all content, data and algorithms locked in a single company’s hands. This shift represents freedom: freedom from algorithm changes you didn’t sign up for, freedom from losing your content if a platform shuts down and freedom to build communities on your own terms. For creators, brands and everyday users, this means users can customize their feeds, choose moderation preferences and even move their profiles between different services without losing their audience.

How To Use Bluesky

Once invite-only, Bluesky is now open to all users as of February 2024. Bluesky functions similarly to Twitter: short posts, conversations and communities. Once you’re in, it’s all about customizing your feed, connecting with people and sharing your thoughts with the world.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to use Bluesky:

• Create your account: Once in, set up your profile with a photo, bio and username.
• Post updates (aka Skeets): Share short text posts (300 characters maximum), images or links to start conversations. Posts feel a lot like tweets, with Bluesky’s signature vibe.
• Customize your feed: Bluesky lets you choose from different algorithmic feeds, so you can decide what kind of content you want to see - from trending topics to niche communities.
• Follow and engage: Just like other social apps, you can follow people, like posts and reply to join in on conversations.
• Explore communities: Bluesky’s decentralized design means you can discover feeds curated around specific interests or even build your own.
• Stay in control: With an emphasis on transparency, you can fine-tune your moderation settings and control your online experience more than on most platforms.

Bluesky Brand Examples

Netflix

Netflix taps into the storytelling instinct of its audience by teasing a brand‑new comedy, Long Story Short, created by the mind behind BoJack Horseman. The post uses Bluesky’s character limit to highlight the shows focus on generational storytelling with the line ‘one family from childhood to adulthood’, the creator’s background and the premiere date with clarity: August 22. It’s concise, action‑driven and directly pitches both the premise and the release window.

Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat keeps it casual and a bit playful. The post imagines an ‘ideal morning routine’: wake up, eat and lie on the grass for 12 to 14 hours before tackling the day. It’s tongue‑in‑cheek and a lighthearted moment that subtly speaks to an animal’s life with a human perspective.

Barnes and Noble

This post from Barnes & Noble aims to share a moment of literary intimacy. The post nudges you gently to finish an unfinished book you’ve started. It’s warm, encouraging and quietly persuasive without veering into ‘selling’ territory.

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