Get Started with Bluesky: A Guide to Twitter's Alternative

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Bluesky Social has emerged as a compelling alternative to X (formerly Twitter). Let's explore what makes this platform unique and how you can get started with it.

What is Bluesky Social?

Bluesky Social has been steadily gaining momentum since its launch in October 2022. Initially founded with backing from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey (though he left the board in 2024), the platform has seen remarkable growth. By November 2023, it had attracted 2 million users, and by September 2024, that number had risen to 9 million. In a particularly impressive surge, Bluesky reached 15 million users by early November 2024 and quickly surpassed 20 million users later that month.

How Bluesky Differs from X

While Bluesky may look similar to X at first glance, there are fundamental differences in how the platforms operate:

• Decentralized Architecture: Unlike X, which is centrally owned and controlled, Bluesky operates on a decentralized model without a central authority.
• Content Moderation: Bluesky provides users with more control over content moderation through customizable feeds and filtering options.
• Development Path: The platform continues to introduce new features like custom feeds, direct messaging, pinned posts, video support, and an in-app music player.

Looking ahead, Bluesky plans to introduce a premium subscription offering with enhanced video quality and profile customization options, though the company has promised that the basic service will always remain free.

Setting Up Your Bluesky Account

Step 1: Visit Bluesky

Access Bluesky through its website at bsky.app or download the mobile app from your device's app store. You can browse the Discover page without signing in to get a feel for the platform.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Click the "Sign up" button and enter your email address, create a password, and provide your date of birth.

Step 3: Choose Your Handle

Create a unique username that will become your handle in the format @yourusername.bsky.social.

Step 4: Set Up Your Profile

Upload a profile photo or create an avatar to personalize your account.

Step 5: Select Your Interests

Choose topics that interest you to help Bluesky suggest relevant accounts to follow.

Navigating Bluesky

Finding Content and People

1. Following Feed: Access your main feed to see posts from accounts you follow by selecting "Following" at the top of the home screen.
2. Discover Tab: Explore trending posts and discover new accounts through the Discover section.
3. Search Function: Use the search feature to find specific accounts or topics that interest you.
4. Popular with Friends: See what content is resonating with the people you follow.

Interacting with Posts

When you find content that interests you, you can:

• Reply to posts
• Repost content to share with your followers
• Quote posts to add your own commentary
• Like posts by tapping the heart icon
• Access additional options through the ellipsis menu, including translate, copy text, share, mute thread, or report

Creating Your Own Content

To share your thoughts:

1. Select the compose button (blue icon in the app or "New Post" on the website)
2. Type your message
3. Enhance your post with:
4. 1. Photos from your library
   2. Newly captured images
   3. Video clips
   4. GIFs
   5. Links (with optional preview cards)
5. Add ALT text to images for accessibility
6. Hit "Post" when you're ready to share

Managing Your Bluesky Experience

Notifications

Stay updated on interactions with your content through the Notifications tab, which shows likes, reposts, replies, and new followers.

Content Moderation

If you encounter problematic content, you have several options:

• Mute or report individual posts
• Mute, block, or report entire accounts
• Filter specific words or phrases from your feed

Profile Management

View and edit your profile by:

• Accessing your profile page
• Selecting "Edit Profile" to update your display name, bio, and picture

Account Settings

Fine-tune your Bluesky experience through the Settings menu, where you can:

• Adjust display preferences
• Modify feed settings
• Create app passwords
• Save favorite feeds
• Change your language
• Update your handle
• Manage or delete your account if needed

The Future of Bluesky

As Bluesky continues to grow, it's positioning itself as a thoughtful alternative to traditional social media platforms. With its decentralized structure and focus on user control, Bluesky offers a refreshing approach to social networking that many former X users find appealing.

Whether you're looking for a new primary social platform or simply want to diversify your social media presence, Bluesky provides a familiar yet distinctive experience worth exploring.

Have you tried Bluesky yet? What features would you like to see added to the platform? Share your thoughts in the comments below!