Social media as it should be

Bluesky is THE NEW SOCIAL NETWORK for people who stay online and up-to-date. News, jokes, gaming, art, hobbies, and whatever you're into is happening here. Short text posts make for a quick read during coffee, an easy way to wind down the day, or a great way to get connected to your community. Follow your favorite posters or pick from one of the 25,000 feeds to find your people. Join millions of users to be part of the moment and have some fun again.

YOUR TIMELINE, YOUR CHOICE

Stay in touch with your friends, stay up-to-date on the latest news, or explore with an algorithm that learns what you like. On Bluesky, you choose your own feed.

CONTROL YOUR SCROLL

Stack powerful blocks, mutes, moderation lists, and content filters. You’re in control.

SOME OF THE OLD, ALL OF THE NEW

Let’s have fun online again. Be yourself and riff with your friends, all while having the option to keep tabs on what’s happening at a global scale. It all happens on Bluesky.

What's New in the Latest Version 1.88.0

Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

- New users may now receive a tour to help introduce the app
- Follow notifications may now prompt you to follow back
- The Discover feed may now include follow suggestions
- Starter packs will no longer accidentally cause you to follow yourself
- Starter pack embeds in posts now look & feel better

Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, offers a fresh perspective on online interaction, prioritizing user ownership and control over data. Its foundation lies in the Authenticated Transfer Protocol (AT Protocol), a federated system allowing users to choose their preferred provider while maintaining seamless communication across the network. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional, centralized social media giants where user data resides solely within the company's servers, subject to their policies and monetization strategies.

The AT Protocol empowers users by granting them portability. Unlike platforms where leaving means abandoning your established connections and content, Bluesky users can migrate their entire online identity, including followers and posts, to a different provider within the network. This fosters a competitive landscape among providers, encouraging them to offer better services and features to attract and retain users. This inherent competition can lead to innovation and a more user-centric approach to platform development.

Bluesky's architecture emphasizes algorithmic choice. Users are not locked into a single, platform-determined algorithm dictating their content feed. Instead, they can select from a variety of algorithms, each offering a unique way to curate and experience the network. This flexibility caters to diverse preferences and empowers users to shape their online environment. Some algorithms might prioritize chronological order, while others might focus on relevance or community-driven recommendations. This granular control over the information flow allows for a more personalized and engaging experience.

Moderation on Bluesky is also decentralized. Each provider establishes its own content moderation policies, offering users a choice in the type of online environment they prefer. Users seeking stricter moderation can opt for providers with robust content guidelines, while those who value free expression can choose providers with more lenient policies. This approach acknowledges the diverse range of perspectives on online content and empowers users to align themselves with communities that share their values.

The federated nature of Bluesky fosters interoperability. Different providers can seamlessly connect, allowing users to interact with individuals across the entire network, regardless of their chosen provider. This interconnectedness prevents the formation of isolated silos and promotes a more unified online experience. It also encourages collaboration and innovation among providers, as they can build upon each other's strengths and contribute to the overall growth of the network.

Bluesky's commitment to open source development further strengthens its decentralized nature. The AT Protocol is publicly available, allowing developers to contribute to its evolution and build innovative applications on top of the platform. This transparency fosters trust and encourages community involvement, ensuring the platform's long-term sustainability and adaptability.

The platform's focus on portability, algorithmic choice, decentralized moderation, and interoperability creates a dynamic and user-centric social media experience. By prioritizing user ownership and control, Bluesky offers a compelling alternative to traditional, centralized platforms. Its innovative approach has the potential to reshape the social media landscape, empowering users and fostering a more diverse and vibrant online ecosystem. The platform is still in its early stages of development, but its core principles and architectural design hold promise for a future where users have greater agency over their online interactions and data.

Bluesky represents a shift towards a more democratic and user-empowered social media landscape. It offers a glimpse into a future where users are not merely consumers of content but active participants in shaping the platforms they use. The platform's emphasis on decentralization and user control has the potential to address many of the challenges facing traditional social media, including data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and centralized control. As Bluesky continues to evolve and mature, it will be interesting to see how its innovative approach impacts the broader social media ecosystem and empowers users to reclaim ownership of their online identities.