A New Social Media Platform Gaining Traction
Bluesky, a relatively new social media platform, has been experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting users who are frustrated with changes at X, formerly known as Twitter. While still a small company with a limited staff, Bluesky has seen its user base grow significantly, particularly following the November 2023 presidential election.
What sets Bluesky apart?
Bluesky offers a user experience reminiscent of the "old Twitter," with a focus on curated content and meaningful interactions. Users can discover and follow people through "starter packs," which are lists of individuals grouped by interests or fields. This allows users to build a personalized feed of posts from people they choose, rather than relying on algorithms.
Bluesky also boasts a more engaged community, with a higher percentage of users actively posting compared to X. This fosters a more interactive and dynamic environment, where users can connect with like-minded individuals and participate in meaningful discussions.
Bluesky's growth and future plans
Despite its rapid growth, Bluesky remains a small company with a limited staff and funding. However, the company is actively exploring ways to sustain its business, including the introduction of subscription services and financial transactions between users.
Bluesky's subscription model will offer users additional features such as custom aesthetics, avatar frames, and increased video upload limits. The platform also plans to enable financial transactions, allowing users to purchase goods and services directly within the app.
How to join Bluesky
Bluesky is now open to everyone, and signing up is easy. Usernames on the platform end with the site's domain, .bsky.social, and posts are limited to 300 characters. Users can upload photos, videos, GIFs, and emojis, and engage with content through likes, hashtags, and mentions.
Bluesky's focus on community and curated content has resonated with users seeking a more personalized and engaging social media experience. While it remains to be seen whether Bluesky can compete with larger platforms like X and Instagram, its rapid growth and unique features suggest a promising future for the platform.