New social platform from Twitter founder
Bluesky is a free social networking app from developer Bluesky PBLLC. Its development was initiated by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. It aims to be a decentralized and open space wherein users and creators can come in and be able to create freely.
Compared to social media giants like Facebook or X, Bluesky is meant to be for everyone to join in, without the one-sided restrictions of being locked into a single platform. It has been developed to create a public standard that other services can join and be part of.
A more open social network
The social networking space is divided up to cater to different users and demographics. You have plenty of choices, from Instagram, which is home to influencers and small brands to X for a great source of breaking global news. Speaking of the latter, with new management in tow, its former CEO has now set his sights on Bluesky, taking an open approach to socializing online.
This platform is an initiative started by Jack Dorsey within Twitter back in 2019. It's being described as a space where creators and developers can become independent from platform restrictions. It boasts a new technology called AT Protocol, which gives users control over their online algorithms.
Opening to the public
Bluesky reaches a major milestone as it throws open its doors to the public, removing the invite-only status that has characterized its early days. Such a move signifies an embracing of inclusivity and openness, allowing anyone interested to join the burgeoning network and contribute to its growth and evolution.
The AT Protocol is designed to be an advanced framework for communication and federation across decentralized social applications, promising new capabilities and user autonomy. This feature is a testament not only to Bluesky's commitment to decentralization but also to the empowerment of its users, as they will have the freedom to take their digital identities across various platforms within the network.
User experience and features
Bluesky allows users to create posts with a 300-character limit. Users can engage with content by replying, reposting, and liking posts. The app comes with three primary feeds: Following, Discover, and Popular With Friends. The Following feed displays posts exclusively from accounts you follow. Meanwhile, the Discover feed introduces you to trending topics. The Popular With Friends feed highlights posts that are gaining attention in your social circle.
The app offers the ability to use a custom domain for your username. While the default setup assigns users a bsky.social domain, those who own a domain can integrate it with their profile. This capability not only enhances identity customization but also facilitates easier verification, seamlessly linking your Bluesky presence to an existing website or personal brand, thereby strengthening your online identity.
Another key advantage of this app is its emphasis on user autonomy. This feature lets users dictate what they want and don’t want to see. However, the platform does have some limitations. For instance, it doesn’t currently support video uploads, which might restrict how users share multimedia content. Additionally, the lack of advanced notification controls means users can’t disable certain types of notifications.
A new player
Bluesky has emerged as a promising alternative in the social media landscape, spearheaded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. With its focus on decentralization, user autonomy, and innovative technology, the app offers a fresh and open approach to online social networking. It stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking more control and customization in their social media experience.
