Following the 2024 US presidential election and That of Elon Musk very public alignment with Donald Trump, social media app Bluesky saw an increase in the number of new users.

Bluesky is a social media platform originally built within Twitter, now X, that offers a user-friendly experience reminiscent of Twitter’s early days.

Bluesky has attracted users looking for an alternative to the increasingly politicized environment of X. Bluesky Social prioritizes content moderation, security, and user autonomy, making it a refuge for those who want a less toxic space.

As X ventures further into controversial territoryBluesky is increasingly seen as a competitive haven, topping app charts and attracting millions of users.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Bluesky social media app.

What is Bluesky?

Blue sky is a social media platform originally developed within X, formerly Twitter, which became a standalone company in 2022.

Created as a decentralized alternative to traditional social networks, it aims to provide a less toxic social space where users can interact without the heavy presence of bots, hate speech or misinformation. According to the School of Professional Advancement at Tulane University, decentralized platforms run on independent serversand not servers owned by the platform, and users can organize their feed as they wish.

Bluesky offers features like powerful moderation tools, customizable feeds, and more effective blocking functionality, which many find refreshing compared to X.

Is Bluesky an alternative to Twitter?

Yes, Bluesky is a Twitter alternative, especially for people who want spaces free from divisive politics and algorithmic controls that determine people’s feeds on X.

Bluesky is designed to be familiar to older X users, with layout and functionality closely resembling the traditional X format. Here are some key similarities and differences in its interface and design:

• Feeds and posts: Like X, Bluesky has a scrollable feed where users can view posts in chronological order. Users can post text, images, and videos, and easily personalize their feeds with content filters and moderation tools.

• Profile Layout: Profiles on Bluesky resemble X profiles, with profile photos, cover images, number of followers/following and a bio section.

• Interactions: Users can interact with posts by liking, reposting, and commenting, providing a framework for social interaction familiar to people accustomed to X.

• Direct messaging: Bluesky recently added direct messaging, which allows users to communicate privately.

• Decentralization and customizable algorithms: Bluesky is built on a decentralized system and not on company-owned servers. Users can have more control over what they see by customizing their algorithms or choosing from a selection of community-generated algorithms.

Why do people go to Bluesky?

People come to Bluesky to escape the misinformation, hate speech, and right-wing extremism that have intensified under Elon Musk’s ownership of X and his recent alliance with Donald Trump. Bluesky’s moderation and customizable user experience provides a “safe haven” for those seeking a more civil environment. Since the US elections, Bluesky has won 700,000 new usersaccording to the Guardian newspaper.

Is Bluesky owned by Twitter?

No, Bluesky does not belong to Twitter. Although it started as a project within community and emphasizing safety and open discourse.

Is Bluesky free to use?

Yes, Bluesky is free. Users can download and register without any subscription fees.

Who owns Bluesky?

Bluesky is primarily owned by Jay Graber, who serves as its CEO. Before leading Bluesky, Graber was involved in various technology projects, particularly in the area of ​​cryptocurrencies and blockchain, where decentralized systems and user control are central themes.

Do you have a story you want to share? Contact us at [email protected]. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

Support local journalism and subscribe to azcentral.com.

This article was originally published on Arizona Republic: Why people are leaving Twitter for Bluesky Social