Bluesky — Twitter’s Decentralized Alternative That’s Taking Over Social Media
If you’ve been following social media lately, you’ve probably heard of Bluesky. This new app has become a hot topic, especially after the changes that took place at Twitter (X). Many people have migrated to it, calling it the best alternative available. Let’s give you a full rundown on it.
What Is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a social media app similar to Twitter, but the big difference is that it’s decentralized. This means it’s not controlled by a single company but instead runs on an open protocol called the AT Protocol (the “Sky Protocol”). This protocol gives users greater control over their data and feeds than any traditional app.
It was founded by Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter, and started as a research project within Twitter in 2019. It later became fully independent and is now a standalone company called Bluesky Social PBC, based in Seattle, USA.
When Was It Launched? How Many Users Does It Have?
Bluesky first launched in a limited invite-only beta in February 2023. Exactly one year later—in February 2024—it became available to everyone without an invite. Since then, it has seen explosive growth. According to the latest statistics, it has over 45 million registered users (as of June 2026).
Key Features of Bluesky
1. Decentralization: You control your account and data. You can move your account to any other service provider and keep your followers. Unlike traditional apps, where your account is tied to the company.
2. Custom Algorithms (Feeds): In Bluesky, you’re not forced into a single algorithm. You can create your own feed or subscribe to feeds made by others. For example: a tech news feed, a photography feed, an art feed—you choose.
3. Starter Packs: This is a fantastic feature—you can create a “starter pack” for a group of accounts on a specific topic and share the link. For example, “Saudi tech accounts starter pack” or “cooking accounts starter pack.” It’s a great way to build a community quickly.
4. No Ads (For Now): As of now, Bluesky has no annoying ads. The app is clean, simple, and offers an excellent user experience. In the future, they may introduce ads but in a respectful way (optional ads).
5. Posts (“Skeets”): Posts on Bluesky are called “skeets” or “posts.” You can write text, upload images, videos, and interact just like any other social media app. The current text limit is 300 characters.
How Does Bluesky Differ From Twitter?
The biggest difference is control. On Twitter/X, the company controls what you see through its algorithms and feeds. On Bluesky, you’re in control. You can filter content, choose the feeds that suit you, and even move your account to a different platform.
Bluesky also provides better tools for combating harassment and harmful content. They have a feature called “detached quotes” that prevents abusive quoting.
How Do You Get Started on Bluesky?
It’s very easy:
- Download the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), or use the web version at bsky.app
- Sign up for a new account—no invite needed
- Search for accounts you’re interested in or use Starter Packs from others
- Start posting and interacting!
That’s it! Bluesky isn’t just an alternative app—it’s a new idea for social media. It gives you greater freedom, more privacy, and a cleaner experience. If you’re tired of Twitter or want to start fresh in a cleaner space, Bluesky is worth trying.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Bluesky free?
Yes, it’s completely free to sign up and use. In the future, they may introduce optional paid features.
Is Bluesky available in Arabic?
Yes, the Bluesky app is available in over 41 languages, including Arabic. Its interface is simple and easy to use.
Can I transfer my followers from Twitter to Bluesky?
Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to do this. However, you can share your Bluesky profile link on Twitter to encourage your followers to join you there.
Check your account on BlueSky on Twitter or use third-party tools to find your friends.
Where can I find Arabic accounts on BlueSky?
There is an active Arabic community. Use the search feature or browse Starter Packs for Arabic communities. Includes news, sports, tech, and art accounts.
Is BlueSky safe?
Yes, BlueSky is considered very safe. It provides strong tools to control privacy and report abusive content. Plus, decentralization means your data isn’t held by a single company.