Bluesky, a social network born from a Twitter-backed initiative, is emerging from its digital cocoon with a new feature that allows public viewing of its posts, marking a significant milestone in its development. The platform, which still operates on an invite-only basis, is betting on a decentralized model to draw users in an increasingly competitive social media landscape.
As of late, Bluesky has taken a major step by enabling public access to posts, a move announced by CEO Jay Graber. Users no longer need an account to view content on both the web and the Bluesky app, a decision that aligns with its ethos of being “an open and public network,” as highlighted in a recent blog post. This change is intended to make the platform more accessible to a wider audience, potentially increasing its visibility and user engagement.
For those concerned with privacy, Bluesky has introduced a setting that allows users to “discourage” public visibility of their posts, though with the caveat that other applications may not honor this preference. This feature does not privatize accounts but simply limits visibility on Bluesky’s own app and website. It’s a nod to user control, yet also a clear reminder of the platform’s intrinsic openness.
Complementing this new public approach is Bluesky’s redesigned logo, a butterfly, which replaces the previous blue sky with clouds. The choice of a butterfly is emblematic of Bluesky’s mission to transform social media into something fresh and novel. It’s a symbol that has been organically adopted by the community, according to Graber, and now represents the platform’s brand identity.
Bluesky’s evolution comes in the wake of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, which has led to a notable influx of users seeking alternatives to mainstream social media. Bluesky’s user base has crossed the two million mark, with an average of 8,300 first-time installs per day in July 2023, signifying rapid growth and a burgeoning community eager for a different kind of social experience.
The platform is built atop the open-source AT Protocol, a framework that offers transparency and fosters a federated design, allowing for a multitude of independent communities within the network. This setup promises users the ability to migrate seamlessly between apps using the protocol while retaining their social connections and data—a stark contrast to the closed ecosystems of many mainstream platforms.
Bluesky’s functionality mirrors Twitter in many respects, yet it distinguishes itself with its decentralized architecture and the promise of algorithmic choice and community-specific moderation. While certain features like direct messages and advanced tools such as list management are yet to be implemented, the platform continues to evolve, with recent additions like custom feeds and email verification for account security.
The Bluesky app is available on both iOS and Android, with a third-party app called GraySky poised to expand its reach further. The platform’s monetization strategy steers clear of advertising, opting for a paid service that allows users to employ custom domains for their handles, emphasizing a user-centric and ad-free social networking environment.
Although Bluesky is still in its beta phase, its federated future is on the horizon. The company plans to finalize the AT Protocol in early 2024, paving the way for public sign-ups and the potential for other sites to host their networks on this open-source infrastructure. With its new openness to public viewing and a symbolic butterfly representing its aspirations, Bluesky is fluttering towards a vision of a social media landscape where users have the autonomy to shape their online presence without the constraints of corporate whims.
Relevant articles:
– Bluesky posts are finally open to the public
– What is Bluesky? Everything to know about the app trying to replace Twitter
– Twitter Alternative Bluesky Makes Posts Publicly Viewable