Bluesky gains popularity with user-centric social experience

Bluesky has emerged as the big thing among social networks as the second Trump era begins, gaining traction among users seeking more control over their digital experience. This platform, designed as an open-source, decentralised network, offers an alternative to traditional social media, boasting features that put users in charge of what they see and share.

Over the past year, Bluesky’s user base has expanded significantly, particularly following the US election. With more than 15 million users active on the platform, it has catapulted to prominence on Apple’s list of free applications, outperforming popular platforms such as Threads, ChatGPT and TikTok. This growth highlights a shift among users who are looking for alternatives to Elon Musk’s platform X, previously known as Twitter.

Unlike many social networks, Bluesky eschews algorithm-driven feeds. Users engage with content based on direct interactions and the visibility of posts arises from user engagement like “likes” and re-shares, or “re-skeets” as termed on the platform. This absence of algorithmic manipulation is a draw for users seeking organic interaction over popularity-fuelled exposure.

Bluesky offers tools such as feeds, lists and starter packs that change how users navigate content. Feeds allow users to create streams based on specific interests, enriching personalisation by enabling subscriptions to curated topics. Lists enable account grouping for theme-centric followings, and their public visibility aids in moderation and recommendation sharing.

The introduction of starter packs in June 2024 further facilitates user onboarding. These collections, composed of recommended users and custom feeds, assist newcomers in aligning with their interests from the beginning. Starter packs can encompass a wide array of themes, enhancing topical exploration and user engagement.

Bluesky’s “Nuclear Block” feature provides users with absolute authority over their digital interactions, allowing them to sever connections and remove all mentions and interactions related to unwanted users. This feature supports conflict management by ensuring a clean digital slate for users, supported by the external service clearsky.app, which shows users who have blocked them.

In terms of monetisation, Bluesky favours privacy by maintaining an ad-free environment. Instead, it is exploring subscription models for additional features without affecting post visibility or offering a “verified” status. For creators, the platform supports monetisation through the development and promotion of custom feeds, adopting a revenue-sharing model between creators and the platform.

An important aspect of Bluesky is its commitment to decentralisation through the introduction of federation capabilities. Users have the option to create Personal Data Servers (PDS), granting them deeper control over their data and contributions to the decentralised network. This process, facilitated by various hosting providers and technical guides available on Bluesky’s GitHub, represents the platform’s dedication to user autonomy and privacy.

As professionals in the news publishing industry watch closely, Bluesky’s trajectory and user-centric approach underscore a significant trend towards decentralisation and personalisation in social media. Whether Bluesky will redefine social networking remains to be seen, but its current appeal highlights a growing demand for more customised and privacy-conscious platforms amid broader technological and cultural shifts.

Source: Noah Wire Services