Navigating Bluesky Social: A Comprehensive Guide to the New X Substitute

In recent years, users of X (previously Twitter) have been exploring new platforms that replicate the Twitter experience. Bluesky Social emerges as a leading contender among these services.

Bluesky made its debut in October 2022 and has since experienced consistent and sometimes rapid growth in its user base. By November 2023, it had amassed 2 million users, and by September 2024, this number rose to 9 million. Just over a year later, the figure stood at 13 million, and by November 2024, it had reached 14.5 million.

Throughout this journey, Bluesky has continuously innovated, introducing and refining features such as personalized feeds, private messaging, the ability to pin favorite posts, support for video content, a built-in music player, and more robust tools for combating inappropriate content.

Looking to the future, Bluesky plans to offer a premium subscription tier with higher-quality video uploads and enhanced profile customization. However, the company assures users that the basic service will remain free.

Comparing Bluesky with X

Bluesky visually and functionally mirrors X, but this likeness is intentional. Initially, Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, supported Bluesky, although he stepped down from its board in 2024. Despite similarities, Bluesky distinguishes itself from X through several key features.

One major difference lies in its decentralized nature; unlike X's singular ownership, Bluesky functions as a network without a central authority, operating on an open protocol. This setup allows interoperability with other social media applications, enabling users to cross-post on platforms like Mastodon.

Users often prefer Bluesky for its more pleasant and less toxic atmosphere compared to X. It serves as a haven where individuals can voice their thoughts free from online harassment.

Every feature on Bluesky is accessible at no cost. So, how can you begin using this service? Let's explore the process.

Getting Started with Bluesky

1. Explore Bluesky's Portal

Using the main website allows you to browse, search, and view posts and profiles without registering or logging in.

Visit the Discover section to read recent posts, or utilize the search function to locate specific content by entering keywords at the top.

2. Register for Bluesky

To create your account, click the Sign-Up option, input your email, set a password, and select your birth date. Then, proceed to the next step.

3. Select a Username

You will be prompted to choose a unique handle. The handle will be structured with your chosen name followed by .bsky.social, like @johndoe.bsky.social. Click continue to proceed.

4. Upload an Image or Create an Avatar

After completing the CAPTCHA, upload a personal photo or design an avatar. Upon completion, proceed to the next section.

5. Pick Your Favorite Topics

You'll be prompted to select interests to help Bluesky recommend relevant accounts to follow. Make your selections and click to continue.

6. Monitor Your Feed

Bluesky will present you with a personalized feed based on your interests and recommended accounts to follow.

7. Follow Suggested Accounts

Below the suggested feed, click the option to discover additional accounts. Browse through recommended profiles and follow those that capture your interest.

8. Uncover New Feeds

Head to the bottom or return to the previous page to discover more feeds. Select the plus sign to add any feeds you wish to follow.

9. Access Your Following List on Bluesky

Browse your feed on the home page by clicking the Following tab. If using the mobile app, access this by tapping Home and then Following at the top.

Mobile users can swipe right to view categories available on the website, navigating through posts and accounts you follow.

10. Discover More Accounts

Utilize the Search feature to let Bluesky suggest more accounts that might pique your interest. Follow those you find engaging.

11. Look Up Specific Profiles

Search for profiles by entering the name or relevant topic in the search bar. This will provide a list of related accounts and posts, enabling you to follow any that appeal to you.

12. Explore Trending Posts and Profiles

Head back to the primary feed and select the Discover option to find trending new posts and potential profiles to follow. Another feature, Popular with Friends, highlights posts favored by the community you follow.

13. Engage with Posts

Upon encountering an interesting post, you can engage by replying, reposting, or liking it. Additional options include translating the post, sharing it, muting the conversation, or reporting it.