What You Need to Know About How to Use Bluesky

Bluesky is quickly becoming a hot topic among social media enthusiasts, attracting users curious about its decentralized approach. Now, if you're here, you’re probably wondering what makes Bluesky special and how you can get started. However, with any new social network, especially one as innovative as Bluesky, knowing where to start can be a bit overwhelming.

That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re new to Bluesky or looking to enhance your experience, I’ve got you covered. We’ll explore what Bluesky is, why it’s worth your time, and how to set up your account. Plus, you’ll get some creative content ideas and recommendations for accounts to follow, ensuring you get the most out of your Bluesky journey.

What is Bluesky?

Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform hailed as an X/Twitter alternative and for good reason, too — it has a similar structure to the platform as it was developed in close partnership with former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.

Bluesky is one of a wave of new social media platforms that aim to give their users more control of their content and audiences. These platforms are often decentralized and built on open-source protocols, which means that anyone can access and develop their own social app. 

Many of them, like Mastodon, are built on ActivityPub protocol (making it a part of the fediverse), which makes them interoperable.

Bluesky has its own open-source protocol called the AT Protocol. I could get into what the AT Protocol is, but that’s enough for a whole other article. Instead, here’s a summary of what you need to know:

“The AT Protocol is a networking technology created to power social applications.”

Like other federated social media (but unlike traditional social media networks), Bluesky emphasizes giving users control over their platforms, from the algorithms that feed them content to their ownership of their follower list. 

However, one important thing to note is that the protocol powering Bluesky is not the same as the one powering platforms like Threads and Mastodon – that’s ActivityPub. 

Here are some features of Bluesky that make it stand out among its peers:

• Custom feeds: Users can create and join feeds that cater to specific interests, similar to super-powered hashtags. There are a growing number of feeds covering different topics – some of my feeds are books and art-related.
• Starter packs: You can create and share personalized invites that allow you to bring friends directly into your slice of Bluesky.
• Custom domains: Personalize your handle with your own domain name, adding a unique touch to your profile.
• Moderation lists: Bluesky offers community-driven tools for blocking or muting content and accounts, enhancing user control over their experience.

Why you should use Bluesky

Having spent over 6 months testing it out, I can say that Bluesky stands out as a social network because it actively prioritizes user empowerment. Its decentralized nature and open-source foundation offer a refreshing alternative to traditional platforms, where users often feel at the mercy of a central authority. 

With Bluesky, the power shifts back to the users, allowing for a more personalized and controlled social media experience. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider joining Bluesky:

1. Greater control over your data: Unlike traditional social media platforms, where a central entity controls your data, Bluesky gives you ownership of your information. This means greater privacy and security, allowing you to manage your data on your terms.
2. Freedom from centralized control and censorship: The lack of a central authority on Bluesky could foster a more open and diverse range of conversations where users can express their opinions without fear of censorship. The community-driven approach ensures that the platform evolves according to its users’ needs.
3. Community-driven development: Bluesky’s open-source nature allows continuous improvement and innovation driven by its user community. This collaborative environment means that features and functionalities are developed with direct input from those who use the platform, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to user needs.
4. Close-knit and engaged community: Speaking of community, Bluesky's user base, while still growing, is known for its close-knit and supportive nature. The smaller community size compared to other platforms means your content is more likely to be seen and engaged with, fostering meaningful connections and conversations.

How to set up your Bluesky account

Getting started on Bluesky is straightforward, especially because the app is no longer invite-only. In a few simple steps, you'll be ready to dive into the world of decentralized social media. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your Bluesky account:

On desktop, visit bsky.app and click on the “Sign Up” button at the top left.

Fill in your name, handle, email address, and create a password. Then, Complete the captcha challenge to finish setting up your account.

You can also download the mobile app on iOS (Apple App Store) or Android (Google Play) and set up your account from there.

Bluesky will guide you through a series of prompts to help you get started. This includes setting up your profile picture, bio, and other basic information. Make sure you complete all the details to build trust and engagement.

Upload a profile picture that represents you or your brand. You have the option to Create an avatar using a pre-created icon but to build trust and recognition, I recommend using the same profile picture and display name as your other social media accounts.

Select your interests to help surface relevant content as you learn how to navigate the platform.

And that's it for setting up!

How to make the most of your Bluesky profile

There’s not much of a learning curve as the platform offers a very Twitter-like user experience, so you can dive right in. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of Bluesky:

1. Write a compelling bio that tells people who you are, what you do, and why you’re on Bluesky. Keep it concise but informative.
2. Add links to your other social media profiles or personal website. This will make it easy for others to find you on different platforms.
3. Start engaging and connecting with other users to better tune your feed. You can search for people you know or explore custom feeds to find interesting accounts.

Make sure to like, comment, and repost content to build your platform presence. The more you engage, the more visible your profile will become.

Some ideas for your first (and next) Bluesky post

If you’re ready to dive right into posting on Bluesky, I recommend starting with an introduction post. Bluesky users tend to be very welcoming because the community’s still quite small. 

Once you’ve shared a friendly introduction post to let others know who you are, check out these other ideas for your next few posts on Bluesky.

1. Share recent experiences, insights, or looks into your daily life.
2. Discuss the latest trends and news in your field.
3. Offer a peek into your work process or daily routine.
4. Engage your followers by asking for their opinions or conducting polls.
5. Provide valuable tips, how-tos, or life hacks.
6. Celebrate your milestones or achievements with your audience.
7. Share your thoughts on books, movies, products, or services you love.

Best of all, if you already share a lot of content on other platforms like Threads or LinkedIn, you can simply repurpose your content for Bluesky – minimal effort, maximum reward.