Bluesky Social Review

Bluesky Social, a new social media app that feels like Twitter but isn’t owned by Elon Musk, is currently only open to people with coveted invite codes. But it’s about to start inviting new users in the coming days. The app aims to be “a more respectful, positive alternative” to Twitter, and it is “a safer space for marginalized communities,” according to its website.

Unlike Twitter and other more closed platforms, Bluesky is meant to be an open system that could someday allow posts to flow between apps. It’s no coincidence that the app looks and works a lot like the Twitter bird, with followers and following lists, a timeline that displays posts in chronological order, and options to repost and quote post. Bluesky CEO Jay Graber explained in a blog post that the design was intentional to create an app that doesn’t feel limiting or restrictive.

The app is easy enough to use, though a few things are confusing at first glance. For example, there are no settings menus or way to access the user’s profile. Instead, everything is accessed from the main timeline page. Bsky Once logged in, you see a list of your followers and a list of the most popular posts, as well as a “suggestions” tab with suggested new accounts to follow. Bluesky’s onboarding is also a bit awkward, with the “create account” prompt appearing at the bottom of the screen, rather than above it.

Once I created my account, my timeline was filled with posts and retweets from Jay Graber, posts about the app, and photos of the Blue Sky. There was also a mix of Twitter power users, celebrities, and political figures, such as actor Kumail Nanjiani, director Christopher McQuarrie, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).

What was striking about the content I saw on Bluesky is that, as a whole, it felt safe and friendly, especially in comparison to what you’d find on Twitter, which is often a toxic, aggressive place. Bluesky has a small user base so far, but the vibe is definitely welcoming.

Despite some issues, it’s still early days for Bluesky Social. I’ve been told that the developers plan to add more features, including a search bar and the ability to view all your posts in one place, as well as better onboarding for new users. I’ll be following it closely to see if it has what it takes to become a permanent alternative to Twitter and other platforms, but for now I’m enjoying the pleasant experience of seeing some famous faces in my feed. FTC Disclosure: The links above are income-earning auto affiliates, which means that if you buy something through them, 9to5Mac will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I truly believe in, and I hope you do too! Read our full FTC disclosure policy here.