**Bluesky: The New Hub for Users Departing Elon Musk’s X**
By this point, you may have heard about the increasing number of users departing from Elon Musk’s X (previously Twitter). While there have been earlier instances of users leaving the platform since Musk’s takeover, this exodus appears to be much more extensive. In fact, there were efforts to develop alternative platforms even before Musk’s acquisition was on the table. However, the ongoing wave of exits, propelled by the 2024 U.S. presidential election and Musk’s outspoken support for President-elect Donald Trump, has led to a considerable mass deactivation of accounts.
### The Emergence of Bluesky
Unlike previous migrations, users now seem to have united around one alternative: **Bluesky**. This platform possesses a lot of characteristics akin to X, providing a public town square-style microblogging environment. Notably, before Musk’s acquisition, Twitter had already invested in Bluesky, with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey serving on Bluesky’s board until this year.
Following the U.S. election on November 5, Bluesky has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity, with over 100,000 new registrations each day, raising its total user count to over 15 million. It has consistently held a top position on Apple’s App Store rankings.
### How to Register for Bluesky
Initially, Bluesky was available by invitation only, but now anyone is welcome to join. To begin, simply navigate to [bsky.app](http://bsky.app) and select the “Sign Up” option. The registration process is simple, requesting the usual information like email, password, and birth date.
A distinctive aspect of Bluesky is its **hosting provider** option. Tech-savvy individuals can host their own version of Bluesky, much like Mastodon’s “instances.” Nevertheless, most users can remain with the default “Bluesky Social” hosting provider, which won’t compromise their user experience.
Afterward, you will need to select a username. Bluesky automatically appends “.bsky.social” to your username, but if you own a domain, you may use that as your handle (e.g., @YourName.com). Most individuals, however, will adhere to the standard format, such as @YourName.bsky.social.
Next, you can upload a profile picture and choose areas of interest to enable Bluesky to recommend accounts to follow.
### Getting Started on Bluesky
Once you have registered, you’ll notice that Bluesky’s interface closely resembles that of X. There’s a **Discover** feed (akin to X’s “For You” feed) that showcases suggested posts, and a **Following** feed that presents content from users you’re connected with.
In the left-hand menu, you’ll see tabs for your **Profile**, **Notifications**, and **Chat** (the equivalent of direct messages). To begin expanding your network, utilize the **Search** tab to find recommended accounts based on your preferences or look for specific users. If you’re transitioning from X, a third-party Chrome extension named [Sky Follower Bridge](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/sky-follower-bridge/behhbpbpmailcnfbjagknjngnfdojpko?pli=1) can assist you in locating accounts you followed on X that are also present on Bluesky.
### Distinct Features: Lists and Feeds
One of Bluesky’s notable features is its **Lists** and **Feeds**. While these Lists may resemble Twitter’s list feature, they hold a much more crucial role on Bluesky. Users can create Lists of accounts to follow, mute, or block collectively. For instance, you could assemble a list of users who share content about a particular hobby, allowing others to follow the entire list. Conversely, users can also create Lists of accounts that disseminate harmful or extremist content, empowering others to block them simultaneously.
**Feeds**, in contrast, are curated content streams, akin to personalized “For You” pages. There are Feeds dedicated to specific subjects like Science or Art, and additionally, algorithmically generated Feeds reflecting trending content. By subscribing to a Feed, you incorporate a new tab into your main timeline, alongside your Discover and Following feeds.
To simplify matters, Bluesky has recently rolled out **Starter Packs**, which recommend users and Feeds to assist new members in getting started. You can also create your own Starter Packs to help others discover accounts to follow. Just visit your profile and click the “Starter Packs” tab.
### Ready to Share?
Now that you’ve set everything up, it’s time to begin sharing. Bluesky posts are limited to 300 characters, and you can add photos, GIFs, and even short videos (up to 60 seconds). You can like posts by tapping the heart icon, repost content, or quote posts, just like you would on X.
And that’s it! You now have all the essentials to embark on your journey on Bluesky.