People have had enough with social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram that are data-driven algorithms and extensive tracking. That’s exactly how Bluesky social comes into sight, with the promise that you can directly control your experience, and more importantly, your privacy. But for people who are not familiar with this platform, what is Bluesky and why should you care? Is it safe? Should you jump into this? Let’s take a closer look and see how this new platform is shaking things up.
What is Bluesky Exactly?
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform that puts users in control. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, which are owned by big companies, Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol — an open-source framework that allows different platforms to interact while remaining independent.
What does this mean for you, I mean, as a user?
Well, it means that Bluesky social doesn’t have a single corporate owner calling the shots (Yes, I am talking about Elon Musk). Instead, it’s more of a community-driven network where content moderation, algorithms, and data privacy are in the hands of the users and their chosen servers (or “instances”).
For exmaple, you can choose how your feed is organized and what kind of content moderation happens on the platform. You can also mute specific words, tags, and even accounts to fine-tune what shows up in your feed. Some servers might have stricter rules, while others could be more laid-back. You can make these decisions on Bluesky all on yourselves, offering a unique, customizable experience compared to what you might be used to on traditional social media platforms.
So now that you know a bit about what is Bluesky, let’s move on to a big question a lot of people have when considering a new platform: Is Bluesky safe?
Is Bluesky Safe?
When it comes to any social media platform, safety and privacy are top concerns.
Then, is Bluesky safe?
With Bluesky’s decentralized structure, the platform has built-in protections that limit the amount of control any single entity has over your data. Unlike Twitter, where all your data is stored in a central server controlled by one company, Bluesky allows users to choose which instance they want to be part of, and how their data is managed. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to privacy — you get to make decisions based on your comfort level.
Let’s be real, though: even the best platforms come with some risks. Since Bluesky is still growing, not every instance may have the same level of security. It’s important to choose one that has solid privacy policies in place. Additionally, the freedom of decentralized moderation means some instances may have looser rules when it comes to content, so it’s a good idea to make sure the community you’re joining aligns with your personal values.
In short, Bluesky is safe, especially if you take some standard precautions like using a strong password and being mindful of your privacy settings. As it evolves, we can expect even more features to ensure your data stays secure and under your control.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of safety, let’s address a common question many Twitter users have: how do you transfer followers from Twitter to Bluesky?
How to Transfer Followers from Twitter to Bluesky
If you’re someone who’s used Twitter for a while, you definitely cannot give up followers who you have contributed time and energy to. Then is there an easy way to bring your followers along once you decide to move to Bluesky?
While Bluesky doesn’t have an automatic tool to migrate your followers from Twitter directly (yet). To transfer followers from Twitter to Bluesky, there are still several ways and tools to help out.
1. Sky Follower Bridge
Sky Follower Bridge is a handy extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. The extension allows you to find and follow people on Twitter by searching for matches of handle, username, and any names in the bio. It can’t search for all Twitter followers at once, so you can use the Find More button at the bottom of the current results. Though not one-click transfer, it’s much easier than searching them one by one on Bluesky.
To use it, you can follow these steps:
- Install the Sky Follower Bridge extension for Chrome or Firefox
- Go to your Twitter Follower, Follow, or block page
- Press Alt + B or click the toolbar icon to launch the Sky Follower Bridge
- Enter your Bluesky login email or handle and app password
- Click Find Bluesky Users
- Click Follow to follow each user
You can also try these other methods to move your followers from Twitter to Bluesky:
Start by simply sharing your Bluesky handle in a tweet or on your Twitter bio. This will let your followers know where they can find you on the new platform. It’s a simple way to invite them to join you.
3. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
If you have other social media accounts (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.), share your Bluesky handle there too! The more places you put it, the more people will be able to follow you.
4. Engage and Invite
Regularly post about your Bluesky experiences on Twitter. Mention that you’re active on Bluesky and invite your followers to join you in exploring this new, exciting space. Some of your Twitter followers will likely make the switch.
By putting in a little extra effort to cross-promote, you’ll gradually start to build a following on Bluesky, just like you did on Twitter.
Okay, now that we know how to make the switch, let’s continue with some privacy and usage issues related to Bluesky.
Let’s start with one of the most asked questions: does your birthday show on Bluesky since this is a necessary information required when you register for Bluesky.
Does Your Birthday Show on Bluesky?
The good news is, Bluesky doesn’t display your birthday by default. Unlike Facebook, where birthdays are often front and center, Bluesky allows you to control what information you share.
This focus on user privacy is part of what makes Bluesky appealing to people who are concerned about the amount of personal data traditional platforms collect and share.
Now, let’s say you want to make your interactions more visible to others on Bluesky. Perhaps you’d like to make your likes public — how do you do that?
How to Make Likes Public on Bluesky
On Bluesky, likes are automatically public by default, meaning you don’t need to take any specific action to make them visible to others; anyone can see what posts you’ve liked on your profile as it’s a core feature of the platform.
Okay, now that we’ve covered some settings and personal preferences, let’s talk about something that might be on your mind: Who famous has joined Bluesky?
Who Famous Has Been Attracted to Bluesky?
Bluesky isn’t just attracting everyday users; it’s also caught the attention of some high-profile celebrities and influencers who are increasingly drawn to its decentralized approach and user-centric design. These well-known figures are motivated by Bluesky’s promise of greater privacy, security, and control over their online experience—something that’s becoming more valuable in today’s world of social media giants.
For example, actor Jamie Lee Curtis, known for her candid and often outspoken online presence, has publicly shared her move to Bluesky. She’s not alone in making the switch. Other big names, including Stephen King, Mark Hamill, Lizzo, Gabrielle Union, and Ben Stiller, have also joined the platform.
These personalities are choosing Bluesky for a variety of reasons, but they all seem to appreciate the platform’s focus on privacy, transparency, and the ability to have more control over the type of content they engage with. It’s a refreshing alternative to the larger, more commercialized platforms that often put profits over user experience. By joining Bluesky, these influential figures are not just exploring a new social media space—they’re also sending a message about the importance of user autonomy and freedom of expression in the digital age.
Now that you have a better understanding of the people flocking to Bluesky, let’s look at some of the features that help you stay connected and keep up with the latest on the platform. For example, how can you see what’s trending in Bluesky?
How Can I See What is Trending in Bluesky?
If you’re familiar with X (Previous Twitter), you know that trending topics are a great way to stay updated on the latest buzz. But there is no “Trending” category in Bluesky.
Then how can you see what’s popular especially if you are FOMO? No worries. To see what’s trending on Bluesky, you can:
- Access the “Discover” feature within the app, which highlights trending topics and suggested users
- Use the search bar to find trending hashtags or topics or specific topics.
- Follow some dedicated accounts like “@trend-words-en.bsky.social” that specifically display and share trending words or topics on the platform.
Now that you’re connected to what’s trending, let’s dive into how to save people in Bluesky feeds so you can keep track of your favorite users.
How to Save People in Bluesky Feeds?
To “save” people on Bluesky, it basically means you want to create a curated list of accounts to follow. All you need to do is:
1. Go to your profile and navigate to the “Lists” section, then click on “New” on your dashboard.
2. Fill in the necessary information such as the name and description of this feed.
3. Add specific users you want to the group together and view their posts separately from your main feed. Simply start adding people by searching their name.
4. Click on Pin to home so that when you choose #Feeds in the left side bar, you’ll see people you’ve saved as Bluesky feeds. This works no matter if you have followed the person or not.
Okay, now for the big question: Is it better to join Bluesky or Mastodon?
Is It Better to Join Bluesky or Mastodon?
When it comes to decentralized social media, both Bluesky and Mastodon are fantastic options, but which one is right for you depends on what you value most. From What is Bluesky, you can see it’s a platform sleek, user-friendly, and backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. It focuses on providing a simplified and customizable experience. On the other hand, Mastodon is more established and offers a wider range of features and communities.
To put it simply:
- Join Bluesky social if you’re looking for a new, streamlined platform that’s easy to use, with a focus on simplicity and privacy.
- Join Mastodon if you prefer a more feature-rich platform with a wider selection of communities and a longer history.
Now, before you go, there’s one final question: Do you need a VPN for Bluesky?
Do You Need a VPN for Bluesky?
In most cases, VPN is not strictly “necessary” for basic Bluesky usage. However it can be beneficial for added privacy and security on the Internet (Bluesky might be safe), especially if you are concerned about your online activity being tracked or if you need to access Bluesky in a region where it might be blocked.
Here are some key reasons for using a VPN for Bluesky like Bear VPN:
Privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing third parties from seeing your online activity on Bluesky, including the posts you like, comments you make, and who you follow.
Geo-restrictions: If Bluesky is blocked in your region, a VPN can allow you to access it by connecting to a server in a different location.
ISP throttling: Some ISPs may throttle your internet speed when you use certain platforms like social media; a VPN can help prevent this.
Conclusion
So, what is Bluesky, and is it worth the switch? In a nutshell, Bluesky is a fresh take on social media, offering a decentralized, user-driven experience. With a focus on privacy, freedom, and customization, it’s an exciting platform for anyone who values control over their social media experience. Whether you’re wondering about how to transfer followers from Twitter to Bluesky, who’s famous on Bluesky, or how to customize your feed, we’ve covered all the essential details to get you started.
If you’re looking for a platform where you can truly have a say in how your social media works — and you care about privacy and user control — Bluesky with Bear VPN might just be the place for you.
