X-alternative platform Bluesky is now open to all users

If you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to try out Bluesky, championed as the decentralized version of Twitter, now’s your chance.

After almost a year as an invite-only app, the Jack Dorsey-backed social media platform is now open to everyone.

Bluesky was designed to be a far more helpful alternative to Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter. According to the app: “Here, your experience online isn’t controlled by a single company. Whether it’s your timeline or content filters, on Bluesky, you can easily customize your social experience. This month, we’ll be rolling out an experimental early version of “federation,” or the feature that makes the network so open and customizable. On Bluesky, you’ll have the freedom to choose (and the right to leave) instead of being held to the whims of private companies or black box algorithms. And wherever you go, your friends and relationships can go with you.”

Bluesky has also emphasized its various features that puts users in control of their social media experience. These include:

• Stackable Moderation Services, which will allow users to stack more options on top of their existing moderation preferences.
• An open social network, meaning that Bluesky will be rolling out an experimental early version of “federation,” or the feature that makes the network so open and customizable

Before opening to the public, the platform had about 3 million sign-ups. Now, it will likely get a considerable boost over the next few weeks, with several users clamoring for a change from Musk’s X. The one question that remains is: will it work?

In theory, users will be able to establish a single online presence, including their personal data, activity insights, friend lists and many more, which they can then transfer to another app whenever they chose. People will also be able to customize their experience as they see it. However, in practice, several decentralized communities have run into trouble once they reach a certain scale.

Bluesky’s novelty means that only time will tell if it will succumb to the same pressures as other channels or if it will be able to successfully counter potential challenges and position itself as a bold and ingenious alternative to the X and other social media channels.

If you’re interested in joining Bluesky, read their Faq here.