Is the grass greener on the other side? We can’t say for sure, but the sky is definitely bluer. Since Elon Musk took over Twitter (now X), people have been searching for new social media homes. Enter Bluesky, the decentralized app that’s quickly becoming a favorite for those looking to escape X’s drama.

What’s Bluesky All About?
Bluesky is a social network that feels a lot like the old Twitter but with a twist. Built on the open-source AT Protocol, it offers algorithmic choice and community-driven moderation. Think of it as Twitter 2.0—clean, customizable, and free from corporate meddling.

Why Are People Switching?
Bluesky’s surge in popularity isn’t random. Changes at X, like tweaks to the block feature and AI training on user posts, pushed people to explore alternatives. Bluesky also got a boost after the 2024 U.S. presidential election—and yes, even Taylor Swift fans jumped ship. With 30 million users as of February 2025, Bluesky is making waves, though it still trails behind Meta’s Threads.

How Does It Work?
Signing up is simple: create a handle, pick a display name, and start posting. You can share 256-character updates, add photos, and even customize your feed with “custom algorithms.” Bluesky’s “Discover” tab helps you find trending content and people to follow. Plus, the app now supports one-to-one DMs and is testing a Trending Topics feature.

Who’s Using It?
From politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to celebs like Guillermo del Toro, Bluesky has become a hub for influential figures. News outlets like Bloomberg and The Washington Post are also on board, making it a go-to platform for staying informed.

Is It Free?
Yes, and it’s open to everyone. Bluesky plans to stay free by exploring paid features like custom domains and a subscription service called Bluesky+, which could include perks like better video quality and profile customization.

How Is It Different From X?
Bluesky’s decentralized nature sets it apart. Unlike X, it doesn’t plan to use your data to train AI. It also prioritizes user safety with features like email verification and advanced moderation tools. And while it’s still catching up to X in some areas, its focus on transparency and user control makes it a strong contender.

What About Controversies?
Like any platform, Bluesky has faced its share of issues, particularly around moderation. Critics have called out its handling of offensive content and lack of robust protections for marginalized users. However, the company is working to improve its systems, including expanding its moderation team and developing tools like Ozone for independent community moderation.

Is Bluesky the Future?
Only time will tell. But with its user-first approach and innovative features, Bluesky is definitely one to watch. Ready to give it a try? Follow TechCrunch on Bluesky and join the conversation!