Decentralized Twitter Rival Bluesky Opens to the Public
Bluesky, a decentralized Twitter alternative, has announced that its app is now available to the general public. The platform, similar to Twitter, allows users to share text and media posts with followers. It is built on a decentralized protocol that cannot be censored and does not collect user data. The AT Protocol, which underlies Bluesky, will eventually enable users to transfer their personal data to other servers within a network federation.
From Twitter Spin-Off to Independent Company
Originally developed within Twitter by former CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky later became an independent company. After Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, Bluesky positioned itself as a user-focused alternative to the social media giant.
Millions of Users Despite Invite-Only Beta
Since its beta launch in March last year, Bluesky has attracted over three million users. Previously, users needed an invite code to create an account, but now anyone can sign up for free through the app.
Rise of Farcaster and Decentralized Social Media
Farcaster, another decentralized social media platform, has gained popularity recently among tech and crypto enthusiasts. It offers features like minting NFTs, making purchases, and playing games within the social media feed. While Farcaster currently has over 139,000 users compared to Bluesky’s reported signups, its technical user experience caters more to crypto-savvy individuals.
The Battle Against Twitter Continues
Since Elon Musk made controversial changes at Twitter, many competitors have emerged aiming to dethrone the platform. These alternatives highlight decentralized technology as a solution for censorship, privacy concerns, and bot activity. However, none have successfully surpassed Twitter, which remains the leading text-based social media app with over 500 million monthly active users.
Challenges in Retaining Users
Competing platforms like Bluesky have struggled to retain users after their initial sign-ups. Despite endorsements from public figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Kumail Nanjiani, who joined Bluesky during its beta phase, these individuals have not posted on the platform in several months. Jack Dorsey, the founder of Bluesky, appears to have deleted his account as well.
Hot Take: The Quest for a Decentralized Social Media Champion Continues
The battle for a decentralized social media champion is ongoing, with Bluesky and Farcaster emerging as viable alternatives to Twitter. While they offer unique features and focus on user-centric experiences, they have yet to surpass Twitter’s massive user base. However, as more people seek alternatives to traditional social media platforms, the demand for decentralized options may continue to grow. Only time will tell if Bluesky or Farcaster can become the sought-after solution for those looking for uncensored and privacy-focused social media experiences.
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