Bluesky vs. X (Twitter): Similarities and Differences

Bluesky has emerged as a popular alternative to X (formerly Twitter) in recent weeks. In just one week, Bluesky has added over 1 million new users pushing its total user base to 15 million. But should you follow suit and ditch X (Twitter) for Bluesky?

In this article, we’ll break down the features, strengths, and drawbacks of both Bluesky and X to help you decide which social media app suits your needs better.

Similarities Between Bluesky and X

Before diving into the differences, let’s first examine what they have in common. Both Bluesky and X are micro-blogging social media apps that share several core features. Here’s what you can expect from both:

1. User Interface: Both have a similar layout on their mobile and web apps, making it easy for users to transition between them. From the feed, post page, profile page, and even the posting process, the design and navigation systems feel familiar on both micro-blogging platforms.
2. Media: Both X and Bluesky let you upload images, videos, GIFs, etc. While X allows you 50MB files for both images and videos for free, Bluesky allows 1MB files and 60-second long videos. The only difference is that on X, you can upload up to 140 seconds long videos if it is under 50MB.
3. Reply Settings: You get privacy settings that dictate who can reply to your posts, giving you greater control over your interactions and privacy. This option appears while drafting a post, allowing you to customize reply settings for each post individually.
4. Core Engagement Features: Both let you like, reply, repost, and quote-share posts. You can also see engagement numbers like likes and replies. Even the placement of these options is the same, so interacting with posts feels similar on both.
5. Availability: They are available on Android, iOS, and the web. However, neither offers an official desktop app.
6. Communities: Both Bluesky and X allow users to join interest-based groups where people share posts on related topics. Bluesky calls it Feeds.
7. Direct Messages: You can send messages or DMs to others. You have control over who can message you.

Bluesky (left) / X (right)

Where Bluesky Takes the Lead

The basic functionality and UI may feel similar on both but they are far from identical. Here’s what sets Bluesky apart and the advantages it offers over X:

1. Decentralized: Bluesky is decentralized, offering users more control and the ability to choose their own rules with moderation tools. In contrast, X is controlled by a single company that determines its moderation rules. This centralized control can sometimes result in unfair removal of certain posts.
2. No Ads: Bluesky is ad-free, allowing users to scroll through their feeds without being bombarded by promotional posts. This creates a cleaner, distraction-free experience. In contrast, X is filled with ads and requires a monthly subscription to provide the same ad-free experience.
3. Character Limit: On Bluesky, you can post up to 300 characters, slightly more than X’s 280-character limit. While X does offer longer posts, this feature is locked behind a subscription paywall. For free users, Bluesky provides a clear advantage with its extended character limit at no extra cost.
4. Translation Feature: Both Bluesky and X let you translate posts, but they handle it differently. On X, you can only translate posts when the option appears, and it’s limited to the language you’ve set in your settings. Bluesky does it better. It always shows a translation option, uses Google Translate, and even lets you pick the language you want.
5. Free of Cost: Bluesky is open-source, decentralized, and completely free. It’s not focused on making money yet, offering the same experience to all users without any paywalls. On the other hand, X has a subscription model for features like ad-free browsing, editing and longer posts, and extended video uploads. If you value those extra features, X has an edge. But if you prefer a fair, free platform where everyone gets the same experience, Bluesky stands out.
6. Starter Packs: Bluesky has a feature called **’Starter Packs’** that lets users share groups of people and feed they follow. New users can browse these packs and follow some or all of the suggestions, making it super easy to discover interesting content and get started without any hassle. X does not offer any such feature. 

Where X (Twitter) Still Reigns Supreme

X has its own set of advantages that make it stand out. Here’s what gives X an edge over Bluesky:

1. Broad User Base and Reach: There are approximately 611 million active monthly users on X at the time of writing this article. Whereas there are only 15 million users on Bluesky. So you can find most people you want to follow on X. Even posts will have better reach on X compared to Bluesky. 
2. Monetization: X might have ads, but it also offers ad-revenue sharing for content creators so you can monetize your content though how much you actually make is up for debate. In contrast, Bluesky focuses on providing an ad-free experience but doesn’t offer any monetization options for creators. Another way to monetize content is through subscriptions where your followers pay monthly fee to access exclusive content that you share with members.
3. Hashtags and Trending: Hashtags are a big part of X, allowing users to see trending topics and engage with ongoing conversations. This also helps your content reach a wider audience. Bluesky, however, lacks hashtag support, making it harder to discover trending topics or follow conversations on specific subjects.
4. Polls and Scheduling: You can create polls and schedule posts on X which are useful for increasing engagement and managing content without needing third-party tools. Bluesky does not currently offer these features, limiting some engagement possibilities.
5. View Count and Analytics: X displays the number of views on each post, a feature that Bluesky doesn’t have. Additionally, X offers detailed analytics for your posts, providing insights into their performance. In contrast, Bluesky currently doesn’t provide any performance metrics or analytics for posts.
6. Subscriptions: X’s subscription model offers benefits like being able to edit posts, write longer posts, and upload longer videos, which can be useful for users who want more from their social media presence. Bluesky doesn’t have similar subscription benefits, keeping its features simple and accessible.

Must Read:

• How to Make X (Twitter) Account Private or Public
• What Do Symbols and Icons Mean on Twitter AKA X
• What Happens When You Block Someone on X (Formerly Twitter)

Bluesky vs X (Twitter)

Here’s a quick table summarizing everything.

X (Twitter) vs Bluesky

Bluesky and X each have their strengths and drawbacks. Bluesky’s decentralized approach and ad-free experience appeal to users looking for privacy and more control over their social network. But its smaller user base and lack of popular features like hashtags may limit your reach.

On the other hand, X offers monetization opportunities, powerful engagement tools, and a larger audience, but it comes at the cost of centralized control and inconsistent moderation. Plus, not all your favorite creators have yet decided to move away from X.

So, have you tried Bluesky recently?

Ravi Teja KNTS

Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi's writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he's not breaking down the latest tech, he's often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.