Bluesky vs. X (Twitter): A Look at the Key Differences

Discover the key differences between Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter). From decentralization and open-source features to content moderation and monetization, explore which platform might be right for you.

Bluesky has become a hot topic once again as a possible alternative to X (formerly known as Twitter), but are they comparable? While both platforms have the idea of microblogging, the base on which they stand, the purpose for which they are made, and the options available in the two platforms are two separate entities. Further, let’s analyze how Bluesky is different and if it is something more than an imitation of X as it evolves.

What is Bluesky?

Bluesky was founded by Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter, and has been developed as an in-house application at Twitter since 2019. Dorsey desired to establish a platform that would improve the meaning of microblogging and social media in general. By the year 2022, Bluesky became a stand-alone company, as it was finally taken out of Twitter. It was also privately accessible until 2024 but became open for anybody to join in.

Bluesky was founded on the same idea as Twitter, but it differs slightly in some aspects. The posts are limited to one post per thought or idea, and the pic only allows 300 characters. You can share text, images, and videos, and it allows for the construction of personal feeds with the update based on the number of different users you opt to follow, which is a feature X lacks at the moment. Bluesky is not a commitment to copying X, but to improving it and turning microblogging into an even better system of communication.

Bluesky vs. X 

Bluesky’s Vision

It’s easy to dismiss Bluesky as just another X clone, especially when both platforms share a similar user interface and basic functions. But that would defeat the purpose of Bluesky. Whereas X functions like a centralized system, Bluesky was developed based on the decentralized model. It is federated, which means that users can run self-hosted servers, and different communities can exist out there. Compared to file hosting services, these servers are more customizable when it comes to sharing content and moderation and, therefore, empower the users.

This decentralization means that Bluesky has the opportunity to foster specific interest groups of people, giving a new experience compared to what X offers in broad feed experiences. If your X timeline appears mostly as an aggregation of random chatter, Bluesky’s segmented feeds may help. Besides, those users who are in need more personalized options in terms of content have an opportunity to choose; Bluesky’s approach looks more favorable.

Open-Source vs. Closed-Source

The largest specific difference between Bluesky and X concerns source code: Bluesky public: Bluesky is an open-source website, which means anyone has the ability to check, edit, or scrutinize its source code. This makes Bluesky more transparent and gives developers a chance to discover problems, provide changes, and pick up expertise from others’ mistakes. This is a major benefit for those who appreciate open-sourced projects and the ability to build a fully community-driven platform.

Meanwhile, X, for instance, runs on an opposite model, which is the closed-source one. Even though X has been attempting to open some aspects of its recommendation algorithm in 2023, most of the source codes are still closed. The company also lacked frequent updates on open-source projects, which means that the community was unable to follow any changes easily. For developers and users who are concerned about the ostensible opaqueness and menace of Facebook’s platform, the open-source character of Bluesky is more advantageous.

Content Moderation

Another problem is content moderation, where Bluesky and X have different approaches. As a tool for user interaction with online content, Bluesky offers the opportunity to set individual moderation rules. Thereby, you can block special content or even apply filterations that other individuals have developed; thus, you can adjust the feed according to your preference. Further, moderation policies also vary from server to server, which means that those servers that people acknowledge as overly puritan can set and implement stricter moderation policies.

X, being a centralized platform, also has general moderation rules covering all persons using it. On the one hand, this results in the creation of a set of rules for various devices, and on the other – the limitation of freedom for users who want to manage which content they consume. Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, now named X, there have been changes to moderation policies for certain types of posts. This change also has brought up more issue-related content, which is good for some people as it consists of the ‘free speech’ policy the platform offers, while not so suitable for others.

Ads and Monetization

Another area where Bluesky and X diverge is in their approach to monetization. X has regrettably become almost entirely ad-focused since its rebranding, with ads constantly forced on users. For instance, through premium subscriptions, Musk has added features such as verification or longer post lengths, which users can use. To some, these changes have made X less desirable, as it now appears to be more of a place where the wealth is funneled.

Bluesky, on the other hand, currently does not have ads and does not offer a subscription model where users pay for pro. The platform still receives funding from investors, and to the best of its current state, users do not have to incur extra charges to enjoy extra privileges or extra services accounted for on the platform. This makes it fair in a way where everyone has an equal experience despite the amount of money put into it. For users tired of X’s monetized features, Bluesky’s ad-free experience may seem like a breath of fresh air.

Conclusion

Although Bluesky and X may seem similar initially, the distinctions lie in the decentralized structure, open-source system, possibility to adjust feeds, absence of ads, and paid options in Bluesky. Bluesky is not as developed as X in terms of features or user base, but a dedicated focus on decentralization and user ownership of data makes Bluesky a viable alternative for those who want a more left-field social media experience.

Finally, Bluesky’s vision is far from being a mere imitation of X. It is a safer, more adaptable option that is more definite and does not shroud its primary user objective, which might be attractive to particular users who need social media to feel more deliberate and less haphazard. If one compares the worth and features between X and Bluesky, these differences may be enough to make the switch.

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