Bluesky: More Than a Twitter Clone, A Celebration of the Open Web

In the ever-evolving world of social media, Bluesky has quickly gained a reputation as "the new Twitter" for its similar look and feel. However, to brand Bluesky as merely a Twitter clone misses the point of what makes it revolutionary: its embrace of openness, decentralization, and the natural flow of the web.

As a growing number of users migrate to Bluesky, particularly in the last month, many haven’t yet fully grasped the platform’s potential to redefine social media. The features and values of Bluesky go far beyond retweets and pithy posts. This is a platform that celebrates the web as it was meant to be—a place for creativity, connection, and control.

The Open Web, Reimagined

Bluesky isn’t just another walled garden for social interaction; it’s built on the AT Protocol, a framework designed to enable decentralized social media. This means users are not locked into Bluesky as a company or app. The infrastructure invites diverse clients and tools to interact with the same network, just like different email providers can send and receive messages seamlessly.

One of the most significant implications of this openness is how Bluesky handles identity and domains. Unlike platforms that verify your identity by granting you a blue checkmark, Bluesky allows you to use your own domain as your handle. This isn’t just a clever trick for self-verification—it’s a transformative step toward reclaiming your presence on the web.

Your Domain, Your Identity

Using your domain as your handle, like @yourname.com, is a reminder that your online identity belongs to you, not the platform. For creators, professionals, or anyone building a personal brand, this approach creates a seamless bridge between your activity on Bluesky and your personal space online.

When people click on your handle, it’s more than a profile—they’re one step closer to discovering your personal website, blog, portfolio, or store. Bluesky provides the infrastructure to elevate your personal corner of the internet to a wider audience, giving new life to your online presence in an era where many domains sit idle as mere placeholders.

It’s a return to the early days of the web when blogs, forums, and independent sites formed a rich tapestry of personal expression. Bluesky’s ethos actively encourages external links, an act of faith in the web itself. It doesn’t penalize you for leading people away from the platform but instead rewards the authentic connections you make by doing so.

In today’s social media landscape, external links often feel like a threat—platforms deprioritize them to keep users glued to their feeds. But Bluesky flips the script. By celebrating external links, Bluesky fosters a healthier ecosystem where social media becomes a hub for discovery rather than a destination.

When you link out to a blog post, article, or project, you’re enriching your audience’s experience and inviting them into your world beyond the Bluesky timeline. This openness aligns with the AT Protocol’s vision: making the web a place where connections flow freely.

Building a More Intentional Social Media

Bluesky’s commitment to decentralization and the open web challenges us to rethink how we use social media. It’s not about going viral or chasing algorithms; it’s about crafting a presence that reflects who you are and what you care about. Your handle is more than a username—it’s an invitation to explore your unique corner of the web.

The question for new users isn’t just “How do I use Bluesky like I used Twitter?” It’s “How can I use Bluesky to build bridges—to my personal site, my projects, and my ideas?”

For those still finding their footing on Bluesky, now is the perfect time to experiment. Claim your domain, add meaningful links, and start curating an online presence that’s authentically yours. It’s not just about having a platform—it’s about reclaiming what the web has always been meant to be: yours.