Sites Like Bluesky - The Best 9 Alternatives

Looking for other alternatives or sites like Bluesky? You’re not alone, discover the best 9 alternatives to Bluesky, featuring decentralized and open-source social media platforms for a better online experience.

Bluesky started as a fresh, decentralized take on social networking, but as it grows, some users are looking for something different—better features, stronger moderation, or just a more active community.

The 9 best alternatives or sites like Bluesky

Whether you want more customization, greater privacy, or a totally new vibe, there are plenty of options out there. Here are nine of the best alternatives or sites like Bluesky that might just become your next favorite social platform.

The 9 sites like Bluesky - Bluesky alternatives

Mastodon – ideal for authentic, community-driven conversations
X/Twitter – the closest experience to classic Bluesky
Threads – best for those already active on Facebook and Instagram
LinkedIn – a go-to platform for professionals and networking
Reddit – perfect for deep discussions and niche interests
Discord – great for building and engaging with tight-knit communities
Substack – the best choice for writers and newsletter enthusiasts
Pillowfort – designed for in-depth, long-form content sharing
Flashes - an Instagram alternative built on top of the Bluesky social network, best for sharing photo and videos with friends and family.

The best sites like bluesky at a glance

Looking for a fresh social media experience? These nine sites like Bluesky offer exciting new ways to connect, each with its own unique vibe.

While they may not be exact replacements for Bluesky, they embrace modern internet trends, prioritizing flexibility, community, and innovative engagement.

Whether you're into decentralized networks, niche communities, or cross-posting automation, there's something here for you. Effortlessly share, engage, and stay connected—let’s dive in...

Mastodon - best for organic interactions, it is a part of a federated network with nine other social media apps.
Twitter - a Bluesky clone with a custom feed curation.
Threads - best for Facebook and Instagram users...posts display to your Facebook and Instagram friends.
LinkedIn - best for businesses and professionals, has built-in job postings.
Reddit - best for nurturing your interests...has niche information you can't always find on other platforms.
Discord - best for fostering community, it has easy-to-set-up communities.
Substack - best for newsletter fans, it allows automatic notes for newsletters you follow.
Pillowfort - best for longer-form content, it has strong privacy settings for every post.
Flashes - best for photos and video sharing.

The best site like Bluesky for organic interactions

Mastodon

The 8 best Bluesky alternatives

Thinking of making the jump from Bluesky to Mastodon? Here's what you need to know...

Mastodon recently got a major update and is quickly becoming a top site like bluesky, with over 9 million active users. With its chronological feed, you get those organic interactions we all miss from the pre-algorithm days.

Plus, Mastodon is part of the Fediverse—a network of interconnected social platforms. This means you can cross-post and discover content from other Fediverse platforms right within Mastodon!

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, there's a bit of a learning curve since you'll need to choose a server to host your account when signing up. And, while we’re on the topic of servers, be cautious with direct messages—server owners can access DMs, so they aren’t fully private.

Mastodon pros:

You get up to 500 characters per post—way more breathing room than Twitter’s old 280-character limit. Say more without awkwardly splitting up your thoughts!
Edit button! Yep, you can edit your posts and replies, so no more stressing over typos or rushed wording.

Mastodon cons:

The DM system isn’t as secure as some might hope. Since direct messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, it’s best to keep sensitive convos elsewhere.

Ready to make the switch? Here's a simple guide on moving from Bluesky to Mastodon...

The best site like Bluesky for people looking for a Bluesky clone

X formerly called Twitter

If you're looking for a perfect site like Bluesky, then X might just be the best alternative. It has a massive user base, real-time conversations, and a familiar posting style—though with a bit more chaos. While Bluesky was originally designed as a decentralized Twitter alternative, Twitter itself remains the go-to platform for quick updates, trending discussions, and connecting with a global audience.

Of course, if decentralization is what you're after, you might prefer Mastodon or another federated network. But if you just want a similar experience without switching things up too much, Twitter is still the closest match.

Want to streamline your Bluesky experience? Check out some pre-made automation templates and make your social media life easier.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of using Twitter (X) as a Bluesky alternative:

Twitter pros

Massive user base – More people to interact with compared to Bluesky.
Real-time conversations – Great for breaking news, trending topics, and live discussions.
Familiar interface – If you’re used to Bluesky, Twitter won’t feel too different.
More features – DMs, Spaces (audio chats), polls, and more customization.
Easier to find people – Many public figures, brands, and influencers are still active.

Twitter cons

No decentralization – Unlike Bluesky, Twitter is fully controlled by one company.
Algorithm-driven feed – You don’t always see posts in chronological order.
More ads & paid features – Some features are locked behind Twitter Blue.
Can feel chaotic – More trolls, spam, and controversial discussions.
Policy changes – Platform rules and moderation policies can shift unpredictably.

If you’re looking for a direct Bluesky replica, Twitter isn't a perfect match, but it’s still the most similar in terms of user experience. If decentralization is your priority, you might want to explore Mastodon or other federated networks instead.

The best alternative or site like Bluesky for Meta users

Threads

If you're a Meta power user looking for the best site like Bluesky, Threads is your obvious choice.

Since its launch, Threads has positioned itself as Meta’s answer to Twitter (now X), integrating seamlessly with Instagram and offering a familiar, scrollable feed of text-based posts, images, and videos. But why is it the best alternative to Bluesky?

Why You Might Love Threads:

Your posts reach your Facebook & Instagram friends – If you’re already plugged into Meta’s ecosystem, this makes it super easy to stay connected.
Biggest user base – With millions of active users, you’ll have no trouble finding conversations to jump into.
Fediverse support – Threads is working on interoperability with Mastodon and other decentralized platforms, so you won’t be locked in.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Privacy concerns – Threads isn’t available in the European Union due to data regulations, which raises some questions about its data practices.
No chronological feed – Unlike Bluesky and Mastodon, Threads uses an algorithmic timeline, so you might not always see posts in real time.
At the end of the day, Threads is a solid pick if you want a seamless experience across Meta’s platforms and don’t mind an algorithm-driven feed. But if privacy is a big concern, you may want to weigh your options carefully.

Would you give Threads a shot, or are you sticking with something else?

The best sites like Bluesky for businesses and professionals

Dr Dupe Burgess posts on LinkedIn

If you're looking for an alternative to Bluesky, LinkedIn might not be the first platform that comes to mind—but hear me out! While Bluesky is all about decentralized social networking and open conversations, LinkedIn is the go-to place for professional networking, industry insights, and career growth. Let’s break it down.

Why LinkedIn stands out as one of the best sites like Bluesky

Even though LinkedIn isn’t a decentralized platform like Bluesky, it still offers a thriving space for discussions, networking, and building your personal brand. If your main goal on Bluesky was to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and grow your professional presence, LinkedIn might actually be a great fit.

Pros of LinkedIn

Established Professional Network – Unlike Bluesky, which is still growing, LinkedIn has been around for years and boasts millions of active users, including professionals from every industry.
Content Visibility & Engagement – The algorithm on LinkedIn promotes thoughtful discussions and valuable content, meaning your posts can gain good traction if they provide value.
Job & Business Opportunities – Unlike Bluesky, which is more of a social space, LinkedIn actively connects people with jobs, clients, and business opportunities.
Groups & Communities – You can join niche groups related to your interests and industry, much like the discussion-driven nature of Bluesky.
Multi-Format Content – Posts, articles, newsletters, videos, and even live events—LinkedIn gives you multiple ways to share content and engage.

Cons of LinkedIn

More Professional, Less Casual – If you loved Bluesky for its open, casual, and meme-friendly environment, LinkedIn might feel a bit too buttoned-up.
More Self-Promotion & Recruiters – Expect a lot of people trying to sell services, pitch jobs, or build their brand—which can sometimes feel a bit salesy.
Algorithm Limitations – Unlike Bluesky’s chronological timeline, LinkedIn's algorithm decides what you see, meaning you might miss out on posts from smaller creators.

If you enjoyed Bluesky for professional conversations and networking, LinkedIn is worth considering as an alternative. It offers structured ways to grow your personal brand, connect with industry leaders, and discover new opportunities. But if you’re more into the decentralized, free-flowing nature of Bluesky, LinkedIn might feel a bit too corporate.

What’s your take—do you think LinkedIn could be a solid Bluesky alternative for you?

The best sites like Bluesky for nurturing your interests

If you're looking for a site like Bluesky for nurturing interests, Reddit is a solid option—but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let's break it down in a friendly, no-nonsense way!

Reddit is completely free to use! You can browse, post, and comment without paying a dime. However, they do offer Reddit Premium, which removes ads and gives you some perks like a special avatar and access to an exclusive members-only subreddit. But honestly, most users get by just fine without paying.

Pros of Reddit as a Bluesky alternative

Huge Community Variety – Whatever you're into, there's probably a subreddit for it. From niche hobbies to serious discussions, Reddit has it all.
No Invite Needed – Unlike Bluesky (which used to require invites), anyone can sign up and start posting right away.
Upvote & Downvote System – This keeps quality content at the top and helps filter out low-effort posts.
Strong Anonymity – You don’t need to use your real name, making it easier to engage without worrying about privacy.
Active Discussions – Many subreddits have a fast-moving, engaged community, making it easy to get responses and join discussions.

Cons of Reddit compared to Bluesky

More Moderation, Less Free Speech – Subreddits have strict rules, and mods can remove posts or ban users if they don’t follow them. Bluesky, being more decentralized, gives users more control over their experience.
Algorithm-Heavy Feed – Unlike Bluesky’s chronological timeline, Reddit’s home feed is based on what the algorithm thinks you’ll like. This can be hit or miss.
Trolls & Spam – Like any large social platform, Reddit has its fair share of trolls, bots, and low-quality posts.

What makes Reddit stand out?

Reddit is community-driven, meaning discussions are highly organized by topic rather than being a free-flowing social feed. It’s great for in-depth conversations, Q&As, and finding people who share your interests. If you’re looking for a place to exchange ideas in structured, topic-based communities, Reddit might be the better fit over Bluesky.

That said, if you prefer a decentralized, Twitter-like experience where you follow individuals rather than communities, Bluesky may still be the better choice.

So, which one sounds better to you?

Sites like Bluesky for finding your community

Discord

Sites Like Bluesky - The Best 9 Alternatives

If you're looking for an alternative to Bluesky, Discord might be a solid option, depending on what you're after. While Bluesky is more of a decentralized Twitter-style platform, Discord is all about community-building through servers, voice chat, and organized discussions. Let’s break it down.

Why consider Discord over Bluesky?

Discord shines when it comes to real-time engagement and community interaction. Unlike Bluesky’s Twitter-like feed, Discord offers structured spaces (servers) where people can chat in different text channels, hop into voice calls, and even stream content. If your goal is tight-knit discussions and direct engagement, Discord is a fantastic alternative.

Pros of using Discord instead of Bluesky:

Strong Community Features – Organized channels, roles, and moderation tools make it great for building engaged groups.
Voice & Video Chat – Unlike Bluesky, Discord offers built-in voice calls, video meetings, and screen sharing.
Custom Bots & Automations – Tons of bots help with moderation, notifications, and even entertainment (music, games, etc.).
Better Privacy & Access Control – You can create invite-only servers or specific access roles for different users.
Multi-Purpose Use – It’s great for social networking, gaming communities, work collaboration, and hobby groups.

Cons of using Discord instead of Bluesky:

Less Discoverability – Bluesky’s open network makes it easier to find and follow new people, whereas Discord requires invites or link sharing.
Not a Public Social Feed – If you like the Twitter-style timeline and public posts, Discord doesn’t really offer that.
Can Be Overwhelming – Large servers with tons of channels can get messy if not well-managed.
Requires an App for Best Experience – While there’s a web version, the app (desktop or mobile) is much smoother to use.

If you’re looking for public social networking with discoverability, Bluesky still has the edge. But if you want deeper engagement, real-time discussions, and strong community features, Discord is one of the best alternatives. It’s perfect for niche groups, hobby communities, or even professional networking in a more controlled environment.

Would you consider making the switch, or are you looking for something else?

Perfect alternative or sites like Bluesky for newsletter fans

Substack

Doomberg's post on Substack

If you’re a newsletter fan looking for an alternative to Bluesky, Substack might not be the first platform that comes to mind, but it could actually be a solid choice—depending on what you’re after.

Let’s break it down...

Why consider Substack instead of Bluesky?

Bluesky is all about decentralized, open social media, similar to Twitter. Substack, on the other hand, is primarily a newsletter and blogging platform with built-in social features. While they serve different core functions, Substack is becoming more of a community-driven space, offering a more controlled and engaged way to interact with an audience.

Pros of using Substack instead of Bluesky:

More Control Over Your Content – On Substack, you own your email list and can take your subscribers with you if you ever decide to leave. Unlike Bluesky, where your content is tied to the platform, Substack gives you direct access to your readers.
Built-in Monetization – Substack makes it super easy to charge for subscriptions, letting you earn directly from your writing without relying on ads or algorithms to get visibility.
Long-Form Engagement – While Bluesky is great for quick posts and conversations, Substack is better suited for deep dives, storytelling, and analysis. If you want meaningful engagement rather than fleeting likes and reposts, Substack is a great fit.
Social Features Are Growing – Substack has introduced “Notes,” which acts as a more social feed for quick updates, discussions, and interactions—kind of like a Twitter/Bluesky-lite experience within the platform.

Cons of using Substack instead of Bluesky:

Not Ideal for Instant, Real-Time Interaction – Unlike Bluesky, where conversations happen in real time, Substack is more about periodic posts and discussions through comments and email responses.
Less Discoverability for Newcomers – Bluesky’s open timeline lets anyone find and engage with your posts, while Substack relies more on organic growth, recommendations, and paid promotions to gain subscribers.
More Writing, Less Microblogging – If you prefer quick, casual posting over long-form content, Substack might feel like a bit more effort.

What makes Substack stand out as the best alternative?

The biggest advantage of Substack is that it gives creators full ownership of their audience while still offering community-building tools. If you’re looking to foster deeper conversations, create long-term value, and potentially monetize your content, Substack is a strong alternative to fast-paced social media platforms like Bluesky.

That said, it really depends on what you need. If real-time discussions and viral potential are your priority, Bluesky (or even Mastodon or Threads) might be better. But if you want a direct, controlled, and monetizable way to build an engaged audience, Substack is worth considering.

Would you pick Substack over Bluesky? Or are you thinking of using both?

Perfect alternatives or sites like Bluesky for longer-form content

Pillowfort

If you're a long-form content fan looking for an alternative to Bluesky, Pillowfort might be on your radar. It's a lesser-known but interesting platform that offers a mix of social networking and blogging, making it stand out in a few ways. Let’s break it down!

What makes Pillowfort a solid alternative to Bluesky?

Pillowfort is designed for users who want more control over their content and how they interact with others. Unlike Bluesky, which is focused on decentralized social networking, Pillowfort leans more toward a hybrid between Tumblr and classic web forums, offering a more customizable blogging experience.

Pros of Pillowfort:

More Privacy & Content Control – You can restrict who sees your posts and even filter comments to control discussions better.
Flexible Posting – It supports long-form content, images, and discussions—great for creators, writers, and fandom communities.
Community-Oriented – Pillowfort fosters tight-knit niche communities where people can engage in deeper discussions, rather than just quick posts and replies.
No Algorithm Dictating Your Feed – Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, your feed is chronological, meaning you see posts in the order they were made, not what an algorithm decides you should see.

Cons of Pillowfort:

Not Fully Decentralized – Unlike Bluesky, which runs on the AT Protocol, Pillowfort is still a centralized platform, meaning content is hosted on its own servers, not user-run instances.
Paywall for New Accounts – There’s a small one-time fee (around $5) to join, which helps keep the platform sustainable but might be a barrier for some users.
Limited User Base – It’s still a smaller community, so you might not find the same level of engagement or trending discussions as on bigger platforms like Bluesky or Mastodon.

So, is Pillowfort the best alternative to Bluesky?

It depends on what you're looking for! If you love decentralized networking, Bluesky still has the edge. But if you want a social space that prioritizes content control, community discussions, and flexible posting, Pillowfort is a strong alternative—especially for artists, writers, and fandom groups.

Would you give Pillowfort a shot, or are you looking for something closer to Bluesky’s decentralized model?

Sites like Bluesky for sharing photos and videos

Flashes

Flashes is one of the best alternative to Bluesky, it's also a perfect Instagram alternative. It is a dedicated photo and video-sharing app designed for the Bluesky social network. It offers an intuitive experience tailored to sharing visual content, much like other popular media-sharing platforms.

You can use this social media platform to create, edit, and post anything visual and images. Built by Berlin-based developer Sebastian Vogelsang, Flashes runs on the same underlying protocol that powers Bluesky, the AT Protocol (or atproto for short).

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