Should REALTORS® Join Bluesky: The Fast-Growing Twitter Alternative

Bluesky has emerged as a notable alternative to traditional platform X (formally known as Twitter). Founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky aims to provide users with greater control over their data and online interactions. As of November 2024, the platform has experienced significant growth, surpassing 15 million users.

With the rise in individuals joining the platform, it’s worth asking the question: Should REALTORS® join Bluesky, or is it just another rising social media platform that will inevitably stagger with low active users? Before answering this, let’s look at the history of Bluesky and its value proposition to social media users.

History of Bluesky

Bluesky originated as a project within Twitter, started by Jack Dorsey, and became an independent entity in 2021. Dorsey left the social platform’s board in May of 2024. Bluesky operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, emphasizing user control, privacy, and freedom of expression. The social media platform was built with the open source toolbox AT Protocol.

Like Clubhouse’s release back in 2020, Bluesky launched as an invite-only app on the Apple App Store in February 2023. By February 2024, the social media platform opened its registration to the public, allowing anyone to create an account and join the service. On November 12, 2024, the company stated that 1 million users had joined in the past week, which puts the totally users on the platform over 15 million.

The social media platform can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and it has a desktop version of the app as well.

Bluesky’s Vision

The company describes itself as a "social app designed not to be controlled by a single company." Their vision? A return to the open, innovative spirit of the early web, where users had the freedom to create and connect seamlessly. By embracing a decentralized model, they aim to foster a new era of experimentation and collaboration in social media.

User Experience and Features

Bluesky offers a user experience reminiscent of early Twitter, featuring a reverse chronological feed and greater user control over content. Its open-source, decentralized framework enables users to curate their experience using robust moderation tools.

When users first create their account, they select topics that interest them such as books, sports, photography, news, and so forth. Once the set-up process is complete, users are encouraged to like content they are interested in seeing, which helps Bluesky’s algorithm tailor your feed to your content preferences.

Posting on the platform works as expected: users can share videos, photos, GIFs, and text with a 300-character limit. Unlike Instagram’s Threads, another twitter like platform, users can use multiple hashtags.

Should REALTORS® Join Bluesky?

For REALTORS®, any new social media platform that starts to gain a larger user base presents an opportunity to be an early adopter and shape the discussions around the real estate industry and build its real estate community on the platform.

REALTORS® interested in being at the forefront should consider joining the platform sooner rather than later. While it will take time and effort to establish a presence and build the real estate community, the potential rewards include positioning yourself as an industry leader and generating new business opportunities.

Final Thoughts

While the platform doesn’t have the kind of user numbers of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Threads, Bluesky seems to have the recipe for consistent growth and success. Many social media users have grown frustrated with decisions made by larger platforms like Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). These frustrations often stem from concerns about data privacy, algorithm changes, and a lack of transparency in content moderation.

Only time will tell if Bluesky retains the fast-growing user base. But, for REALTORS® who are willing to put in the time and effort to be early adopters who cultivate and build the real estate community on the social platform, should consider joining the platform.