Social media is shifting. Jessi Healey breaks down the variations between Threads and Bluesky that can assist you discover the platform that matches your type and targets.
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Social media customers have been leaving X (the platform previously referred to as Twitter) for a while, however current occasions have accelerated the migration. Issues over the platform’s administration and controversial political affiliations have pushed many to hunt options that higher align with their values and wishes.
In response to NPR and Similarweb knowledge, Bluesky gained over one million customers day by day following the U.S. election, pushing its complete person base to twenty million. Equally, Threads has continued to develop steadily since its 2023 launch, boasting a strong 275 million lively customers.
With Bluesky lately topping the App Retailer within the social media class, it’s clear these platforms are gaining traction as X customers search options.
Are you contemplating a transfer to Threads, Bluesky or each? Whether or not you’re prepared to depart X or simply in search of a contemporary social media expertise, right here’s what it’s essential to find out about these platforms to find out which — if both — suits your online business.
What they’ve in widespread
Threads and Bluesky had been designed as options to X, specializing in written content material reasonably than pictures or movies. Threaded posts — the place conversations unfold in a steady, nested format — are central to their performance, and Threads takes its identify from this function.
Key similarities
- Written-first interface: Each prioritize text-based engagement.
- Group-driven focus: Their lack of paid promoting (for now) fosters much less promotional, extra conversational environments.
Nonetheless, manufacturers that thrive on these platforms concentrate on engagement reasonably than promotion. Success requires taking part in discussions, providing worth and contributing authentically reasonably than overtly promoting providers.
These platforms will not be the fitting match for many who aren’t snug with social media or don’t take pleasure in participating with written content material.
Professional Tip: Earlier than posting, observe every platform’s tradition. Conserving with the vibe of the group is essential to success.
Bluesky: A brand new tackle outdated Twitter
Jack Dorsey created Bluesky throughout his tenure at Twitter, and it later grew to become an impartial platform. Now led by CEO Jay Graber, Bluesky distinguishes itself as a decentralized platform constructed on the AT Protocol, permitting customers larger management over their feeds and content material.
What units Bluesky aside:
- Customizable feeds: Customers can create or observe topic-specific feeds, very similar to hashtags on Twitter however with extra management. It is a important benefit over Threads, the place feed customization is at the moment restricted.
- Consumer-first moderation: Anti-toxicity options and customizable algorithms allow customers to form their experiences.
- Actual-time updates: Bluesky’s algorithm excels in delivering well timed, related content material, making it a most well-liked alternative for lecturers, journalists and people in search of instant updates.
Cultural observe: Many area of interest communities, akin to “science Twitter,” have migrated to Bluesky. This aligns the platform extra with considerate, skilled discussions reasonably than way of life content material.
Threads: Instagram for phrases
Threads, launched by Meta, integrates intently with Instagram, requiring customers to hyperlink their accounts. Whereas it has quickly grown in dimension, its algorithm prioritizes discoverability and engagement over real-time updates, which might really feel much less natural in comparison with Bluesky.
What units Threads aside:
- Instagram integration: Customers can simply join with their present Instagram viewers.
- Way of life-oriented content material: Threads leans towards informal, aesthetic-driven discussions.
- No direct messaging: Although DMs aren’t obtainable, customers can message through Instagram as a workaround.
Threads’ algorithm typically pushes steered content material alongside posts from adopted accounts, which will be useful for newer customers however much less private for seasoned ones.
Professional Tip: Threads is right for companies targeted on visible storytelling or participating area of interest communities tied to way of life and aesthetics.
My take: Select your vibe
I’ve used and loved each platforms, however every serves a special objective. Bluesky seems like outdated Twitter — a hub for real-time updates and considerate discussions. Threads, nevertheless, seems like Instagram for phrases, specializing in curated, aesthetic-driven content material.
Each platforms are pleasing, however their distinct vibes make them fitted to totally different communities:
- Bluesky: Ultimate for area of interest markets {and professional} engagement by means of curated feeds.
- Threads: Good for lifestyle-focused manufacturers leveraging visible storytelling.
Each platforms will ultimately monetize — Bluesky might introduce subscription fashions to keep away from adverts, whereas Threads will seemingly observe Instagram’s ad-heavy method.
Remaining recommendation: Have interaction authentically
For companies, these platforms reward real interplay over promotion.
To succeed:
- Discover your group: Take part in discussions earlier than selling your online business.
- Present worth: Share insights, schooling or behind-the-scenes content material that resonates together with your viewers.
- Thoughts your tone: Social media is a dialog, not a broadcast. Keep away from publishing and strolling away — interact meaningfully.
Examples for actual property professionals:
- On Bluesky, create or observe feeds for native housing discussions or sustainable improvement tendencies.
- Share behind-the-scenes residence excursions or way of life posts that mirror your model on Threads.
Whereas constructing a presence on new platforms takes time, genuine engagement will yield higher outcomes than ever on newer platforms like these two. Select the platform that aligns together with your type and viewers, and decide to taking part in a approach that provides worth to the dialog.
Jessi Healey is a contract author and social media supervisor specializing in actual property. Discover her on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, or Bluesky.
