Social media is shifting. Jessi Healey breaks down the variations between Threads and Bluesky that will help you discover the platform that matches your model and objectives.
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Social media customers have been leaving X (the platform previously often known 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 alternate options that higher align with their values and wishes.
Based on 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 sturdy 275 million energetic customers.
With Bluesky just lately topping the App Retailer within the social media class, it’s clear these platforms are gaining traction as X customers search alternate options.
Are you contemplating a transfer to Threads, Bluesky or each? Whether or not you’re prepared to go away X or simply on the lookout for a recent social media expertise, right here’s what you should find out about these platforms to find out which — if both — suits your small business.
What they’ve in frequent
Threads and Bluesky have been designed as alternate options to X, specializing in written content material quite than pictures or movies. Threaded posts — the place conversations unfold in a steady, nested format — are central to their performance, and Threads takes its title from this characteristic.
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 quite than promotion. Success requires taking part in discussions, providing worth and contributing authentically quite than overtly promoting providers.
These platforms will not be the suitable match for many who aren’t snug with social media or don’t get pleasure from partaking with written content material.
Professional Tip: Earlier than posting, observe every platform’s tradition. Conserving with the vibe of the neighborhood is essential to success.
Bluesky: A brand new tackle previous Twitter
Jack Dorsey created Bluesky throughout his tenure at Twitter, and it later turned an impartial platform. Now led by CEO Jay Graber, Bluesky distinguishes itself as a decentralized platform constructed on the AT Protocol, permitting customers better management over their feeds and content material.
What units Bluesky aside:
Customizable feeds: Customers can create or comply with topic-specific feeds, very like hashtags on Twitter however with extra management. It is a vital benefit over Threads, the place feed customization is at present restricted.
Person-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 popular selection for teachers, journalists and people searching for speedy updates.
Cultural be aware: Many area of interest communities, corresponding to “science Twitter,” have migrated to Bluesky. This aligns the platform extra with considerate, skilled discussions quite 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 measurement, 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 accessible, customers can message by way of Instagram as a workaround.
Threads’ algorithm usually pushes prompt content material alongside posts from adopted accounts, which may be useful for newer customers however much less private for seasoned ones.
Professional Tip: Threads is right for companies targeted on visible storytelling or partaking 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 unique function. Bluesky seems like previous 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 gratifying, however their distinct vibes make them suited to completely different communities:
Bluesky: Best for area of interest markets {and professional} engagement by means of curated feeds.
Threads: Excellent for lifestyle-focused manufacturers leveraging visible storytelling.
Each platforms will ultimately monetize — Bluesky could introduce subscription fashions to keep away from advertisements, whereas Threads will possible comply with Instagram’s ad-heavy method.
Last recommendation: Interact authentically
For companies, these platforms reward real interplay over promotion.
To succeed:
Discover your neighborhood: Take part in discussions earlier than selling your small business.
Present worth: Share insights, training or behind-the-scenes content material that resonates along 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 comply with feeds for native housing discussions or sustainable growth developments.
Share behind-the-scenes residence excursions or way of life posts that replicate 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 along with your model and viewers, and decide to taking part in a means 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.
