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A year ago, Bluesky burst onto the scene as one of the new players in the social networking game, following Elon Musk’s acquisition of what used to be Twitter. Fast forward to today, and Bluesky has amassed an impressive 36.5 million users, with its AT Protocol (ATProto for short) paving the way for a whole host of new applications that aim to create a more collaborative and open social web.
## The ATProto Community Grows
Recently, developers flocked to Seattle for ATmosphere, the inaugural conference dedicated to the AT Protocol. There, they got a glimpse of what’s in store for ATProto, the challenges that lie ahead, and the exciting possibilities that come with building for this innovative social app ecosystem. Even those who couldn’t make it in person joined the conversation online, watching talks and demos and engaging in a lively Discord chat.
## Building a New Social Web
The vision behind ATProto is to revive the spirit of Web 2.0, but this time with a focus on open technology that breaks free from the centralized services dominated by tech giants. Bluesky may have been the first to launch, but it certainly won’t be the last.
### Photo and Video-Sharing Apps
**Flashes**: An Instagram alternative that’s been making waves, offering users a familiar experience with a few exciting twists. With features like extended video lengths and curated artist feeds, Flashes is quickly gaining popularity.
**Spark**: Formerly known as Reelo, this video-centric app goes beyond Bluesky to leverage the full potential of the AT Protocol. Expect longer videos, filters, effects, and eventually, livestreaming capabilities.
**Skylight Social**: Developed by Tori and Reed from Seattle, Skylight is a Bluesky-based platform with all the essential social features. Keep an eye on their TikTok for updates as they continue to enhance the app.
**Pinksky**: Another Instagram-inspired app built on ATProto, Pinksky focuses on photo-sharing and offers a familiar interface for users on both iOS and Android.
**Bluescreen (TikTok alternative)**: From the same creator as Flashes, Bluescreen is gearing up to be the go-to platform for videos on the Bluesky network.
**Videos for Bluesky**: This app, created by indie developer Hoshida Takiyoshi, lets users explore videos on Bluesky in a TikTok-style interface. Like, repost, and reply to your heart’s content!
Skyswipe
Skyswipe is like TikTok, but for Bluesky. It’s all about gestures and Reddit-style comments, with cool features like custom feeds, bookmarks, and more. You can even try it out on TestFlight beta testing!
Skyswipe Beta is live! Skyswipe is a TikTok-style video app for Bluesky with a sleek, gesture-first interface. Join the iOS TestFlight: testflight.apple.com/join/QbKx1amM #VideoSky #SkyTok #BlueSkyApps
Omni
Omni is a Bluesky client for iOS that’s all about sharing short videos. It even has AI-powered content planning and e-commerce integration. Currently in beta testing!
Livestreaming
Streamplace
Streamplace is the first livestreaming service on the AT Protocol. It’s got high-quality videos, livestreaming, clips, and uploads – all cryptographically signed by creators. Founded by Eli Mallon, this is one to watch!
Feed builders
Graze
Graze lets you build, customize, and publish Bluesky feeds – and soon, monetize them too! They’re working with the Bluesky firehose, so you’ll get all the public posts on the social network.
Surf
Surf is Flipboard’s new app that lets you create custom feeds from across the web – Bluesky, Mastodon, RSS, you name it. Mix news, blogs, podcasts, and more into your feeds and browse away!
SkyFeed
SkyFeed is like TweetDeck for Bluesky, where you can create a dashboard of feeds and profiles. And here’s the kicker – even non-developers can build custom feeds too!
Communication / social discovery
Germ
Germ isn’t just a messaging app – it’s a social platform for all your needs. Connect with others for marketplace exchanges, dating, and more, all while controlling your data. And it’s end-to-end encrypted!
Roomy
Roomy is a peer-to-peer messaging app on the AT Protocol, like Discord but with open standards. Social discovery with ATProto and peer-to-peer with Automerge. Backed by Skyseed and currently in alpha testing!
You can hop on Roomy with your Bluesky account and slide into DMs with other users for some chats. The messages are all encrypted, but remember, this is still an experimental project and hasn’t been audited, so keep that in mind. Also, some non-encrypted metadata may reveal who you were chatting with, but not the actual content of those messages. (TL;DR: Stick with Signal for now).
## Social trends
### Dazzle.fm
Started by ex-Stability AI pros John Sabath and Conner Ruhl, Dazzle is a site that helps you make sense of all the data flooding in from Bluesky and categorizes it into neat little sections, showcasing the trends across various topics. While Bluesky talk nowadays tends to veer towards politics, Dazzle is here to help you find other interesting discussions and hot topics going on.
Dazzle allows you to customize the site to cater to your own interests. You can ask it to show you a specific topic without any political posts, for example. This means you can use Dazzle to get local news without the national politics noise, or you can keep your feed positive by only viewing posts with a happy vibe.
The cool thing is that you can switch between these different modes, all powered by AI technology, without having to create custom feeds. Just type in what you’re looking for (or not looking for) in a chat-like interface, and watch Dazzle adjust itself to give you posts matching the “vibe” you requested.
### Sill
Sill, a link aggregation service, lets you stay updated on what’s buzzing on alternative social media platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon all in one spot. Think of it as a modern Nuzzel, the startup Twitter nabbed in 2021, but for the new era.
Sill is one of the first adopters to use Bluesky’s OAuth for the AT Protocol instead of messy app passwords, making logging in a breeze. Once connected, you’ll see the most shared links across your platforms and get in on the conversations that follow.
The Skywalker app is here to bring Android users a third-party Bluesky experience, complete with in-demand features like bookmarks and saving drafts. Boost Blue is another client that offers even more features that Bluesky itself hasn’t thought of yet. And for Android users, Tokimeki for Bluesky brings multi-column and multi-account support, drafts, bookmarks, and real-time updates.
### Events
Smoke Signal is the Bluesky version of Eventbrite or Facebook Events, allowing users to discover communities, create and RSVP to events, and keep their personal data safe. OpenMeet, on the other hand, is an open source platform for creating interest groups, professional networking groups, and scheduling and managing events.
### Blogging
White Wind is the Markdown blogging service for the AT Protocol, where you can log in with your ATProto account and write in Markdown. All your posts are stored in your personal data service (PDS), and when you post on Bluesky, those replies automatically show up on your blog.
### Analytics
BlueSkyHunter offers growth and analytics tools for Bluesky, including a section that showcases viral posts. Fedica, on the other hand, lets you compose and schedule posts across various social networks. FollowBlue helps businesses on Bluesky grow their follower base and utilize a follow bot for audience building.
### Cross-posting
OpenVibe allows you to cross-post to multiple social networks at once, including Mastodon, Bluesky, Nostr, and Threads. Say goodbye to switching between apps constantly and keep up with all your friends on different networks in one combined timeline.
Croissant’s new app is a game-changer for iOS users looking to connect with Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads all in one place. With features like image posting, alt text, hashtags, and threaded posts, it’s a convenient way to stay engaged. Plus, you can get it for $2.99/month, $19.99/year, or a one-time purchase of $59.99.
### Fedica
If you’re into analytics and scheduling, Fedica offers a cross-posting feature that’s worth checking out. It’s a handy tool for managing your posts efficiently.
### Social reviews
#### Skylights
Skylights is a unique platform for public reviews of books, movies, and TV shows. The best part? Your data is your own, not stuck in a closed system.
#### Popsky
In beta on iOS, Popsky is a hub for discussing your favorite media. Whether it’s TV shows, movies, books, or games, Popsky is the place to be. Sync up your reviews and discussions with Bluesky’s network.
### Music and audio apps
#### Rocksky
Rocksky is a music discovery platform that’s like Last.fm for the decentralized web. Track your listening activity, explore new music, and share your favorites without being tied to one platform.
#### Bluecast
For Bluesky users, Bluecast offers real-time audio streaming with cool features like multi-guest streaming and karaoke. It’s a fun way to connect with others through music.
### Games/experiences
#### Twigbit Games’ SkyMuseum
SkyMuseum on Bluesky lets you build your own online art gallery and interact with fellow artists. Host up to 32 players for a museum-like experience where they can view your art.
### Utilities
#### Cred.blue
Cred.blue generates a “score” based on a user’s activity in the ATProto ecosystem. It’s a helpful tool for understanding the health and activity of accounts you follow.
#### Mutesky
Mutesky simplifies the process of managing mutes on Bluesky. Control what topics you see or don’t see on your feed, even down to specific subtopics within categories.
Listifications
This feature on Blueksy is like having a personal assistant who alerts you via DM whenever you’re included in a Starter Pack or block list, or if someone decides to block you. It’s perfect for those looking to boost their following or just curious about what others think of them!
Bluesky Tracker – Manager
With the Bluesky Tracker app for iOS and Android, you can easily monitor your popularity and stats on Bluesky. Keep an eye on your followers, unfollowers, post performance, and even see who’s giving you the cold shoulder. It’s like having your own social media spy!
Other apps
Woosh
Woosh is like the Linktree for the open social web, allowing you to showcase all your online profiles in one spot, whether it’s on Bluesky or other platforms like TikTok. Plus, you have full control over how your page looks. It’s a game-changer!
AzSky
Join the AzSky community on Bluesky for engaging discussions on various topics like news, technology, and entertainment. You can also stay in the loop with trending conversations happening across Bluesky. It’s like Reddit, but with a Bluesky twist!
Flushes
Ever wanted to share your bathroom moments with the world? Well, now you can with Flushes on AT Proto. It’s a quirky social app that lets you post updates from the most private room in the house. Who knew bathroom breaks could be so fun!
Navyfragen — Anonymous Inbox
Receive anonymous questions from your followers on Bluesky with Navyfragen. It’s a cool way to interact with your audience while keeping your privacy intact. Share your responses and spark conversations in a safe and secure environment.
SkySpace
Imagine MySpace, but revamped for Bluesky users. SkySpace is a customizable social app where you can showcase your personality through music, interests, and connections. It’s like creating your own little corner of the internet!
