How to migrate from X to Bluesky: detailed guide and tools

With Twitter's transition to X under Elon Musk 's leadership , many users have decided to look for alternatives. Among these, Bluesky stands out, a platform many consider the spiritual successor to what Twitter was in its early days. However, when it comes to making the switch, the question arises: How can we migrate from X to Bluesky while keeping our contacts and followers?

While a complete migration might seem complicated, several tools can make the process easier . In this guide, we'll explain step-by-step how you can make this transition without losing your social connections, and we'll also show you how to start using Bluesky effectively.

What is Bluesky and why is it an alternative to X?

Bluesky is a microblogging social network created by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter. If you've used Twitter (or X in its current version), you'll find it very familiar in terms of design and functionality. The platform offers an experience similar to Twitter's early days, when interaction and communication were simple and free from many of today's problems. Unlike X, Bluesky focuses on decentralization and giving users greater control over their content and data. This has attracted the attention of many who are looking for a safer and less polarized digital space.

Bluesky’s design is reminiscent of the old Twitter interface. Once you create your account, you’ll notice that there are two main feeds: the discovery feed and the followers feed. The first feed displays featured content, while the second feed only shows posts from people you follow.

One of Bluesky's biggest advantages is that it doesn't have intrusive ads or algorithms that prioritize certain content , something that's becoming increasingly annoying on X. Furthermore, its moderation system is much more effective, allowing for the actual blocking of users who won't be able to see your content.

How to get an account on Bluesky

Initially, Bluesky was only available to those who received an invitation, but now you no longer need to seek invitations . You can register directly from their website or by downloading the app to your mobile device. The registration process is simple and only requires an email address and a username.

How to migrate your contacts from X to Bluesky

One of the biggest drawbacks of switching social networks is losing touch with the people you follow. Fortunately, there are several tools that allow you to migrate your follower and following list from X to Bluesky without any hassle.

To use these tools, you first need to download your data from X. This is done from the X settings section, where you can request to download your activity. This process may take several days to complete, as X requires additional security measures.

The most popular tools to perform this migration are:

• Follow the Sky: This tool allows you to upload a file with your X followers and locate those who already have an account on Bluesky.
• Sky Follower Bridge: An extension available for browsers like Chrome, that scans your followers on X and shows you who is already on Bluesky.
• Skeeter: Similar to Follow the Sky, but simpler. You just need to upload a file with your X data and it will show you which contacts are on Bluesky.

Keep in mind that these tools aren't foolproof , and you might not find all your contacts. However, they offer a quick way to avoid starting from scratch on BlueSky.

How to use Bluesky once you have registered your account

Once inside Bluesky, you'll notice that it's quite simple to use , as it inherits many features from Twitter. You can follow people, see their content in the followers' feed, and post your own messages. Some additional features include:

• Create lists: You can organize your contacts into custom lists for better access to their content.
• Effective blocking: Unlike X, blocking on Bluesky prevents blocked users from viewing your profile.
• Content moderation: Bluesky offers options to customize the content that appears in your feed and avoid unwanted messages.

Another major difference from X is the lack of an intrusive algorithm. This means that, on Bluesky, content is displayed in chronological order , allowing you to better follow the posts that truly interest you without interference.

The character limit for posts on Bluesky is 300, slightly higher than on X. Furthermore, there are no intrusive ads or sponsored posts, which significantly improves the user experience compared to other social networks.

Benefits of using Bluesky over X

Among the most important reasons why many users have decided to migrate to Bluesky are several key aspects that make it a more attractive option :

• privacy and control: Decentralization allows users to have more power over their data.
• Effective moderation: Filters to prevent cyberbullying and hate speech are more effective than in X.
• Family design: Bluesky keeps everything good about the old Twitter interface, but with key improvements.
• No ads or intrusive algorithms: This creates a much cleaner and more controlled experience.

Furthermore, with the recent exponential growth of users on Bluesky following Trump's re-election and X's political shift, many users, especially those more progressive, are looking for a healthier and less polarized platform to interact.

Finally, if you want to keep your contacts and continue interacting with the people you already knew in X, using one of the migration tools mentioned will allow you to do so without too much trouble.

Bluesky is presenting itself as a solid and increasingly relevant option for those looking for a less intrusive and more user-friendly social networking experience. The possibility of migrating contacts, the absence of ads, and a familiar design make this social network an alternative worth seriously considering for those tired of X's current problems.