Bluesky and Threads are two newer text-based social media apps competing to become the new Twitter (now X). Both offer unique features and experiences for users, helping brands connect with their audiences, share valuable content, and boost visibility and engagement.
However, they follow different approaches. While Bluesky is more about decentralization and privacy, Threads integrates well with Instagram and lets you capitalize on your existing followers, profile settings, and ad opportunities.
So, which of these social media platforms is truly worth your time? Or, should you leverage both for community building?
Read on as we compare Bluesky’s and Threads’ features, highlighting what makes each stand out and how they can fit into your brand’s marketing strategy.
Bluesky vs Threads: A Quick Comparison Summary
Here’s a quick tabulation of the key differences between Bluesky and Threads to give you an overview of how each platform can benefit your business.
| Bluesky | Threads | |
| Usability | Simple, decentralized, and open-source | Integrated with Instagram, easy onboarding |
| Audience | Early adopters, tech-savvy users, and decentralization advocates | Instagram users, mainstream social media audience |
| Average engagement rate | 3- 4x of other platforms | 6.25% |
| Features and capabilities | Customizable feeds, decentralized network (AT Protocol) | Threads, algorithmic feed, Instagram integration |
| Content type | Supports diverse content formats | Mainly text-based with multimedia |
| Character limit | 300 characters | 500 characters |
| Integration | Standalone platform | Integrated with Instagram |
| Control | Decentralized control by users | Centralized control by Meta |
| Privacy options | More user control due to decentralization | Limited privacy controls |
Bluesky: Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform that runs on the AT Protocol. It was initially launched in 2019 as a research project by Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO.
Bluesky lets brands have greater control over platform moderation, data ownership, and algorithms. Typically, it is on an open-source development with a chronological feed. It appeals to brands seeking alternatives to traditional social platforms.
Threads: Instagram developed Threads, a text-oriented social media platform, to compete with Twitter (now X). You must have an existing Instagram account to sign up for Threads. This integration allows your brand to follow the same Instagram network and access familiar features and experiences.
Bluesky vs. Threads: An In-Depth Comparison
Now, let’s analyze Bluesky vs Threads features to determine how the two platforms differ and which is a better choice.
1. Bluesky vs Threads: User Experience
Bluesky: User Experience
Bluesky has a Twitter-like interface with a chronological feed that is not based on the platform’s algorithmic ranking. This means you get custom feed options, letting you curate your experience.
While this decentralized platform offers flexibility and control, it also presents a short but noticeable learning curve for new users. That’s because you need to understand the technical concepts behind “federated networks” to navigate the system effectively.
Threads: User Experience
Threads has a simple interface that offers an Instagram-integrated experience with a polished outlook. The onboarding process is quite simple if you are already an Instagram user. All you need to do is click on “Continue with Instagram” at the bottom of the welcome screen.
But, its feed is algorithm-driven, meaning your brand’s posts are ranked based on engagement instead of being displayed chronologically.
Which is Better?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform with mainstream accessibility, Threads is a better choice. Whereas Bluesky would work better if you prefer a chronological and customizable experience.
2. Bluesky vs Threads: Audience and Community
Bluesky: Audience and Community
It is a decentralized platform 一 which makes it popular among tech-smart users and brands who want more control over how they connect with people. It lets you host your own servers.
Plus, it is open and run by its community, so everything feels more authentic and everyone gets a say in how it works. It is all about sharing ideas freely.
Since it was initially an invite-only platform, its user base is still smaller as compared to X and Threads, with 27.44 million users. However, it has engaged users.
Bluesky has now opened its platform for all, which will likely help grow its user base.
Threads: Audience and Community
Due to its Instagram integration, Threads has rapidly grown with a larger and more diverse audience. Its users include brands, casual users, businesses, and influencers.
Since users can carry over their Instagram network, locating and engaging with others is easier. It currently has over 300 million monthly active users.
Which is Better?
Generally, Threads is best suited for mainstream social media interactions. So, if your brand is looking for ways to appeal to the masses, consider using Threads.
Bluesky is a better choice if your brand is niche-focused, privacy-conscious, and wants to build a tech community.
3. Bluesky vs Threads: Features and Customization
Bluesky: Features and Customization
Bluesky gives you the power to customize your brand experiences by picking content moderation filters and tailoring your feeds. For example, you can opt for feeds that highlight posts your audience or mutual connections love, making it easier to connect with the right audience.
This will help you understand your niche audience and customers better.
But keep in mind that you require some technical know-how to generate your own feeds on Bluesky. You can also use third-party developer tools like SkyFeed, which lets your brand have a Tweekdeck-like experience for viewing many feeds in a single dashboard.
Threads: Features and Customization
The platform lets you create threaded posts easily, but with limited customization options. This is because Meta manages the content ranking mechanisms and feed recommendations.
Though Threads rolled out a way to test feed customization, the options are not as diverse as Bluesky’s.
Which is Better?
Bluesky is a better choice if you’re looking for customized and user-controlled aspects. But if you want your brand to have a polished, feature-rich experience that capitalizes on Instagram metrics, then Threads will meet your needs to a greater degree.
4. Bluesky vs Threads: Content Types
Bluesky: Content Types
Bluesky prioritizes short and straightforward text-based content, which is quite similar to posts on Twitter (now X).
It lets you create posts within 300 characters and include 8 clickable hashtags in it. On the bright side, you can attach up to 4 images and one video (60 seconds long) per post.
What’s more? Your posts appear in real-time order, prioritizing conversation over algorithmic ranking.
Threads: Content Types
Just like Instagram, Threads supports more visual and interactive experiences with text, images, and videos. It helps drive more engagement with threads.
Though text posts are limited to 500 characters, it is still higher than Bluesky’s 300-character cap. You can also add up to 20 photos or videos in a carousel on Threads.
Which is Better?
Bluesky is a better choice if you prefer text-heavy discussions with real-time updates. On the other hand, Threads offers you the flexibility to use multimedia storytelling to promote your brand engagement.
5. Bluesky vs Threads: Control and Moderation
Bluesky: Control and Moderation
Since Bluesky follows a federated model, its moderation policies may vary depending on the servers. Even so, you have full control over content policies. You can mute words, tags, or accounts and block or filter content according to your preferences.
Still, Bluesky has a moderation team providing 24/7 coverage to ensure users adhere to its community guidelines.
Threads: Control and Moderation
Since Threads follows strict content moderation policies, it ensures your threaded conversations are guided in a brand-friendly environment. They do this through AI and intervention by human moderators.
Recently, Threads was in hot water for moderation failures concerning users. Adam Moserri, the Instagram and Threads head, directly responded to some complaints.
Some users and content creators find Threads moderation more restrictive, especially for brands that target trends challenging mainstream narratives.
Which is Better?
Bluesky is way better when it comes to decentralized, user-centric moderation, while Threads is the favorable choice for brands that prefer strict content filtering and safer brand engagement.
6. Bluesky vs Threads: Integration and Compatibility
Bluesky: Integration and Compatibility
It is built on the AT Protocol, allowing brands to have cross-platform interactions. Better yet, it lets you change your server after signing up without losing your account details.
Bluesky is future-focused with the possibility of letting users interact with people on different platforms. Unlike Threads, Bluesky does not ride on another brand’s platform.
Threads: Integration and Compatibility
Threads has no open control since it is confined to Meta’s guidelines. If you’re already part of Instagram’s network, you’ll benefit from Meta’s connectivity and cross-platform sharing.
Though Threads lets you share your content across platforms, the lack of openness may feel restrictive.
Which is Better?
Bluesky is a smart choice if you’re looking for open social media interactions, while Threads will be a preferable choice for brands looking for smooth Instagram and Facebook integration.
7. Bluesky vs Threads: Privacy and Data Collection
Bluesky: Privacy and Data Collection
Bluesky collects personal data you directly provide when creating an account. Sadly, it keeps your data as long as necessary, even if you delete your account or shift to another server. This uncertainty isn’t comforting for brands seeking a safeguard on the usage of their data.
Bluesky’s decentralization makes data privacy control more complex since individual servers run on their own data policies. There is a lack of consistent practices for data storage and retention.
Threads: Privacy and Data Collection
Threads relies on Meta’s data collection policies, meaning it collects the same personal data as Instagram and Facebook. It tracks your data across platforms for personalized experiences, including ad targeting.
The Threads app also retains your information as long as they need it and decides how long they need it. So, you are at their mercy regarding how long your personal data stays with them.
The platform claims it doesn’t share your information with anyone and never will. Meta tightened this data-sharing policy after being accused of improperly sharing over 87 million user data, which Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s co-founder, admitted was a huge mistake.
However, users still feel their data is more vulnerable on Threads, as compared to platforms like Bluesky.
Which is Better?
If your brand is comfortable with Threads privacy policies and you want to capitalize on targeted ads (currently in a testing stage), then Threads works best. If you are privacy-conscious and want to use your own servers, Bluesky is a better choice.
8. Bluesky vs Threads: Scheduling Content
Bluesky: Scheduling Content
Bluesky currently lacks a built-in scheduling feature. This means you have to rely on third-party tools to plan and automate your posts. It can limit your brand if you want to post consistently without publishing each update manually.
Threads: Scheduling Content
Threads has a native scheduling feature that lets you schedule posts up to 75 days in advance. The feature makes it easier for your brand to plan your month’s content and show up every day to stay on top of your audience’s mind.
Simply, click on the three dots and schedule your Threads post for a specific date and time within the 75-day range.
Which is Better?
Threads is a better choice for planning and automating your content in advance because of its built-in scheduling feature. However, you can do the same on Bluesky using a third-party solution like SocialPilot.
SocialPilot enables you to schedule your Bluesky posts effortlessly, monitor engagement, and manage conversations. You can also test the waters by cross-posting content on X, Threads, and Bluesky from one dashboard and even preview how your posts will look on each network.
Conclusion
Both Bluesky and Threads offer unique experiences to content creators and brands. While Bluesky is a good fit for brands seeking a decentralized platform with greater content control and community engagement, Threads is ideal for brands looking for rapid engagement and broader audience reach.
Ideally, your platform choice boils down to your brand’s goals. Regardless of the app you choose, ensure to post consistently, engage authentically, and optimize your strategy with tools like SocialPilot.
