Content Writer at SocialBee
Bluesky or Threads: with so much information out there, what do you actually need to know?
Bluesky and Threads are two newer social media platforms that have been getting a lot of attention lately. One of the key differences is that Bluesky allows you to create custom feeds and gives you more control over what you see, while Threads works best for Instagram users, making it easy to cross-post and offering tools for creators and businesses, like location tags and analytics. You’ll see more of the differences as you go through the full comparison.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences. From how they handle posts to the way you interact with others, you’ll get a clear picture of how you can use both platforms to grow your social media presence.
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Short summary
- Bluesky lets users take full control of their data and content with its decentralized model. Threads, on the other hand, is centralized and deeply integrated with Instagram, part of the Meta ecosystem.
- Bluesky is open to everyone, while Threads requires an Instagram account, making it more exclusive to Meta users.
- Both platforms support text, images, videos, and clickable links. Threads also lets you share posts directly to Instagram.
- Bluesky focuses on building niche, interest-driven communities. Threads uses Instagram’s network to boost engagement with its algorithm.
- Bluesky allows users to create custom feeds with personalized algorithms. Threads relies on its default algorithm to showcase trending or popular content.
- Threads has built-in analytics for post performance and audience insights, but Bluesky skips detailed metrics.
- Bluesky gives you more control by letting you mute specific threads, block certain keywords, and filter tags you don’t want to see. Threads, on the other hand, sticks to basic features like muting users and blocking accounts.
Table of contents
- What is Bluesky?
- What is Threads?
- Bluesky vs Threads: What are the core differences?
- 1. Bluesky is a decentralized social network
- 2. Threads is only available for Instagram users
- 3. Bluesky and Threads have different feed options
- 4. Both have strict character limits
- 5. Bluesky and Threads support different post types
- 6. Bluesky and Threads offer different engagement features
- 7. Verification options differ between Bluesky and Threads
- 8. Bluesky allows direct messages
- 9. They tackle ads and monetization options slightly differently
- 10. E-commerce features are absent on both platforms
- 11. Threads offer location tags too
- 12. Profiles look different on Bluesky and Threads
- 13. Bluesky offers more control over content visibility
- 14. Content scheduling is not available on Bluesky or Threads
- 15. Threads offers analytics and insights
- 16. Business or creator accounts are not available on Bluesky or Threads
- When to use Bluesky?
- When to use Threads?
- Frequently asked questions
- Ready to try out these social media platforms?
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform that lets users share text, images, and videos, much like X (formerly Twitter). Bluesky started in 2019 as a project by Jack Dorsey when he was still CEO of Twitter. In 2021, he brought in Jay Graber to lead the team. By late 2022, Bluesky became its own company after Twitter stopped backing it.
Bluesky uses the AT Protocol, a system that allows different social apps to work together. This means you can switch platforms or servers without losing your account, posts, or followers.
Unlike regular social networks where leaving means starting from scratch, the AT Protocol keeps your identity and content intact. It also gives you more control over what you see and how things are moderated. Overall, it makes social media more flexible and easier to use without being locked into one platform.
Bluesky posts have a character limit of 300, offering enough space for thoughtful updates while keeping content concise. Plus, you can verify your identity by linking your account to a domain you own, which makes it easier to verify your account.
After launching as an invite-only beta in early 2023, Bluesky opened to the public in February 2024 and quickly gained traction, reaching over 24 million users by the end of the year.Â
What is Threads?
Threads is a social media platform developed by Meta Platforms, designed for sharing text-based updates and engaging in public conversations. Launched on July 5, 2023, it integrates closely with Instagram, allowing users to log in using their Instagram credentials and follow the same accounts they do on Instagram.
The platform enables users to create posts up to 500 characters long, which can include links, photos, and videos up to five minutes in length. This positions Threads as a direct competitor to X (formerly Twitter), offering a similar microblogging experience.
When Threads launched, it quickly became the fastest-growing app ever, hitting over 100 million users in just five days and breaking ChatGPT’s record.
Its rollout in the European Union took longer, finally arriving on December 14, 2023, due to Meta working through data collection regulations.
In March 2024, Meta announced that Threads would start integrating with the fediverse. This allows users to connect with platforms like Mastodon using the ActivityPub protocol, making Threads part of a bigger, decentralized network.
By November 2024, Threads kept growing, with over 35 million new users signing up in one month—a streak of over a million signups per day for nearly three months.
Bluesky vs Threads: What are the core differences?
Bluesky and Threads have a few key differences. Bluesky is all about letting you create custom feeds, verify your account for free with your website, and giving you more control over what you see, like blocking or muting certain content.
Threads, on the other hand, works best if you’re already using Instagram. It makes sharing posts between the two easy, offers more ways to share content, and has tools for creators and businesses, like location tags and analytics.
These are the main differences between Bluesky and Threads:
- Bluesky is a decentralized social network
- Threads is only available for Instagram users
- Bluesky and Threads have different feed options
- Both have strict character limits
- Bluesky and Threads support different post types
- Bluesky and Threads offer different engagement features
- Verification options differ between Bluesky and Threads
- Bluesky allows direct messages
- They tackle ads and monetization options slightly differently
- E-commerce features are absent on both platforms
- Threads offer location tags too
- Profiles look different on Bluesky and Threads
- Bluesky offers more control over content visibility
- Content scheduling is not available on Bluesky or Threads
- Threads offers analytics and insights
- Business or creator accounts are not available on Bluesky or Threads
1. Bluesky is a decentralized social network
Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol, which means it’s decentralized. Instead of one company running the show, you have more control over your data and content. You can even move your account, posts, and followers to other compatible platforms without losing anything. Plus, you can customize your home feed to see exactly what you want.
Threads, on the other hand, is mostly centralized under Meta. Threads has joined the fediverse, meaning it’s now part of a network of social media platforms that use the same open protocol called ActivityPub.
This allows Threads users to share posts with people on other platforms that also support ActivityPub, like Mastodon or WordPress. Users on those platforms can like, reply to, or repost Threads posts, as long as the Threads user has a public profile and decides to “federate” their content.
2. Threads is only available for Instagram users
Threads is closely tied to Instagram, so you need an Instagram account to use it. This makes it easy for Instagram users to get started since the two apps work well together. But it also means only Instagram users can join, which limits who can use Threads.
In contrast, Bluesky is an independent platform that anyone can join. It isn’t tied to any other platform, so it’s open to a wider audience.
3. Bluesky and Threads have different feed options
Bluesky lets you take control of what you see by offering different feed options. You can choose a chronological Following feed, a For You feed with suggested posts, or Custom Feeds that focus on specific topics like art or science. This gives you a more personalized experience based on your interests.
Threads also has a Following feed (with posts from people you follow), and a For You feed (with recommended posts based on your activity), plus a Liked feed where you can find posts you’ve liked. While they’re testing custom feeds, you can’t create or follow topic-specific feeds like you can on Bluesky. In general, Bluesky gives you more ways to organize and discover content.
4. Both have strict character limits
Bluesky allows 300 characters per post. Threads, on the other hand, offers a 500-character limit, giving users slightly more space to express themselves.
5. Bluesky and Threads support different post types
Bluesky allows users to post text, images, videos up to 60 seconds long, GIFs, and links, while Threads supports the same post formats plus polls, and carousels with 20 images. Unlike Bluesky, Threads doesn’t have a Tenor integration for adding GIFs, but it integrates with GIPHY. It also allows users to post GIFs directly by uploading them.
When it comes to video, Bluesky allows one video per post, with a daily upload limit of 25 videos or 10GB, while Threads doesn’t have a specific daily upload limit for videos and you can add multiple videos in a post. Bluesky also offers the option to add subtitles and labels to videos for accessibility, a feature that Threads doesn’t currently support.
In terms of Stories, Bluesky doesn’t have this feature, while Threads integrates with Instagram, allowing users to share posts directly to Stories.
6. Bluesky and Threads offer different engagement features
Bluesky lets you like, repost, quote, and comment on posts, but it doesn’t have an option to save posts for later.
Threads has the same features, but you can also save posts to revisit them later. Plus, Threads connects with Instagram, so you can share posts directly to Stories, Feed, or Reels.
Threads gives you more ways to interact with and share posts compared to Bluesky.
7. Verification options differ between Bluesky and Threads
Bluesky lets you verify your identity by linking your account to a custom domain (your website). This means you’re in control, and your verification isn’t managed by the platform.
Threads does things differently. You can get verified by purchasing a Meta Verified subscription or, if you’re a public figure or brand, for free. Once verified, you get a blue badge, just like on Instagram.
The main difference? Threads makes it easy for anyone who’s willing to pay, but Bluesky’s approach is free and gives you more freedom and control over your verification.
8. Bluesky allows direct messages
Earlier this year Bluesky has added direct messages (DMs), so you can now have private, one-on-one chats in the app. By default, only people you follow can message you, but you can change this to allow messages from anyone or no one. The feature is basic for now—text only—but updates like images, group chats, and encryption are coming soon.
Threads doesn’t have its own DMs. Instead, it relies on Instagram for private conversations, keeping the focus on public posts and interactions.
With Bluesky now offering DMs, it gives users a more complete way to connect compared to Threads.
9. They tackle ads and monetization options slightly differently
Neither Bluesky nor Threads currently display ads. Bluesky stays completely ad-free, sticking to its focus on organic, community-driven interactions without the distractions of paid promotions.Â
Threads, on the other hand, is ad-free for now but comes from Meta, a company that heavily relies on advertising across its platforms. Threads already offers a monetization program for eligible creators, including tools like subscriptions and the Paid Partnership Tool, which lets creators disclose sponsored content for transparency.
As Threads continues to grow and reaches critical mass, it’s likely we’ll see more advertising or sponsored content options introduced, following Instagram’s approach to monetization.
10. E-commerce features are absent on both platforms
Bluesky and Threads haven’t added e-commerce features like product tagging or shopping tools. This simple approach fits with Bluesky’s focus on community-building and Threads being in its early stages.
11. Threads offer location tags too
Both Bluesky and Threads allow hashtags and mentions, making it easy to join conversations and connect with others.Â
Threads doesn’t have product tags like Instagram, but it does include location tags, which Bluesky doesn’t.Â
12. Profiles look different on Bluesky and Threads
Bluesky profiles allow users to add a photo, cover image, bio, and website links. You can even use your own website as your domain, which makes it easy to verify your account and show people it’s really you.
Bluesky profiles also include tabs that organize content:
- Posts: Displays all the posts made by the user.
- Replies: Shows the user’s replies to other posts, making it easier to track conversations.
- Media: A collection of all the photos and videos shared by the user.
- Starter Packs: Curated groups of accounts that users recommend others to follow.
- Lists: Customizable lists of accounts to help organize the people you follow.
Threads profiles are simpler. You can add a profile photo, bio, and a link in your bio, and there’s also an icon that redirects to your Instagram account. If you want, you can also let people see your reposts, adding some visibility to what you share.Â
However, Threads doesn’t allow a cover photo or other advanced customization options.
13. Bluesky offers more control over content visibility
Bluesky gives users several options to control what they see and interact with on the platform:
- Mute thread: Hides a specific conversation, so it no longer shows up in your feed.
- Mute words & tags: Lets you block specific words or hashtags, giving you more control over what appears in your timeline.
- Hide post for me: Removes a specific post from your view without affecting other users.
- Block account: Completely stops an account from interacting with you or seeing your content.
- Show less like this: Tells the algorithm to display fewer posts similar to the one you’re viewing.
- Show more like this: Encourages the algorithm to prioritize similar posts.
Threads, by comparison, offers basic options like blocking and muting accounts and a “Not Interested” button to reduce certain types of content.Â
While useful, it doesn’t let you customize the content you see as much as Bluesky does.
14. Content scheduling is not available on Bluesky or Threads
Bluesky and Threads don’t have native scheduling options, which can be inconvenient for users trying to plan posts in advance. Both platforms require you to post manually, making it harder to maintain a consistent schedule, especially if you’re managing multiple social media accounts or want to post during peak engagement times.
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To overcome this limitation, you can use SocialBee to schedule posts for both Bluesky and Threads. SocialBee lets you plan and automate your content in advance, so you don’t need to log in and post manually every time.Â
This not only saves time but also helps you stay consistent with your posting schedule, ensuring you reach your audience when they’re most active. This way, you can focus on creating quality content while the tool takes care of the rest.
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15. Threads offers analytics and insights
Bluesky doesn’t have analytics tools. Threads, on the other hand, gives creators basic stats like views, interactions, and follower growth. It’s not as detailed as Instagram’s analytics, but it still helps you see how your posts are doing.
16. Business or creator accounts are not available on Bluesky or Threads
Neither Bluesky nor Threads offers the option to create or switch to dedicated business or creator accounts, unlike platforms like Instagram.
When to use Bluesky?
- If you’re a fan of the decentralized approach, Bluesky gives you control over your data, allowing you to move accounts across different servers seamlessly.
- If you don’t have an Instagram account and don’t want to create one just to use Threads.
- If you want a platform where you can create and follow custom feeds on topics like art, science, or gardening.
- If you want to verify your account for free using your website at the end of your username.
- If you want to send DMs to people you follow and communicate privately.
- If you want more control over the posts you see by blocking and muting creators, words, hashtags, and more.
When to use Threads?
- If you already have an Instagram account and want an easy way to cross-post content between both platforms.
- If you want more post options, like sharing polls, carousels, multiple videos per post, and uploading custom GIFs.
- If you’re a creator and need tools to disclose paid partnerships.
- If you run a local business and need location tags to target specific audiences nearby.
- If you need access to analytics to track content performance.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to try out these social media platforms?
Bluesky and Threads cater to different types of users. Bluesky is ideal for those who value control over their data, customizable feeds, and smaller, interest-driven communities. Threads is a great choice for Instagram users who want a familiar platform for sharing engaging, multimedia content with a larger audience.
No matter if you choose to focus on only one or both, managing your social media can be time-consuming. With SocialBee, you can schedule posts for Bluesky, Threads, and other platforms, keeping your content consistent and reaching your audience at the right time. Its user-friendly tools let you plan, organize, and automate your posts, so you spend less time posting and more time creating great content.
Start your 14-day SocialBee trial today and see how easy social media management can be across all your favorite platforms!
