TikTok for Bluesky: Top Apps Competing for Attention

The Potential TikTok Ban and the Rise of Open Social Networks

Concerns surrounding a possible ban of TikTok in the U.S. are driving innovation within the open social web ecosystem. A number of new applications are currently under development.

These emerging platforms aim to provide an alternative to TikTok, particularly for users who prioritize open source and decentralized social networking.

Bluesky and the AT Protocol

The AT Protocol, which underpins the Bluesky social network, is a key technology fueling this movement. Developers are leveraging its capabilities to build TikTok-like experiences.

Bluesky itself is gaining traction as a potential successor, offering a different approach to social media governance and data control.

Government Intervention and User Concerns

While a proposed TikTok ban is temporarily suspended, following a 75-day negotiation extension granted by President Trump to ByteDance, the initial threat has raised anxieties among users.

The government’s demonstrated ability to potentially restrict access to TikTok has prompted concerns about the platform’s long-term viability.

Impact on Creators and Businesses

The possibility of losing TikTok is causing significant stress for content creators and small businesses.

These entities rely on the platform for reach and revenue, and a ban could substantially disrupt their operations.

The development of alternative platforms offers a potential safety net, allowing them to maintain an online presence and continue engaging with their audiences.

Looking Ahead

The situation highlights the growing demand for social networks that prioritize user control and data privacy.

The open social web community is actively responding to this need, building solutions that could reshape the future of online social interaction.

Developing a Video Platform Similar to TikTok on Bluesky

A potential answer to the demand for alternative social media platforms is Bluesky, a social network built on decentralized, open-source principles.

This architecture empowers users to select their preferred server and algorithm, and to customize their moderation preferences. Account portability is also a key feature; users can seamlessly transfer their accounts to different servers without forfeiting their username, connections, or content.

Furthermore, Bluesky offers the option for users to host their own data server or relay, effectively allowing them to "run their own Bluesky" instance.

Bluesky and the Future of Social Media

Bluesky is engineered with the future of the web in mind, aiming to restore user control over personal data and social interactions, currently dominated by large technology companies.

This objective aligns with the broader open social ecosystem known as the fediverse, which utilizes a distinct protocol and encompasses applications such as Mastodon.

Video Applications for Bluesky

Currently, multiple projects are in progress to introduce a video-centric experience to Bluesky.

These initiatives take the form of either video-focused Bluesky clients or entirely new applications constructed upon the AT Protocol, the foundation of Bluesky’s functionality.

The following section details several video applications currently under development, specifically designed to serve the Bluesky user base.

• These projects are at varying stages of completion.
• Each aims to provide a compelling video experience within the Bluesky ecosystem.
• The AT Protocol enables interoperability and innovation.

Bluescreen

Developed by Sebastian Vogelsang, a developer based in Berlin and the creator of the Bluesky client Skeets, Bluescreen represents an upcoming application centered around video content on the Bluesky social platform.

Echoing the approach taken with his Instagram alternative, Flashes – which is concurrently under development – Bluescreen benefits from Vogelsang’s capacity to leverage existing code from Skeets, accelerating its construction.

Video-Focused Experience

Similar to Flashes, Bluescreen is designed to provide a primarily video-based experience within the Bluesky ecosystem.

The application functions by curating video content from your existing Bluesky feeds and lists, and also facilitates direct video uploads.

As it operates on the Bluesky network, videos posted through Bluescreen will simultaneously be visible on your profile within the official Bluesky application.

Engagement metrics, such as comments and likes, will be synchronized between both platforms.

Rapid Prototyping and Development

Vogelsang reports creating an initial prototype of Bluescreen in under two hours.

He has been sharing previews of the application’s ongoing refinement on the Bluescreen account on Bluesky.

Familiar Interaction Features

The app incorporates a suite of interactive elements mirroring those found on TikTok.

These include functionalities for Likes, Comments, Saves/Bookmarks, and other engagement options.

Reelo

Reelo signifies a substantial undertaking in the creation of a TikTok-style application designed for Bluesky users. Unlike alternative projects, it isn't merely an extension or filter applied to Bluesky’s existing social platform. Instead, Reelo is being developed as a completely independent application utilizing the AT Protocol.

This independent development allows Reelo to leverage the same levels of data transparency and user control found on Bluesky. Crucially, it also avoids the constraints inherent in building directly upon the Bluesky infrastructure.

Key Features and Capabilities

By establishing its own app on the AT Protocol, Reelo gains the capacity to incorporate a wider range of functionalities. These include support for video lengths of up to three minutes, integrated special effects, and a comprehensive library of music and sounds.

Furthermore, the platform intends to introduce livestreaming capabilities in the future. Users will have the ability to upload video content directly within the Reelo application itself.

As detailed in a recent Bluesky post by the company, this approach facilitates a “more enriched and customized video experience” when contrasted with other Bluesky-based applications, such as Skylight.

Development Timeline

Opting for a standalone app built on the AT Protocol, rather than a simple layer on Bluesky, necessitates a more extended development process. Reelo anticipates completing both the front-end and back-end development by the end of February.

A public launch is currently scheduled for March 20th, following an initial period dedicated to testing and refinement.

User Interface and Experience

Similar to many applications currently in development, Reelo’s user interface closely resembles that of TikTok. It features a vertically oriented video feed.

Interactive elements, such as options to like, comment, and share content, are conveniently located on the right side of the screen. Reelo aims to provide a familiar yet distinct video-sharing experience.

Skylight

Following expressions of interest from Mark Cuban regarding funding startups in the short-form video space, the developers of Skylight have been actively creating a TikTok alternative.

The application is the product of Seattle-based co-founders Victoria White, possessing expertise in custom web and application development, and React developer Reed Harmeyer.

The founders are positioning Skylight as a TikTok-like experience built on the AT Protocol, a description that is accurate given Bluesky’s underlying infrastructure.

However, constructing Skylight as an extension of the existing Bluesky platform introduces certain constraints.

Currently, Bluesky’s network restricts video uploads to a maximum duration of 60 seconds and a file size of 50MB. Consequently, any expansion of Skylight’s capabilities, such as support for extended video lengths or additional features, is contingent upon modifications to Bluesky’s specifications or the development of a standalone application utilizing the AT Protocol.

The founders of Skylight were unavailable for comment, leaving their future development plans uncertain.

Skylight currently benefits from being in beta testing phases for both iOS and Android, providing opportunities for initial users to experience the platform prior to its official launch.

Core functionalities within the app include the ability to like videos, follow other users, post comments, and view user profiles.

The implementation of video uploading capabilities is presently underway.

Videos for Bluesky

A new application, simply titled Videos for Bluesky, has recently become available on the App Store. This app is constructed utilizing the Bluesky platform as its foundation.

The app’s creation is credited to MszPro, also known as Hoshida Takiyoshi, a Japanese independent developer.

Takiyoshi demonstrates a consistent passion for experimentation, evidenced by the approximately 60 applications he has developed. Among these is the SoraSNS app, which provides unified access to decentralized networks like Mastodon, Bluesky, Misskey, and Firefish.

Functionality and Features

Videos for Bluesky allows users to explore video content shared on the Bluesky network. Content is presented in a vertically scrolling format, mirroring the interface of TikTok, and includes standard interactive elements like Like, Repost, and Reply buttons.

The application incorporates user profiles, an integrated search function, and the ability to follow other users. It also features a personalized “For You” timeline, showcasing trending videos alongside content from followed accounts and custom feeds.

An algorithm is implemented to refine the user experience by learning individual preferences over time, according to the developer.

Recent updates have expanded the app’s capabilities with the inclusion of notifications and a dedicated video upload composer.

A one-time in-app purchase unlocks “Pro” features, granting access to post analytics and a customized timeline for video viewing.

Future Development

Planned additions to the app include NSFW filtering, a built-in video recorder, stylistic filters, download functionality, and bookmarking capabilities.

Currently, Videos for Bluesky is exclusively available for iOS devices. However, the developer is open to creating an Android version should sufficient demand arise.

“Bluesky’s well-defined protocol simplifies integration for independent developers like myself,” Hoshida explains. “The platform’s API, unlike those of centralized social media networks, does not necessitate developer account registration, encouraging broader participation in app development.”

Open Source Advantages allow developers to examine the code and understand API interactions.

Takiyoshi intends to develop further social applications, including a photo-centric app for Bluesky and a news reader tailored for the fediverse.

Flipboard’s Surf Application

Flipboard’s latest application, Surf, functions as more than a simple video compilation service. Recently, a dedicated video stream was integrated following the introduction of a custom video feed within Bluesky.

Initially, Surf concentrated on video content originating from Bluesky’s popular video stream and posts utilizing the hashtag #SkyTok. However, future updates are planned to tailor the feed to individual user preferences.

This personalization will distinguish Surf from the standard Bluesky video experience, enhancing its appeal to each user.

The Bluesky video feed is currently accessible through the Surf application.

Users are also empowered to curate personalized streams, monitoring diverse posts across the decentralized social web.

Supported platforms include Bluesky, Mastodon, and RSS feeds, among others.

Surf remains in a private beta phase, though interested individuals can join a waiting list for access.

BlueSky Reels Project Discontinuation

As of February 1st, 2024, Craig Merry announced the cessation of development on the BlueSky Reels project. The initial details regarding this initiative are provided below for reference.

BlueSky Reels, currently without a functioning website, was conceived as a potential alternative to TikTok. Craig Merry spearheaded the development, envisioning a platform focused exclusively on video content and fundamental user engagement features.

Future development plans potentially included the ability to integrate with personal data servers beyond Bluesky’s native infrastructure.

Content for the application was initially sourced directly from the Bluesky network. However, the intention was to expand functionality beyond the capabilities currently offered by Bluesky.

Merry articulated his primary objective as creating a streamlined method for users to construct and manage curated content feeds. This would incorporate direct content moderation capabilities, mirroring the systems employed on Reddit.

The project’s cancellation is noted alongside other discontinued initiatives.