The Article Tells The Story of:
- TikTok’s potential ban has sparked a race to build video-first apps for Bluesky, a decentralized social network.
- Apps like Bluescreen, Reelo, and Skylight aim to replicate TikTok’s success while leveraging Bluesky’s open-source framework.
- Developers face challenges like video length limits but are innovating with features like longer videos, special effects, and personalized feeds.
- The winner of this race could redefine short-form video in the decentralized social media landscape.
The Rise of Bluesky and the Search for a TikTok Alternative
The potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. has sparked a wave of innovation in the open social web community. Developers are now racing to create video-focused apps that could serve as alternatives for users of Bluesky, a decentralized social network powered by the AT Protocol. Bluesky offers users control over their data, algorithms, and moderation, making it an attractive option for those seeking independence from Big Tech platforms.
With TikTok’s future uncertain, creators and small businesses are exploring new platforms to maintain their income and audience reach. This has led to the development of several apps aiming to replicate TikTok’s success while leveraging Bluesky’s decentralized framework. Below, we explore the top contenders in this emerging space.
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Bluescreen: A Video-First Bluesky Experience
Bluescreen, developed by Berlin-based Sebastian Vogelsang, is one of the most promising apps in this space. Built on Bluesky’s network, Bluescreen filters video content from Bluesky feeds and allows users to upload their own videos. The app features a TikTok-like interface with familiar interaction buttons such as Likes, Comments, and Saves.
Vogelsang, who previously created the Bluesky client Skeets, has been sharing updates on Bluescreen’s development via the Bluesky platform. The app is designed to integrate seamlessly with Bluesky, ensuring that videos posted on Bluescreen also appear on users’ Bluesky profiles.
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Reelo: A Standalone TikTok Alternative on AT Protocol
Reelo is another ambitious project aiming to create a TikTok-like experience for Bluesky users. Unlike other apps that build on top of Bluesky, Reelo is developing its own standalone app using the AT Protocol. This approach allows Reelo to offer advanced features, including longer videos (up to three minutes), special effects, and a music library.
The app is expected to launch in March after completing its front-end and back-end development. Reelo’s focus on a richer video experience sets it apart from competitors like Skylight, which face limitations due to Bluesky’s current video restrictions.
Skylight: A Bluesky-Based TikTok Contender
Skylight, developed by Seattle-based co-founders Victoria White and Reed Harmeyer, is marketed as an “AT Protocol TikTok.” Built as a layer on top of Bluesky, Skylight offers a video-focused experience with features like likes, comments, and profile pages. However, its reliance on Bluesky’s network limits video length to 60 seconds and file size to 50MB.
Despite these constraints, Skylight has already entered beta testing on iOS and Android, giving early adopters a chance to explore its features. The app’s future development will depend on Bluesky’s ability to expand its video capabilities.
Videos for Bluesky: A Developer’s Experiment
Created by indie Japanese developer Hoshida Takiyoshi, Videos for Bluesky is another app built on Bluesky’s network. The app offers a TikTok-like interface with vertical scrolling, likes, reposts, and replies. It also includes user profiles, search functionality, and a personalized “For You” timeline.
Takiyoshi plans to add features like NSFW filtering, video recording, and style filters in future updates. While currently available only on iOS, the developer may consider an Android version if there’s enough demand.
Flipboard’s Surf: A Customizable Video Feed
Flipboard’s Surf app has also entered the race by integrating Bluesky’s video feed. While Surf is primarily a content aggregator, its recent focus on video posts from Bluesky’s trending feed and hashtags like #SkyTok sets it apart. The app aims to personalize the video feed for individual users, making it a unique option for Bluesky enthusiasts.
The Future of Video on Bluesky
As the competition heats up, these apps represent the first wave of innovation in the decentralized social media space. While TikTok’s fate remains uncertain, Bluesky and its ecosystem offer a promising alternative for creators and users alike. The coming months will reveal which app emerges as the true “TikTok for Bluesky.”
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