A Bluesky Primer for Lawyers

After the most recent election, I noticed an interesting development in my digital life: My long-dormant Bluesky account started gaining traction. New followers appeared daily, and even a friend who had once advocated for the social media platform Mastodon during the early days of Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter (now X) had suddenly surfaced on Bluesky. While it may have taken a while to gain momentum, Bluesky is now carving out its own space in the social media landscape.

Although still small compared to X (around 10 million daily active users versus X’s 200 million), Bluesky is increasingly influential. Importantly, it’s becoming a hub for legal industry conversations that once thrived on Twitter/X but have largely disappeared. If you’ve been considering joining Bluesky but don’t know where to start—or if social media isn’t your forte—this guide will walk you through why Bluesky is worth exploring and how to make the most of it.

What Is Bluesky?

Bluesky is essentially a time capsule of what X used to be—a simpler, more user-friendly platform focused on real conversations. Created under the direction of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky spun out into its own public benefit corporation. Unlike typical for-profit social media companies, Bluesky is committed to fostering open and decentralized public discourse.

Here’s what makes Bluesky unique:

• Privacy and security. Bluesky places a higher premium on user privacy compared to its competitors. For example, users can authenticate their identity using domain names, adding a layer of transparency and control over how they appear online.
• Chronological feed. Tired of algorithm-driven feeds showing you content you don’t care about? Bluesky uses a chronological timeline, ensuring you only see posts from people you follow in the order they’re posted.
• Open network. The platform’s open architecture allows for customization. Like the Chrome browser’s extensions, Bluesky offers tools and apps to enhance the user experience. Popular extensions include Skeets (to save drafts), Tokimeki (for scheduling posts), and Skywalker (for improved navigation).

Bluesky doesn’t just aim to replicate X but to improve on it. By emphasizing transparency and user control, it offers a refreshing alternative in an era of increasingly chaotic and algorithm-heavy platforms.

Why Am I Just Now Hearing About It?

Bluesky’s rise to prominence has been slow and steady for several reasons:

1. Invite-only launch. Initially, Bluesky was available by invitation only, which created exclusivity but limited its user base. The scarcity of invites added to its mystique but kept it off the radar for many professionals.
2. Crowded market. During the initial period when many users were searching for alternatives to Twitter, platforms such as Mastodon, Post, and Threads also competed for attention. Bluesky took longer to find its niche.
3. Declining urgency. After the initial backlash to Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, many users stayed on Twitter/X out of habit or convenience. The urgency to migrate diminished until Bluesky became more accessible and widely discussed.

Now, as Bluesky’s doors open to a broader audience, its user base is growing exponentially. Lawyers and other professionals are increasingly using the platform to fill the void left by the decline of civil discourse on X.

How Does Bluesky Work?

If you’ve used Twitter/X before, the Bluesky interface will feel familiar, but there are some notable differences to keep in mind:

1. No algorithm to rely on. One of Bluesky’s key features—and a major departure from most social media platforms—is its lack of algorithm-driven content. This means that what you see on your timeline depends entirely on who you follow. Bluesky won’t suggest posts or accounts based on your behavior. For this reason, curating your feed is crucial. When you join, spend some time following colleagues, legal professionals, and other thought leaders to ensure your feed aligns with your interests.
2. Chronological feed. Bluesky’s timeline is chronological, meaning posts appear in the order they’re made. This may seem old-fashioned, but it’s a deliberate choice to prioritize transparency and authenticity. If you’ve grown used to algorithms surfacing “relevant” content, the shift may take some getting used to—but many users find it refreshing.
3. Terminology. Every social media platform has its quirks, and Bluesky is no exception. Posts on Bluesky are commonly called skeets. “Reskeeting” and other terms have emerged organically from the community after beginning as a joke. Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber has vigorously opposed the term “skeet,” and I have to agree with her. If you don’t see the problem with this term, I’d recommend checking out Lil Jon’s song “Get Low” and, if you still don’t get it, carefully Googling the term. Skeet has a widely accepted meaning in the slang lexicon, and Bluesky is not influential enough to change that. Besides, “posts” and “repost” work perfectly well.

What Can Lawyers Use Bluesky For?

While Bluesky may not yet be the go-to platform for marketing your legal services, it’s rapidly becoming a hub for legal discourse. Here are some ways lawyers can use Bluesky effectively:

1. Engage in industry conversations. Many legal professionals have migrated to Bluesky, creating a vibrant community where you can discuss industry trends, share insights, and connect with colleagues. Whether you’re exploring legal technology, ethics, or practice management, Bluesky offers an environment for thoughtful and respectful discussions.
2. Build your network. Bluesky provides an opportunity to connect with peers, thought leaders, and other professionals in the legal field. Because the platform is smaller and less crowded than X, it’s easier to have meaningful interactions and build relationships.
3. Stay informed. As legal industry conversations shift from X to Bluesky, the platform is becoming a valuable resource for staying up-to-date. By following the right accounts, you can access timely insights, news, and commentary relevant to your practice.
4. Explore decentralized tools. Bluesky’s open architecture allows for experimentation with decentralized tools and features. While these may not appeal to every lawyer, they represent the platform’s commitment to innovation and could become more relevant as the platform evolves.

How Do I Get Started on Bluesky?

Getting started on Bluesky is straightforward, even for those who may not be tech-savvy or familiar with newer platforms. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Sign up. Bluesky is no longer invite-only, so you can create an account directly through the app or website.
2. Set up your profile. Use a professional photo and concise bio to make a strong first impression.
3. Start following accounts. Look for colleagues, industry leaders, and organizations relevant to your interests. Since there’s no algorithm, following the right people is essential for curating your feed.
4. Post thoughtfully. Start posting to share insights or join ongoing conversations. Bluesky users value authenticity and meaningful contributions, so avoid overly promotional content.
5. Explore extensions. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, consider using extensions such as Tokimeki or Skeets to enhance your experience.

Is Bluesky Worth My Time?

The legal industry is no stranger to adapting to new technology, but the value of any tool lies in how well it serves your goals. While Bluesky may not yet rival platforms such as LinkedIn for professional networking or X for rapid updates, it offers a unique space for thoughtful engagement.

Some key benefits of Bluesky for lawyers include:

• A focused audience. With fewer users than X, Bluesky offers a more targeted audience, making it easier to connect with professionals in your field.
• Fewer distractions. The lack of ads, algorithmic feeds, and spam ensures a cleaner, more productive experience.
• Room to experiment. As a relatively new platform, Bluesky provides opportunities to explore creative approaches to networking and communication.

However, Bluesky is not without its limitations. Its user base is still small, and it may take time before it becomes a mainstream platform. Additionally, its chronological feed and lack of algorithmic suggestions mean you’ll need to be proactive in curating your experience.

A Promising Alternative

Bluesky is emerging as a promising alternative to X, offering a space for meaningful conversations and professional engagement. While it might not yet be a marketing powerhouse, it’s quickly becoming a valuable tool for lawyers seeking to connect with peers, stay informed, and engage in industry discussions.

If you’re ready to give Bluesky a try, now is the time to jump in. Its user base is growing, and the platform is evolving to meet the needs of its community. Whether you’re looking to rebuild the professional connections lost on X or explore new opportunities for collaboration, Bluesky offers a fresh start in the world of social media.