How to create a Bluesky account

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The social media landscape is shifting dramatically. Meta's dismantling of fact-checking and X's constant changes, coupled with the antics of its owner, have left many users searching for a more stable, trustworthy platform. Enter Bluesky, created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, which feels comfortably familiar while addressing many of its predecessors' pitfalls.

What sets Bluesky apart is its commitment to user control and transparency. Unlike traditional social platforms where algorithms dictate your feed, Bluesky lets you choose exactly what content you see. No mysterious content promotion, no sudden policy changes — just a clean, customizable experience that puts you in charge of your social media interactions.

1. Download the app

You can install Bluesky from the App Store or Play Store. You can also access it through your browser.

2. Create an account

To begin the sign up process, tap Create account.

3. Fill in your details

Provide your email address, create a password, and confirm your birth date before tapping next.

4. Choose a handle

Type in your Bluesky handle. You can choose your full name so you're easily identifiable, or be creative if you want to maintain some level of anonymity.

5. Complete verification

Complete the quick verification process to prove you're not a bot.

6. Set up your profile

Bluesky profile picture highlighted

Choose a profile picture and tap continue.

7. Personalize your experience

Select your interests to ensure your feed shows content you actually want to see.

8. Start exploring

Tap Let's go! to enter the platform and start discovering the world of Bluesky.

9. Welcome to familiar terriotory

As you start posting and interacting, you'll notice the familiar feel — from the character count to the way conversations thread, it's like early Twitter and it feels great.

Now you've got your Bluesky account set up, you might want to try out other emerging social media services. We've got a look at Flashes, with a guide on how to sign up for this Instagram alternative.

If you're looking for ways to optimize other social media experiences, we've got tips on how to clear your TikTok cache to speed up performance as well as a guide on how to refresh the TikTok algorithm.

Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that get straight to what works. She writes across phones, homes, TVs and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. She's spent years in content creation doing one thing really well: making complicated things click. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books.

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