Meet the Top Apps Competing to Become the Next ‘TikTok for Bluesky’

With the ever-present threat of a TikTok ban in the U.S., the open social web community has witnessed a surge in development activity aimed at creating alternatives. Several innovative applications are emerging as potential TikTok replacements, particularly for users who prefer the open-source, decentralized social network known as Bluesky, powered by the AT Protocol.

The Current State of TikTok in the U.S.

Although a TikTok ban is currently on hold after President Trump granted parent company ByteDance a 75-day extension for negotiations, concerns linger among users about the app’s future. The possibility of losing TikTok has left many creators and small businesses anxious about potential impacts on their income streams.

Introducing Bluesky as a TikTok Alternative

One promising solution to this issue is Bluesky, a decentralized and open-source social network that empowers users to choose their own server, algorithm, and moderation settings. Key advantages of Bluesky include:

• Data Control: Users regain control over their personal data and social interactions.
• Portability: Users can easily switch servers without losing their usernames, friends, or posts.
• Customization: Users can run their own instances of Bluesky through personal data servers.

Bluesky’s vision aligns with the broader open social ecosystem known as the fediverse, which includes apps like Mastodon and others. This decentralized approach encourages user autonomy away from Big Tech dominance.

Emerging Video Apps for Bluesky

In response to the need for a video experience within Bluesky, several projects are underway. Here are some notable applications currently in development:

1. Bluescreen

Developed by Sebastian Vogelsang, Bluescreen is set to become a video-centric app for the Bluesky platform. Some key features include:

• A video-first interface that filters feeds for video content.
• Seamless integration with the official Bluesky app for video engagement.
• Interaction buttons similar to TikTok, including Likes and Comments.

2. Reelo

Reelo aims to create a standalone app on the AT Protocol, offering more flexibility than just a Bluesky layer. Features include:

• Support for longer videos of up to three minutes.
• An extensive library of effects and sounds.
• Future plans for live streaming capabilities.

Reelo is expected to launch on March 20 after completing its development phase.

3. Skylight

Founded by Victoria White and Reed Harmeyer, Skylight is marketed as an “AT Protocol TikTok.” While it is currently in beta testing, its limitations include:

• Video length capped at 60 seconds.
• Dependency on Bluesky’s existing features for further development.

4. Videos for Bluesky

This app, created by independent developer Hoshida Takiyoshi, allows users to browse videos through a TikTok-like interface. Features include:

• User profiles and search functionalities.
• A personalized “For You” timeline.
• In-app purchases for advanced features like post analysis.

5. Flipboard’s Surf

Surf has expanded its functionalities to include a video feed from Bluesky, allowing users to curate custom feeds from various platforms, including Mastodon and RSS.

Future Outlook

As the threat of a TikTok ban continues to loom, the development of these new applications signifies a shift towards decentralized social networking. The TechCrunch community is closely watching these projects as they evolve and potentially reshape the social media landscape.

For more information on emerging social media platforms, visit our social media insights page.