Mastodon suits people who want a chronological feed with no algorithm or ads, and who are happy to pick a server to join. Bluesky suits people who want an easy start and a choice of feeds, from friends only to an algorithm that learns what you like, with strong moderation tools. Pick Mastodon for a calm timeline, Bluesky for choice and simplicity.
Both promise social media that no single company or person controls, but they get there in different ways. I read Mastodon's join page and Bluesky's About page, so the pitch below is theirs.
Mastodon and Bluesky compared
| Mastodon | Bluesky | |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | Social networking that's not for sale | An open foundation for the social internet |
| Getting started | Join mastodon.social or pick another server | Sign up in the app or your browser |
| Your feed | Chronological, no algorithms or ads | Choose feeds, including one that learns what you like |
| Moderation | Set by each server | Moderation lists and content filters |
| Software | Free and open source | An open network others build on |
| Apps | Not covered on the page I read | Web, App Store and Google Play |
How Mastodon works
Mastodon describes itself as social networking that's not for sale, and its software is free and open source. You join a server, such as mastodon.social or another one you pick, and from that single account you can follow anyone on any Mastodon server.
The feed is the big selling point. Mastodon says there are no algorithms or ads, and your home feed shows posts from the people you follow in chronological order. You can also verify your profile links, which helps people trust that your account is really you.
How Bluesky works
Bluesky says social media is too important to be controlled by a few corporations, and it's building an open foundation for the social internet. You sign up in the app or a browser, and then choose how your timeline works: focused on friends, on the latest news, or an algorithm that learns what you like.
Bluesky puts a lot into moderation, with moderation lists and content filters you control, and it says it's committed to making sure your social network can never be bought by a single individual. Other people are already building projects on top of its open network.
Servers or feeds
Here's the difference you'll notice first. Mastodon asks you to choose a server when you join, which is part of what keeps it independent, but it's the step that puts some newcomers off. Bluesky lets you sign up in one place and puts the choice into your feeds instead.
The other split is the algorithm. Mastodon's promise is no algorithm at all, just your follows in order. Bluesky gives you the option of an algorithmic feed if you want one, alongside simpler ones. If you hated the way other platforms chose what you saw, Mastodon is the cleaner break.
For a business, that changes how you'd show up. On Mastodon, people see your posts because they chose to follow you, in the order you posted them, so steady, useful posting matters more than timing tricks. On Bluesky, a good post can travel further through custom feeds that pick it up, so it's worth knowing which feeds your audience reads.
Who each network suits
Mastodon suits people who want a quiet, chronological timeline and like the idea of choosing a community server. Bluesky suits people who want a familiar, simple start, more control over feeds and moderation, and anyone who wants to build on an open network. If you're trying Bluesky, here's how to post on Bluesky and how to get verified on Bluesky.
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My advice on Mastodon or Bluesky
Start where the people you want to talk to already are. Search both for five accounts you'd love to follow in your field. If most of them are on Bluesky, sign up there and set your feed to the people you follow for the first week. If they're on Mastodon, join the server they use and enjoy a timeline with no algorithm deciding what you see.
Do you make social media tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mastodon free and open source?
Yes. Mastodon says it's free and open-source software, and anyone can browse its code.
Does Mastodon have an algorithm?
No. Mastodon says there are no algorithms or ads, and your home feed shows posts in chronological order.
Can I choose my feed on Bluesky?
Yes. Bluesky lets you pick feeds, from friends only to the latest news or an algorithm that learns what you like.
Do I need to pick a server for Mastodon?
Yes. You join mastodon.social or pick another server, then follow anyone across any Mastodon server from that account.
Where can I use Bluesky?
Bluesky works in your browser and has apps on the App Store and Google Play.
