Bluesky is Building Its Own Reddit: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About “Communities”

 

Bluesky is Building Its Own Reddit: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About “Communities”

For the past couple of years, Bluesky has positioned itself as the decentralized, user-controlled alternative to X (formerly Twitter). But as the microblogging wars settle into a new status quo, Bluesky is realizing that simply offering a "better" timeline isn't enough.

In a massive strategic shift announced this week, Bluesky is moving away from just being one giant public square. Later this year, the platform is rolling out Communities—dedicated, Reddit-style spaces designed for users to dive deep into shared interests.

Here is a full breakdown of the upcoming feature, how it leverages the open web, and why Bluesky is pivoting toward smaller spaces.

What Are Bluesky Communities?

According to Bluesky’s Head of Product, Alex Benzer, the current iteration of the app is "one big space." Communities will act as distinct, smaller rooms inside that space where users can hang out with people who actually care about the same niche topics.

If this sounds a lot like Reddit’s "subreddits," that’s entirely by design. However, Bluesky is integrating a few unique twists into how these groups will function:

• Handle as a URL: Every community will get its own unique handle that doubles as a web address (e.g., community-name.bsky.social or community-name.bsky.space).

• Custom Homepages: Visiting a community's URL will take you to a dedicated homepage. This isn't just a generic feed; Bluesky says builders will have the freedom to host completely custom experiences on these pages.

• Feed Integration: Once you join a community, posts from that group will seamlessly integrate into your Discover feed. You’ll also be able to turn on activity notifications or build custom feeds specifically for your community updates.

The Power of the Open Web (and the AT Protocol)

What makes Bluesky’s approach different from Meta’s Threads or Reddit is the underlying technology: the AT Protocol.

Because Communities will live on the open web, they won't be locked down by a single corporate entity. Benzer noted that users and developers will be able to heavily customize these spaces using other apps and tools within Bluesky's "Atmosphere" ecosystem. This means a community focused on gaming could integrate custom moderation tools, while a community for digital artists could implement specialized gallery features—all built by third-party developers.

Three Tiers of Privacy

To ensure these spaces are actually functional (and to prevent the rampant spam that plagues larger networks), Bluesky is introducing three distinct privacy levels for Communities:

1. Public: Anyone can find the community, read the posts, and contribute to the discussion.

2. Invite-Only: The community is searchable and visible, but users must be officially approved by moderators before they can read or post.

3. Private: The community is completely hidden from search. You need a direct link to find it, and approval is required to view or participate.

Why the Pivot? Depth Over Breadth

The timing of this announcement is incredibly strategic, but it also highlights a fundamental reality about Bluesky's current market position.

As of mid-2026, Bluesky’s growth has stalled at around 44.8 million registered users. While that is a highly engaged and vocal user base, it pales in comparison to X’s 600 million monthly actives or Threads, which recently crossed the half-billion mark. If Bluesky cannot win the raw numbers game, it has to win on the quality of engagement.

By launching Communities (alongside their recently introduced 50-person Group Chats), Bluesky is betting that users want depth over breadth. They are targeting people who want to own their spaces and set their own moderation rules without Big Tech intermediaries.

Furthermore, they are seizing a prime opportunity: X abruptly shut down its own Communities feature earlier this year due to low usage and spam. Bluesky is stepping right into the void, offering a decentralized alternative for users displaced by X's changing features.

What's Next?

Bluesky is currently conducting research interviews with community organizers and developers to refine the feature before its official launch later this year.

If executed well, Communities could be exactly what Bluesky needs to transition from a "Twitter alternative" into a permanent, highly customizable hub for the internet's subcultures. Move over, subreddits—the AT Protocol is coming for your crown.