How to Sign Up for Bluesky Social

Getting your hands on an invite to Bluesky is the first step to joining one of the most talked-about new social networks. This guide breaks down exactly how to get an invite code, walk through the sign-up process, and set up your profile so you can start connecting with the community right away.

What is Bluesky, and Why is Everyone Interested?

Bluesky is a decentralized social network that looks and feels a lot like early Twitter - and for good reason. It was originally started as a project funded by Twitter's former CEO, Jack Dorsey, with the goal of creating an open, community-governed social protocol. In simple terms, this means that instead of one giant corporation controlling everything, the platform is built to be more transparent and give users more control over their data and experience.

The result is a platform that many users describe as a breath of fresh air. It’s got a calmer, more conversation-focused atmosphere compared to the high-stakes, algorithm-driven nature of other major networks. For creators and brands, it represents a unique opportunity to build a presence on a growing platform and connect with an engaged, early-adopter audience in a more direct and authentic way.

The Invite System: Why Is Bluesky Invite-Only?

If you’ve tried to sign up for Bluesky, you've probably hit a wall asking for an invite code. This isn't meant to be exclusive for the sake of it. The platform uses an invite-only system for a few practical reasons:

• Managing Growth: By controlling the number of new users joining at once, the Bluesky team can scale their technology and infrastructure without the platform crashing or becoming unstable. It's a way to grow thoughtfully rather than explosively.
• Community Curation: An invite system tends to create a "friend-of-a-friend" network effect. Early users invite people they know and trust, which helps build a positive and collaborative community foundation from the ground up, reducing the influx of spam bots and bad actors.
• Testing and Iteration: With a controlled user base, developers can roll out new features and gather high-quality feedback more effectively. They can see what’s working and what’s not before opening the floodgates to millions of users.

While patiently waiting can be a bit of a drag, this approach is designed to create a better, more stable network for everyone in the long run.

How to Get a Bluesky Invite Code in 2024 (3 Actionable Methods)

Alright, this is the part you’re here for. Securing that elusive invite code is your golden ticket. Here are the most effective ways to get one.

Method 1: Ask Your Network (The Fastest Way)

The quickest and most reliable method is to get a code from someone who is already on the platform. Existing Bluesky users periodically receive invite codes to share with others - typically one new code every week or two.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Post on Your Existing Socials: Put out a call to action on platforms where you're already active, like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Threads, or even in a creator-focused Discord or Slack community. A simple post like, "Hey everyone! Looking to join Bluesky. Does anyone have a spare invite code?" is often all it takes. You might be surprised who in your network is already there.
2. Reach Out Directly: If you see friends or colleagues posting about Bluesky or sharing their Bluesky handle, send them a direct message and ask if they have a code to share. Since they know you, they'll likely be happy to help.

Method 2: Join the Official Bluesky Waitlist

If you don't have an immediate connection, your next best bet is to sign up for the official waitlist. This method requires patience, as wait times can vary from days to months, but it's the official "front door" to the platform.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Bluesky website at bsky.app.
2. Click the "Create a new account" button.
3. You'll be taken to a page that asks for an invite code. Below this form, you'll see a link to "Join the waitlist."
4. Enter your email address and click "Join Waitlist."

That's it. Now you just need to wait for an email from the Bluesky team with your invite. Keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam folder, just in case).

Method 3: Look for Community Giveaways (But Be Careful!)

As the platform has grown, a friendly culture of sharing invites has emerged. You can often find users giving away their spare codes in public forums. However, you must be cautious with this method.

Where to look:

• Reddit: The subreddit r/BlueskyInvites is a popular community where users give away codes. Read the rules of the subreddit before posting or commenting.
• X (Twitter) and Threads: Search for hashtags like #BlueskyInvite or #BlueskyInviteCode. Some users will post that they have codes available.

A Very Important Warning: Never, ever pay for a Bluesky invite code. The codes are given to users for free to share. Anyone trying to sell you a code is running a scam. Stick to official methods or community giveaways where no money is exchanged.

You Got a Code! Your Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up

Congratulations! With an invite code in hand, the rest of the process is simple and straightforward. You can sign up via the Bluesky website or by downloading the mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 1: Get Started

Open the app or navigate to bsky.app and click "Create a new account."

Step 2: Choose Your Hosting Provider

Bluesky will ask you to select a server. For almost everyone, sticking with the default "Bluesky (bsky.social)" option is the right choice. This is part of Bluesky's decentralized nature - in the future, there may be many different servers to choose from, but for now, the primary one is where most users are.

Step 3: Enter Your Invite Code & Account Details

This is the moment. On the next screen, you’ll be prompted to enter:

• Your shiny new invite code.
• Your email address.
• A strong password.
• Your date of birth (you must be at least 18).

Step 4: Choose Your Handle

Next up, you get to choose your unique username, or "handle." It will automatically end with `.bsky.social`. For example, if you choose `yourbrand`, your handle will be `@yourbrand.bsky.social`.

One of Bluesky's neatest features for brands and creators is the ability to use your own domain name as your handle (e.g., `@yourname.com`). This is a great way to verify your identity and looks very professional. Setting this up requires a few extra steps in your domain's DNS settings, and Bluesky provides a simple guide if you choose this option.

Step 5: Set Up Your Profile

Before you dive in, you’ll be prompted to complete the basics of your profile. Make them count!

• Display Name: This is the name people will see in their feed (e.g., "Your Brand Name"). Unlike your handle, you can change this anytime.
• Profile Picture: Upload a clear headshot or your brand's logo.
• Bio: You have a limited number of characters to briefly explain who you are or what your business does.

Step 6: Follow Accounts and Configure Feeds

To help you get started, Bluesky will suggest some popular accounts to follow. It's a good idea to follow a few to populate your timeline. After this, you’ll be taken through a quick tutorial on customizing your experience, including setting your content moderation preferences and discovering "Custom Feeds" - user-created timelines that focus on specific topics like "Cats," "Design," or "Breaking News."

Your First Few Days on Bluesky: How to Get Started

You’re in! Welcome to the blue skies. Here are a few tips to make your first days successful.

• Post an Introduction: Your first post (or "skeet," as the community calls it) is a great place to introduce yourself. Use a hashtag like #introductions, share what you do, what your interests are, and maybe an image to grab attention.
• Find Your Niche with Custom Feeds: The real power of Bluesky right now is in its Custom Feeds. Tap the "Feeds" icon to discover timelines curated around your personal or professional interests. Subscribing to these feeds is the best way to find relevant conversations and people to connect with.
• Engage Authentically: Bluesky’s community is highly conversational. Don't just broadcast your own content. Take the time to reply to others, ask questions, and participate in discussions. Because the platform is smaller, genuine engagement gets noticed and can help you build a strong following faster.
• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: The culture on Bluesky is still evolving. It’s a great place to test out new content ideas or a different brand voice. People are receptive to creativity and authenticity.

Final Thoughts

Gaining access to Bluesky is currently a game of patience and connections, with the invite code being the biggest hurdle. Once you're inside, you’ll discover a straightforward signup process and a refreshingly friendly community that prioritizes conversation over chaotic algorithmic feeds.

Once you’re active on Bluesky and managing it with your other platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, keeping your overall content strategy aligned can become a messy task. We designed Postbase to fix that chaos by bringing all your social media content into one simple, visual calendar. It's built for today's media - especially short-form video - and lets you plan what's going live everywhere without wrestling with clunky, outdated software.