Federation is the future of social media, says Bluesky CEO Jay Graber

Algorithm Marketplaces

Bluesky is exploring innovative ways to monetize its platform through algorithm marketplaces. Jay Graber explains that the plan involves creating marketplaces for algorithms and feeds within the Bluesky app, allowing users to purchase algorithms tailored to their needs 1. This approach aims to make social media more like the web, where services built on open protocols have successfully monetized 1. Graber emphasizes the importance of balancing openness with profitability, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a commitment to open-source principles while generating revenue 2.

The protocol itself is not a blockchain, not something with any built-in monetization mechanism. It's like SMTP for email or HTTP for the web. It's just a way for computers to talk.

--- Jay Graber

This strategy reflects Bluesky's vision of creating healthier social media ecosystems by demonstrating value and offering services within this ecosystem 1.

   

Domain Services

Bluesky is also venturing into domain services as a step towards monetization. Jay Graber highlights that Bluesky is already generating revenue by offering custom domains, allowing users to use their own websites as user handles 3. This service is part of a broader strategy to expand into various services over time, leveraging partnerships like the one with Namecheap 3. Graber discusses the scalability of these services, noting that the decentralized nature of Bluesky allows for a dynamic ecosystem where users can shift between services as needed 3.

We are structured as a public benefit corporation. So that means we have a mission. It's to develop and drive adoption of large scale adoption of technologies for the open and public decentralized conversation.

--- Jay Graber

This structure supports Bluesky's mission to foster open, public conversations on an open protocol, while still allowing for profitability 4.