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Bluesky
Open-source React Native client for Bluesky decentralized social network
Cross-platform social app for Bluesky, built with React Native and TypeScript. Runs on web, iOS, and Android using the AT Protocol for decentralized social networking.
Overview
The Official Bluesky Social Client
Bluesky Social App is the reference implementation for accessing the Bluesky decentralized social network. Built with React Native and TypeScript, it delivers a unified codebase that powers native experiences on iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Built on the AT Protocol
The application leverages the Authenticated Transfer Protocol (atproto), an open framework for decentralized social media that prevents platform lock-in. Developers can extend the ecosystem through custom feeds, federated services, and third-party clients without permission. The app consumes @atproto/api packages and implements the app.bsky.* Lexicon schemas.
Developer-Friendly Architecture
The codebase includes a small Go web service (./bskyweb/) that serves the React Native Web bundle. While understanding AT Protocol internals isn't required for contribution, the project welcomes high-quality pull requests that solve concrete problems. The team prioritizes maintainability and serves a broad user base, so contributions should align with existing architecture patterns. Forking is explicitly encouraged for experimental features or alternative visions, provided forks rebrand appropriately and redirect support channels.
Highlights
Cross-platform React Native architecture for web, iOS, and Android
Native integration with AT Protocol decentralized social framework
MIT-licensed with software patent non-aggression pledge
Extensible through custom feeds, clients, and federated services
Pros
- Single TypeScript codebase maintains feature parity across three platforms
- Built on open AT Protocol standard enabling third-party innovation
- Active development by Bluesky team with 16,900+ GitHub stars
- Permissive MIT license encourages forking and customization
Considerations
- Contribution guidelines prioritize team bandwidth over community PRs
- No build support provided; developers must resolve toolchain issues independently
- Refactoring and unsolicited feature PRs typically declined
- Requires understanding React Native ecosystem and mobile development workflows
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Fit guide
Great for
- Teams building custom Bluesky clients with alternative UX paradigms
- Developers learning decentralized social protocol implementation patterns
- Organizations wanting self-hosted social apps on AT Protocol infrastructure
- Mobile engineers studying production React Native cross-platform architecture
Not ideal when
- Contributors expecting rapid PR review or extensive maintainer feedback
- Projects requiring significant architectural changes like state management rewrites
- Developers needing hands-on build configuration or tooling support
- Teams wanting to rebrand without clear differentiation from official Bluesky app
How teams use it
Enterprise Social Network
Fork the codebase to deploy a private Bluesky instance with corporate branding and internal authentication systems
Custom Feed Experimentation
Modify the client to showcase experimental algorithmic feeds or content discovery mechanisms on AT Protocol
Regional Localization
Adapt UI strings, cultural conventions, and support channels for specific geographic markets or language communities
Protocol Research
Study production implementation of atproto Lexicons and self-authenticating data structures in a real-world social app
Tech snapshot
TypeScript94%
JavaScript2%
HTML1%
Kotlin1%
Go1%
Swift1%
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to understand AT Protocol to contribute?
No, but familiarity helps. The app is built on atproto packages, and you can learn the protocol through official guides and specifications as needed.
What types of pull requests are accepted?
High-quality PRs that solve concrete problems concisely. Avoid refactoring existing architecture, renaming core concepts, or adding features without prior discussion.
Can I fork this for my own social network?
Yes, forking is encouraged. You must rebrand completely, change all support links, and replace analytics systems to avoid confusion with official Bluesky.
What languages and frameworks are used?
Primarily TypeScript with React Native for the app. A small Go service serves the web bundle. Native code exists for iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin).
Is there community support for build issues?
No, the team does not provide build support. Developers are expected to resolve React Native toolchain and environment issues independently.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 17,585
- Watchers
- 17,585
- Forks
- 2,587
LicenseMIT
Repo age3 years old
Last commityesterday
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageTypeScript
Last synced yesterday