A Podcaster’s Guide to Bluesky and Mastodon

The podcasting world has witnessed numerous adjustments through the years, however nothing fairly just like the current X-odus from X (previously Twitter) to newer platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon.

As many podcasters and listeners have started to migrate away from the chaotic, unpredictable landscape of X (thanks, Elon), they’re discovering themselves in unfamiliar territory. Daunting, I do know. However I need to reassure you that this isn’t the top of your presence on social media; it’s only the start of a brand new and thrilling chapter. 

So, how do you go about re-establishing your viewers and discovering new listeners when the platform you’ve relied on for years all of the sudden appears like a dumpster fireplace? Let’s dive into Bluesky and Mastodon collectively to discover how one can hold your podcast thriving in a post-X period.

Selecting the Proper Platform: Bluesky vs. Mastodon

Earlier than diving into the how, let’s speak in regards to the the place.

Each Bluesky and Mastodon supply distinct alternatives and experiences for podcasters, however understanding their variations will provide help to determine the place to focus your power.

Bluesky

Finest For: Folks searching for an X different.

Bluesky is the brand new child on the block and appears like an natural extension of X, with the same format and consumer expertise. It permits you to join with others by means of posts (known as “skeets”), hashtags, and direct replies, and it has a well-recognized, X-like construction.

Bluesky may very well be a straightforward transition for those who’re a podcaster who has constructed your model on X. It’s smaller than X (with 32.7 million users to X’s 619 million monthly active users), however it’s rising quickly, with a robust give attention to artistic and mental communities.

Bluesky Execs:

• The same format to X makes it straightforward to adapt.
• Smaller, engaged neighborhood with high-quality discussions.
• Deal with artistic industries, together with podcasts.

Bluesky Cons: 

• Whereas rising, Bluesky’s consumer base remains to be small in comparison with established platforms like X, which means you could not attain as many potential listeners instantly.
• Resulting from its smaller measurement, discoverability is perhaps extra restricted. Chances are you’ll have to put in further effort to get seen by means of hashtags or visitor collaborations.
• Being a more moderen platform, Bluesky doesn’t have the identical options or integrations that established social platforms would possibly supply, which might briefly restrict your content material choices.

Mastodon

Finest For: Customers who admire area of interest, community-driven areas.

Mastodon, then again, is a decentralized platform with a extra advanced construction that locations social media “back in the hands of the people.” As an alternative of 1 central feed, Mastodon is made up of many “situations” or servers. This provides customers extra management over their content material and interactions, however it additionally requires some studying to navigate.

Mastodon is thought for its emphasis on privateness, neighborhood moderation and inclusive areas. It’s additionally a bit extra area of interest, with numerous communities (or “situations”) devoted to completely different pursuits.

Mastodon Execs:

• Extremely customizable with extra management over your content material and interactions.
• Robust give attention to privateness and community-driven moderation.
• Big selection of area of interest communities, which may also help you attain hyper-specific audiences.

Mastodon Cons: 

• Like Bluesky, Mastodon has a smaller consumer base than X or Instagram, making it tougher to develop your viewers rapidly.
• Whereas Mastodon has a devoted consumer base, it hasn’t reached the mainstream recognition of different social platforms. You would possibly wrestle to succeed in a broad viewers exterior of your area of interest.
• Resulting from its decentralized construction, Mastodon may be overwhelming to new customers. Understanding how situations work and which one to hitch may be complicated. General, it lacks a few of the integrations and ease of use that centralized platforms like X or Instagram supply, making it more durable to streamline your social media presence.

Suggestions for Reaching Your Current Listeners and Gaining New Ones

Whether or not you select Bluesky or Mastodon, I do know that your aim is to attach together with your current viewers whereas reaching new listeners who’ve but to find your podcast. 

Right here’s a roadmap for doing each:

1. Announce Your New Presence

Begin by informing your current listeners that you simply’re making the transfer to Bluesky or Mastodon. This may very well be executed in your podcast, e-newsletter, or by means of your different social media channels. Use your “break-up” second with X to create buzz. Let your viewers know why you’re transferring and why they need to be a part of you.

For those who’ve cultivated an engaged neighborhood on different platforms, encourage them to comply with you to Bluesky or Mastodon. Share hyperlinks, arrange reminders, and supply sneak peeks at what’s to return. Take into account incentivizing followers by providing unique content material for early adopters, like bonus episodes or Q&A classes.

“Comply with me on Bluesky for unique pre-release content material for my subsequent episode. Solely out there to the primary 100 followers!”

3. Cross-Promote Throughout Platforms

Leverage your present platform (even when it’s only a small group left on X) to direct listeners to your new profile. For those who’ve already constructed a major presence on Instagram or TikTok, make an announcement throughout these platforms as nicely. Don’t neglect to encourage your viewers to share with their buddies and followers.

4. Create Platform-Particular Content material

Every platform has a distinct vibe. On Bluesky, hold it extra informal with “skeets” (tweets) that spotlight your podcast episodes, behind-the-scenes glimpses and private interactions. On Mastodon, reap the benefits of area of interest communities to attach with people who find themselves passionate in regards to the subjects you cowl.

On Bluesky

Submit quick, partaking updates on new podcast episodes, discussions about subjects from the present or humorous anecdotes that tie into your episode themes. Use hashtags to succeed in broader communities, like #podcastlife or #TrueCrime.

On Mastodon

Be part of an occasion targeted in your podcast’s area of interest (e.g., true crime, entrepreneurship, historical past) and share your episodes in related teams. Mastodon’s neighborhood is enthusiastic about particular subjects, so getting concerned in these teams may also help develop your viewers.

5. Interact, Interact, Interact

Partaking together with your followers is vital on each Bluesky and Mastodon. Reply to feedback, ask questions, and encourage listeners to share their ideas in your newest episodes. The extra you work together together with your viewers, the extra you construct a way of neighborhood and loyalty.

For those who’ve simply launched an episode, ask for suggestions. “I’d like to know what you consider this week’s episode on [topic]. Drop a remark or reply together with your ideas!”

6. Be part of Conversations Exterior Your Podcast

Don’t simply speak about your personal podcast. Be part of different discussions and share your data. Interact in related conversations in your platform of option to introduce your podcast into the combination organically.

Podcasters Doing Effectively on Bluesky and Mastodon

The Unintentional Tech Podcast on Bluesky

The Accidental Tech Podcast is a widely known tech present masking subjects like Apple, programming, and know-how generally. The hosts of ATP have lately began utilizing Bluesky, a platform that has attracted a tech-savvy, artistic consumer base. They’re exploring this new house to have interaction with their viewers and share their ideas on the most recent in tech.

Area of interest House

Bluesky’s smaller, extra targeted nature could supply a distinct setting for discussions round tech subjects. Followers on the platform would possibly interact with posts in various methods, and the format might encourage extra detailed suggestions on episodes. 

Constructing Connections

ATP could have alternatives to attach with different tech-focused accounts on Bluesky, similar to builders, Apple lovers and software program creators, probably fostering natural development of their following. 

Higher Engagement

With Bluesky’s much less cluttered feed, ATP’s content material would possibly discover a extra targeted viewers, making it simpler for followers to find and have interaction with episode updates and discussions.

Waveform Podcast on Mastodon

Waveform, hosted by Marques Brownlee, is a well-liked podcast that discusses know-how, devices, and the most recent tendencies in shopper electronics. Mastodon’s decentralized construction and tech-focused situations have allowed Marques and the Waveform staff to seek out communities that align with their viewers’s pursuits, notably within the tech and gadget areas.

Dialog

Mastodon’s tech-oriented situations supply an area for Waveform to take part in conversations round know-how, devices, and digital tradition. The podcast might be able to interact with an viewers all for discussing the most recent tech information and opinions.

Followers on Mastodon might interact with the podcast’s posts by providing suggestions, questions and extra insights on subjects coated in episodes, probably creating an interactive neighborhood. 

Tapping In

By becoming a member of Mastodon’s tech-focused situations, Waveform might join with specialised communities all for area of interest subjects, serving to to develop their viewers and hold discussions related to their content material.

Embrace the Change and Proceed To Construct Your Group

Navigating a post-X world would possibly really feel such as you’re ranging from scratch. However with the correct technique, it’s an thrilling alternative to rebuild, increase your viewers and check out new platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon.

Whereas each supply recent prospects, Bluesky is gaining significant momentum, making it a chief platform for partaking together with your neighborhood and constructing significant connections.

So, think about this your signal to maneuver on. Whether or not you’re embracing the recent begin Bluesky provides or discovering your rhythm on Mastodon, it’s time to interrupt up together with your X for good—no late-night scrolling, no “simply checking in.” Belief me, there are better platforms out there ready for you.

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