A Podcaster’s Guide to Bluesky and Mastodon: Reaching Listeners in a Post-X World

The podcasting world has witnessed various changes over the years, but nothing quite like the recent X-odus from X (formerly 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 finding themselves in unfamiliar territory. Daunting, I know. But I want to reassure you that this isn’t the end of your presence on social media; it’s just the beginning of a new and exciting chapter. 

So, how do you go about re-establishing your audience and finding new listeners when the platform you’ve relied on for years suddenly feels like a dumpster fire? Let’s dive into Bluesky and Mastodon together to explore how you can keep your podcast thriving in a post-X era.

Choosing the Right Platform: Bluesky vs. Mastodon

Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the where.

Both Bluesky and Mastodon offer distinct opportunities and experiences for podcasters, but understanding their differences will help you decide where to focus your energy.

Bluesky

Best For: People seeking an X alternative.

Bluesky is the new kid on the block and feels like an organic extension of X, with a similar layout and user experience. It allows you to connect with others through posts (called “skeets”), hashtags, and direct replies, and it has a familiar, X-like structure.

Bluesky could be an easy transition if you’re a podcaster who has built your brand on X. It’s smaller than X (with 32.7 million users to X’s 619 million monthly active users), but it’s growing rapidly, with a strong focus on creative and intellectual communities.

Bluesky Pros:

• A similar format to X makes it easy to adapt.
• Smaller, engaged community with high-quality discussions.
• Focus on creative industries, including podcasts.

Bluesky Cons: 

• While growing, Bluesky’s user base is still small compared to established platforms like X, meaning you may not reach as many potential listeners right away.
• Due to its smaller size, discoverability might be more limited. You may need to put in extra effort to get noticed through hashtags or guest collaborations.
• Being a newer platform, Bluesky doesn’t have the same features or integrations that established social platforms might offer, which could temporarily limit your content options.

Mastodon

Best For: Users who appreciate niche, community-driven spaces.

Mastodon, on the other hand, is a decentralized platform with a more complex structure that places social media “back in the hands of the people.” Instead of one central feed, Mastodon is made up of many “instances” or servers. This gives users more control over their content and interactions, but it also requires some learning to navigate.

Mastodon is known for its emphasis on privacy, community moderation and inclusive spaces. It’s also a bit more niche, with various communities (or “instances”) dedicated to different interests.

Mastodon Pros:

• Highly customizable with more control over your content and interactions.
• Strong focus on privacy and community-driven moderation.
• Wide range of niche communities, which can help you reach hyper-specific audiences.

Mastodon Cons: 

• Like Bluesky, Mastodon has a smaller user base than X or Instagram, making it more challenging to grow your audience quickly.
• While Mastodon has a dedicated user base, it hasn’t reached the mainstream popularity of other social platforms. You might struggle to reach a broad audience outside of your niche.
• Due to its decentralized structure, Mastodon can be overwhelming to new users. Understanding how instances work and which one to join can be confusing. Overall, it lacks some of the integrations and ease of use that centralized platforms like X or Instagram offer, making it harder to streamline your social media presence.

Tips for Reaching Your Existing Listeners and Gaining New Ones

Whether you choose Bluesky or Mastodon, I know that your goal is to connect with your existing audience while reaching new listeners who have yet to discover your podcast. 

Here’s a roadmap for doing both:

1. Announce Your New Presence

Start by informing your existing listeners that you’re making the move to Bluesky or Mastodon. This could be done in your podcast, newsletter, or through your other social media channels. Use your “break-up” moment with X to create buzz. Let your audience know why you’re moving and why they should join you.

2. Leverage Your Existing Community

If you’ve cultivated an engaged community on other platforms, encourage them to follow you to Bluesky or Mastodon. Share links, set up reminders, and offer sneak peeks at what’s to come. Consider incentivizing followers by offering exclusive content for early adopters, like bonus episodes or Q&A sessions.

“Follow me on Bluesky for exclusive pre-release content for my next episode. Only available to the first 100 followers!”

3. Cross-Promote Across Platforms

Leverage your current platform (even if it’s just a small group left on X) to direct listeners to your new profile. If you’ve already built a significant presence on Instagram or TikTok, make an announcement across these platforms as well. Don’t forget to encourage your audience to share with their friends and followers.

4. Create Platform-Specific Content

Each platform has a different vibe. On Bluesky, keep it more casual with “skeets” (tweets) that highlight your podcast episodes, behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal interactions. On Mastodon, take advantage of niche communities to connect with people who are passionate about the topics you cover.

On Bluesky

Post short, engaging updates on new podcast episodes, discussions about topics from the show or funny anecdotes that tie into your episode themes. Use hashtags to reach broader communities, like #podcastlife or #TrueCrime.

On Mastodon

Join an instance focused on your podcast’s niche (e.g., true crime, entrepreneurship, history) and share your episodes in relevant groups. Mastodon’s community is passionate about specific topics, so getting involved in these groups can help grow your audience.

5. Engage, Engage, Engage

Engaging with your followers is key on both Bluesky and Mastodon. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage listeners to share their thoughts on your latest episodes. The more you interact with your audience, the more you build a sense of community and loyalty.

If you’ve just released an episode, ask for feedback. “I’d love to know what you think of this week’s episode on [topic]. Drop a comment or reply with your thoughts!”

6. Join Conversations Outside Your Podcast

Don’t just talk about your own podcast. Be a part of other discussions and share your knowledge. Engage in relevant conversations on your platform of choice to introduce your podcast into the mix organically.

Podcasters Doing Well on Bluesky and Mastodon

The Accidental Tech Podcast on Bluesky

The Accidental Tech Podcast is a well-known tech show covering topics like Apple, programming, and technology in general. The hosts of ATP have recently started using Bluesky, a platform that has attracted a tech-savvy, creative user base. They are exploring this new space to engage with their audience and share their thoughts on the latest in tech.

Niche Space

Bluesky’s smaller, more focused nature may offer a different environment for discussions around tech topics. Fans on the platform might engage with posts in varying ways, and the format could encourage more detailed feedback on episodes. 

Building Connections

ATP may have opportunities to connect with other tech-focused accounts on Bluesky, such as developers, Apple enthusiasts and software creators, potentially fostering organic growth of their following. 

Better Engagement

With Bluesky’s less cluttered feed, ATP’s content might find a more focused audience, making it easier for followers to discover and engage with episode updates and discussions.

Waveform Podcast on Mastodon

Waveform, hosted by Marques Brownlee, is a popular podcast that discusses technology, gadgets, and the latest trends in consumer electronics. Mastodon’s decentralized structure and tech-focused instances have allowed Marques and the Waveform team to find communities that align with their audience’s interests, particularly in the tech and gadget spaces.

Conversation

Mastodon’s tech-oriented instances offer a space for Waveform to participate in conversations around technology, gadgets, and digital culture. The podcast may be able to engage with an audience interested in discussing the latest tech news and reviews.

Interactive Community

Fans on Mastodon could engage with the podcast’s posts by offering feedback, questions and additional insights on topics covered in episodes, potentially creating an interactive community. 

Tapping In

By joining Mastodon’s tech-focused instances, Waveform could connect with specialized communities interested in niche topics, helping to grow their audience and keep discussions relevant to their content.

Embrace the Change and Continue To Build Your Community

Navigating a post-X world might feel like you’re starting from scratch. But with the right strategy, it’s an exciting opportunity to rebuild, expand your audience and try out new platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon.

While both offer fresh possibilities, Bluesky is gaining significant momentum, making it a prime platform for engaging with your community and building meaningful connections.

So, consider this your sign to move on. Whether you’re embracing the fresh start Bluesky offers or finding your rhythm on Mastodon, it’s time to break up with your X for good—no late-night scrolling, no “just checking in.” Trust me, there are better platforms out there waiting for you.

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