In a bold move to challenge TikTok’s dominance in the short-form video space, Skylight is stepping into the spotlight with a fresh approach built on the same underlying technology powering Bluesky, the social network developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. Backed by investor Mark Cuban and a host of others, Skylight is officially launching its mobile app to the public after just 10 weeks of active development. But what sets Skylight apart, and why is it poised to be the next big thing in social media?
Skylight’s Vision: A Ban-Proof TikTok Alternative
Skylight isn’t just another TikTok clone—it’s a social app designed with a more open and decentralized framework that aligns with a growing trend toward user control and privacy. Developed by Tori White (CEO) and Reed Harmeyer (CTO), Skylight offers an experience familiar to TikTok users, featuring video uploads, an in-app video editor, and the ability to comment, like, and share content. However, the app’s real differentiator lies in its integration with the AT Protocol, or ATProto, the same technology that powers Bluesky and other emerging apps.
As White and Harmeyer saw TikTok facing potential bans in the U.S., they recognized an opportunity to build a platform that wasn’t vulnerable to the same geopolitical pressures. White, a former travel influencer turned self-taught software developer, was inspired to take action when news of a potential TikTok ban first emerged. “I started backing up my TikTok videos,” White told TechCrunch, “but I still worried about losing access to my community and comments.” That concern, paired with their early interest in ATProto, fueled their desire to create something more robust—something that couldn’t easily be shut down.
An Open Social Network Built on ATProto
One of Skylight’s core features is its seamless integration with Bluesky’s existing user base. Thanks to the AT Protocol, Skylight users will be instantly connected to Bluesky’s network of over 33.8 million users, allowing content posted on Skylight to reach an audience beyond just the app itself. Videos shared on Skylight can be seen and engaged with by users on Bluesky and other ATProto-based apps, including Flashes—a photo-centric platform. This cross-platform engagement is a unique advantage, offering creators an expansive reach that extends across different communities within the decentralized ecosystem.
Tori White and Reed Harmeyer’s decision to build on the AT Protocol wasn’t just a technical one—it was a strategic move that allowed them to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other platforms. “The first thing that interested us about ATProto was that Bluesky was not failing,” said Harmeyer during an interview at the ATmosphere Conference in Seattle in March. “We didn’t see the ‘fail whale,’” he added, referencing the iconic error message seen on Twitter’s early days. This reliability in the AT Protocol provided the team with the confidence needed to move forward with their project, knowing it had a solid foundation to scale upon.
Early Development Fueled by Influencer Marketing
Skylight’s early growth was powered by White’s background as a travel influencer. Using her TikTok platform, she began documenting Skylight’s development journey before a single line of code had been written. “We started with distribution,” White explained. “I actually made a video before we ever wrote a line of code for this…so everyone can follow our journey as we build.” Her engaging content not only built awareness of Skylight but also attracted a following of early testers who helped shape the app during its beta phase. As a result, Skylight is now seeing an enthusiastic user base that started from White’s initial TikTok audience, which has grown to nearly 50,000 followers under her profile @buildwithtori.
The viral nature of this pre-launch buzz has helped Skylight generate interest long before it became publicly available. This smart combination of product development and grassroots marketing has positioned Skylight as a platform with a clear understanding of how to grow an engaged community—especially in a world where user trust and connectivity are paramount.
While Skylight’s interface and video-sharing capabilities resemble TikTok, the app’s founders have much grander aspirations. White sees Skylight evolving into more than just a decentralized clone of existing platforms. “We’re not just copying TikTok,” she said. “We want to give people the ability to customize their feed and interact in new ways.” In the near future, Skylight will allow users to do much more than scroll through a feed. Features like customizable gestures for navigating the platform, support for sounds, duets, stitching, bookmarks, and even playlists are all in the works.
As the app continues to grow and develop, these additional features are likely to attract a broader audience, appealing not only to content creators but also to users who want more control over their social media experience.
Skylight’s Road to Success
Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Skylight is currently in beta and has already shown promising early results. The app’s seamless integration with Bluesky’s decentralized network, its focus on user control, and its potential to offer a TikTok alternative that’s resistant to external bans make it one to watch in the coming months.
With its unique approach to social media and strong backing from investors like Mark Cuban, Skylight could very well be the platform that reshapes the future of short-form video content, offering creators and users alike a more open, transparent, and decentralized space for self-expression. Whether Skylight can rise to the level of its competition remains to be seen, but with a solid foundation in ATProto and a clear vision for the future, it’s certainly a platform to watch.
As Skylight takes its first steps into the social media landscape, it’s clear that the app is ready to make waves. With the support of key investors, a strategic partnership with Bluesky, and a unique vision for the future, Skylight might just be the next big thing in social media. Whether or not it can dethrone TikTok remains to be seen, but it’s already proving that there’s room for alternatives in the crowded digital space.