Bounce 2 Launches Cross-Protocol Account Migration Between Mastodon and Bluesky
Bounce, a pioneering technology aimed at enhancing social media account portability across open social platforms, has unveiled its latest iteration, Bounce 2. The new beta version enables users to migrate or merge their Mastodon social graph into a Bluesky account, facilitating seamless movement between the two distinct social networks. Scheduled for release on October 20, Bounce 2 empowers users of the open social web to transfer their social connections bidirectionally between Mastodon and Bluesky, thereby avoiding ecosystem lock-in.
Bridging the Divide Between ActivityPub and AT Protocol
The open social web ecosystem currently operates on multiple protocols. Mastodon is powered by ActivityPub, which also supports platforms like Threads, Flipboard, PeerTube, and Pixelfed. Bluesky, on the other hand, is built on the AT Protocol, shared with Skylight and other emerging social apps. These protocols are inherently incompatible, necessitating bridges—specialized tools that allow content and social graphs to be shared across platforms. Bounce leverages technology originally developed for Bridgy Fed, a service that makes user profiles visible across Mastodon and Bluesky.
New Functionalities in Bounce 2
Previously, Bounce facilitated migration from Bluesky to a bridged account and then to Mastodon. With the launch of Bounce 2, the reverse process is now supported—allowing Mastodon users to transfer their social graph to Bluesky or merge it with an existing Bluesky (AT Protocol) profile. However, the migration is asymmetric. When moving from Mastodon to Bluesky, original posts and content do not transfer. Conversely, moving from Bluesky to Mastodon allows for content migration. Additionally, if a Mastodon account is already bridged, follower lists are merged rather than replaced during migration.
“We believe services like Bluesky and Mastodon are only entry points into the open social web, but those entry points should not be a trap into yet another ecosystem,” said A New Social, the nonprofit behind Bounce. “People should be able to change their minds, use the technologies that work best for them, and still connect with their people, no matter what they use.”
Implications for the Open Social Web
Bounce 2’s release represents a significant step toward interoperability and user empowerment in the open social web. By enabling account portability between major platforms, it reduces user dependency on any single service’s policies or technical infrastructure. The technology also encourages competition and innovation, as users are free to switch platforms without losing their social connections.
Supporting the Initiative
Bounce is developed by A New Social, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the open social web. Users interested in supporting the project can contribute via Patreon or purchase merchandise through the nonprofit’s store. The launch of Bounce 2 is anticipated to take place later this month, marking a milestone for cross-protocol social media interoperability.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Bounce 2’s introduction addresses a critical barrier in the open social web by enabling seamless migration of social graphs between Mastodon and Bluesky. This advancement could accelerate user adoption across platforms by reducing friction associated with ecosystem lock-in.
- Opportunities: Increased user flexibility may drive growth in open social platforms and incentivize innovation in interoperability tools.
- Risks: Asymmetric content migration may limit full user experience transfer, potentially slowing broader adoption.
- Potential for enhanced competition among decentralized social networks, fostering healthier ecosystem dynamics.
- Nonprofit development signals community-driven progress, but sustainability depends on ongoing support and funding.
Impact: Bounce 2 significantly enhances social media portability, reducing ecosystem lock-in and promoting a more open, user-centric social web.
