The potential ban of TikTok in the US has sparked a flurry of development within the open social web community, with several new applications being built on the decentralized social network Bluesky and its AT Protocol. These apps aim to provide a TikTok-like experience, giving users more control over their data and online interactions.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future has creators and small businesses worried about the impact on their income, prompting the search for alternative platforms. Bluesky, designed for a future web, allows users to take back control over their personal data and social activity from Big Tech. The open social ecosystem, also supported by the fediverse, includes apps like Mastodon and others, offering a decentralized and transparent alternative to traditional social media.

Several new projects are underway to bring a video experience to Bluesky, including Bluescreen, Reelo, Skylight, Videos for Bluesky, Flipboard's Surf, and BlueSky Reels. These apps are being built on top of Bluesky's network or using the AT Protocol, ensuring transparency and control over user data. Bluescreen, for example, will focus on videos posted to the Bluesky social network, allowing uploads and filtering feeds for video content. Reelo, on the other hand, is developing its own stand-alone app on the AT Protocol, promising a richer video experience with features like longer videos, special effects, and livestreaming.

Skylight, another app in development, is marketing itself as an "AT Protocol TikTok," but its limitations are tied to Bluesky's social network guidelines. Videos for Bluesky, launched on the App Store, offers a TikTok-like user interface and features like user profiles, search, and a "For You" timeline. Flipboard's Surf, a more comprehensive app, recently added a video feed and aims to personalize it to individual users in the future. BlueSky Reels, still in development, will support video-only content and basic user interactions, with plans to add more features and support for other personal data servers.

The emergence of these new apps highlights the potential of Bluesky and the AT Protocol to fill the gap left by TikTok's uncertain future. As the open social web community continues to grow and develop, it's likely that we'll see more innovative solutions that prioritize user control and transparency. With the government's ability to take down TikTok still a concern, these decentralized alternatives may become increasingly appealing to users seeking a more secure and flexible online experience.

As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the open social web community is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of online interactions. With Bluesky and its AT Protocol at the forefront, users may soon have more choices than ever before when it comes to controlling their online presence and data.