Mark Cuban backs Skylight, a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky’s underlying technology

Tech Crunch - Apr 1st, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

Skylight, a new app developed by Tori White and Reed Hermeyer, is launching publicly as a more open alternative to TikTok, leveraging the AT Protocol. Backed by Mark Cuban and the Graham & Walker Venture Fund, Skylight integrates with Bluesky’s network, connecting users to over 33.8 million potential viewers. The app offers familiar social video features, including video editing, commenting, and sharing, while allowing users to tap into a broad network across ATProto-based apps like Flashes. Skylight aims to provide a 'ban-proof' platform amid concerns over potential TikTok bans in the U.S.

The development of Skylight was inspired by the potential TikTok ban, prompting White, a former travel influencer, to innovate a secure way to maintain community connections. By documenting the app's journey on TikTok, White attracted early interest and testing support. Skylight plans to expand beyond being a decentralized TikTok, offering custom feed options and new interaction gestures. The app is now available in beta on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, signaling a significant step in decentralized social media evolution.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Skylight, a new app positioned as a TikTok alternative, highlighting its development, features, and backing by notable investors. Its strengths lie in its timeliness and clarity, offering relevant insights into current debates about social media alternatives. The use of credible sources and clear language adds to its readability and engagement potential. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, addressing potential challenges and providing deeper insights into the technological aspects of the AT Protocol. While the story is informative and timely, further verification of certain claims and a more critical view could enhance its overall quality and impact.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims, such as the launch of Skylight after 10 weeks of development, its backing by Mark Cuban, and its integration with the AT Protocol. These claims are generally supported by external sources, but some aspects require further verification, such as the exact size of the Bluesky network and specifics about the funding round. The description of features like video editing, commenting, and sharing aligns with typical short-form video app functionalities, but the article lacks detailed comparisons to TikTok. Overall, the story's accuracy is solid, but it would benefit from more precise data and corroboration of the claims regarding user base and technological integration.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of Skylight, highlighting its features, potential market impact, and the credibility of its backers. However, it lacks a critical perspective on potential challenges the app might face, such as competition from established platforms like TikTok and the technical hurdles of relying on a relatively new protocol. By not addressing these potential downsides, the article leans towards a favorable portrayal, which might not provide a fully balanced view.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it accessible to a general audience. It logically presents the background, development, and features of Skylight, allowing readers to follow the narrative easily. The tone is neutral and informative, which aids in comprehension. Some areas, such as the technical details of the AT Protocol, could be expanded for readers unfamiliar with the technology, but overall, the clarity is strong.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including direct quotes from the co-founders and mentions of Mark Cuban's involvement, which adds authority to the story. The use of TechCrunch as a source further supports the credibility, as it is a well-regarded publication in the tech industry. However, additional sources providing independent verification of the claims would enhance the overall reliability. The reliance on statements from the developers themselves introduces potential bias, but the inclusion of reputable external sources helps mitigate this.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the development timeline and the motivations behind Skylight's creation, offering transparency into the founders' intentions and the app's technological foundation. However, it lacks detailed information on the methodology used to verify the claims, such as the size of the Bluesky network and the specifics of the funding. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the reader's understanding of the article's basis and potential biases.

Sources

  1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/01/mark-cuban-backs-skylight-a-tiktok-alternative-built-on-blueskys-underlying-technology/
  2. https://beamstart.com/news/tiktok-is-shutting-down-its-17435273583022
  3. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/16/mark-cuban-is-ready-to-fund-a-tiktok-alternative-built-on-blueskys-at-protocol/
  4. https://www.tiktok.com/@mcuban/video/7459833697563413802?lang=en
  5. https://www.tiktok.com/@shiralazar/video/7461430119085755690