How to manage Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads all from one free app

Buena Vista Images/Getty Images

In today's fragmented social media landscape, staying active across multiple platforms can feel like a full-time job. Many people have started seeking alternatives with the recent shifts at X (formerly Twitter), including the rise in toxicity, relaxed moderation, and decisions that undermine the blocking feature. 

Also: How to easily fly away from X to Bluesky without losing your flock - for now

Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, and other networks have grown in popularity as users look for more supportive and user-controlled spaces. But the switch hasn't been seamless. Each platform has its own app, its own unique interaction style, and keeping up with them all can quickly turn into a frustrating, repetitive chore.

As someone who's had enough of bouncing between apps just to keep up, I was eager to try Openvibe, a centralized social media client designed to simplify this juggling act. For me, Openvibe has eliminated a lot of the friction that comes with managing multiple accounts. The app's unified feed and cross-posting feature let me stay connected and share updates across Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, and Nostr in one place. If I want to post the same update to all of these platforms, I can do it with a single tap, which has been a game-changer in saving both time and sanity.

Also: ChatGPT has officially replaced Google Search for me - here's why

Openvibe is developed by the Czech Republic-based company Tweetoshi. Originally known for its Bitcoin-centric Twitter client, Tweetoshi adapted to the changing social media landscape by creating Openvibe. 

The app allows users to manage multiple accounts and networks in one place. Openvibe is free on iOS and Android and compatible with iPad and Mac. Openvibe also addresses the lack of dedicated apps for iPad users for Bluesky and Threads, providing a much-needed native app experience.

Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNET

Unified timeline with contextual network tags

Using Openvibe for the first time, I was struck by how clean and straightforward the interface is. Instead of juggling between apps and struggling to keep track of conversations, Openvibe brings all the posts from Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, and Nostr into one cohesive timeline. It's refreshing to scroll through a single feed without missing updates from people across networks -- something I used to find impossible.

Also: Stop exposing your Venmo activity - by changing this privacy setting. Here's why

Openvibe's "network tags" are a small but essential touch. These tags appear in the post header, showing the origin of each post -- Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, or Nostr. They've become my quick visual cue, instantly letting me know where each post is coming from without breaking the reading flow. It's a simple feature that makes a big difference in feeling connected to each platform without the usual confusion of jumping between different apps.

Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNET

Effortless multi-platform posting 

One of the things I've found most useful in Openvibe is its multi-platform posting capability. Instead of copying and pasting the same post across apps, I can compose it once and choose where it should go -- Mastodon, Bluesky, Nostr, Threads, or all of them with a single tap. This has been a game-changer, especially for anyone who manages multiple accounts. Before OpenVibe, keeping up with different networks felt like a full-time job; now, I'm more efficient and less likely to overlook a platform.

Also: Ready to ditch Google Drive? Here are the 5 best alternatives to check out

The app offers nearly full functionality for Mastodon, Bluesky, and Nostr, from posting to rich interactions like tagging and replies. With Threads, though, Openvibe has hit some API limitations, so tagging and some advanced interactions aren't quite there yet. Interestingly, I found that tagging works if the Threads user is federated through Mastodon -- a feature you can enable in your Threads settings.

Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNET

While Openvibe's cross-posting feature is incredibly convenient, it's not without a few hitches. One issue I've noticed is with link embedding -- when I include a link in a post, Bluesky doesn't always generate a link preview or card when visible in the native client and website, which makes posts feel less complete. Thankfully, the Openvibe team is aware of this and working on a fix.

Tagging also has its quirks. Bluesky and Nostr handle tags seamlessly, but (depending on which server you are on) Mastodon can occasionally struggle with pulling up usernames, causing delays, or failing to tag the intended user. It's minor, but if you rely on tagging for engagement, this can be frustrating. Despite these bumps, OpenVibe's cross-posting still saves me a ton of time, and I'm hopeful these tweaks will be ironed out soon.

Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNET

Advanced timeline and feed customization

Openvibe truly understands the need for personalized content streams, especially if you want to focus on specific topics or communities across social platforms. For instance, the app allows Bluesky and Mastodon users to access their list feeds, while Threads and Nostr users can view their following lists directly within Openvibe. This flexibility is a game-changer for anyone who prefers curated content over a broad, single timeline, making Openvibe a powerful tool for anyone invested in specialized feeds or niche communities.

Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNET

Beyond just timelines, Openvibe's customization options go further. The app includes a True Dark Mode optimized for OLED screens, alongside font and theme adjustments, letting users tailor the interface to their liking.

Soon, Openvibe will support RSS feeds -- an upcoming feature that's a significant draw if you want a centralized hub for social and non-social content. Having everything in one place means fewer apps and more streamlined access to information.

Also: Turn your Instagram profile into digital business card - here's how

What sets Openvibe apart is its focus on filling the usability gaps left by individual social media apps. With native support for iPad (filling the Bluesky and Threads app void on the device) and the ability to run on a Mac through iPadOS compatibility, Openvibe is positioning itself as an essential tool for seamless multi-platform access.

A work in progress with promising potential

While Openvibe has limitations, the team's quick response to user feedback signals a promising future for the app. As Openvibe works to improve link embedding, refine tagging functionality, and expand RSS integration, it's clear that this isn't just a temporary solution -- it's a forward-thinking tool for today's social media challenges.

Also: Meta is suddenly crushing Apple in the innovation battle

In an age of fragmented networks and platform-specific hurdles, Openvibe offers a smart, integrated approach that's invaluable for users seeking efficiency and clarity. It minimizes redundancy, streamlines content sharing, and gives users a much-needed unified space for navigating social media's scattered landscape.

Currently free to use, Openvibe's multi-platform presence and user-centered approach make it a strong contender among social media clients. As a bridge between platforms, it's designed to make cross-network engagement smoother and simpler, all while supporting users who want a more efficient way to stay connected across today's diverse digital spaces.