SAN FRANCISCO - Aug 25, 2025 (UTC) - In a groundbreaking development that could reshape how people use social media, a new service called Bounce launched Monday offering users something that was previously impossible: the ability to move their followers and connections from one social platform to another completely different one. The free tool, developed by nonprofit A New Social, represents the first time users can escape platform “lock-in” without abandoning their carefully built social networks.
Breaking: The End of Social Media Prison
For years, social media users faced an impossible choice: stay on a platform you no longer like or abandon all your followers and start from zero somewhere else. Bounce has shattered this digital prison, allowing users to pack up their social connections and move them to a new platform – like taking your phone contacts with you when you switch carriers.
“This changes everything for social media users,” said industry analysts, noting that the tool gives people unprecedented power to vote with their feet when platforms make unpopular changes.
How the Revolutionary Technology Works
The process is surprisingly straightforward for users, despite the complex technology behind it:
- Sign up for the free Bounce service at bounce.anew.social
- Connect your existing Bluesky account and new Mastodon account
- Let Bounce work its magic – the tool automatically bridges the two different platforms
- Watch your followers transfer to your new account
- Continue your social media life on Mastodon with your existing network intact
The entire migration typically completes within hours, though users should be prepared for the fact that this is still a testing version of the service.
Perfect Timing: Mississippi Users Get Lifeline
The launch comes at a critical moment. Just last Friday, Bluesky suddenly blocked all users in Mississippi rather than comply with a new state age verification law the company deemed too invasive. Thousands of Mississippi users were instantly cut off from their accounts and followers, highlighting exactly why Bounce’s services are desperately needed.
“We’re seeing users in Mississippi already taking advantage of Bounce to rescue their social networks,” said developers, noting the tool provides a crucial escape hatch when platforms become unavailable.
What Platforms Can You Move Between?
Currently, Bounce supports moving FROM Bluesky TO two destinations:
- Mastodon: A community-run alternative to Twitter/X that can’t be controlled by any single company
- Pixelfed: A photo-sharing platform similar to Instagram but without corporate oversight
The service plans to add the reverse direction (Mastodon to Bluesky) once technical limitations are resolved.
Critical Warning: This Move Is Permanent
Users must understand one crucial limitation: once you use Bounce to move your account away from Bluesky, you cannot return to Bluesky with the same account. This is a one-way trip, so users should be certain about their decision before proceeding.
“Think of it like emigrating to a new country,” explains the development team. “You can take your belongings with you, but you can’t easily move back.”
Who’s Behind This Game-Changer?
Bounce was created by A New Social, the same nonprofit organization that previously developed Bridgy Fed, a popular tool that lets people on different social platforms interact with each other. The organization is dedicated to giving users more control over their online social lives rather than being trapped by corporate decisions.
Unlike profit-driven tech companies, A New Social operates as a nonprofit, meaning their goal is user empowerment rather than making money from user data.
Why This Matters for Ordinary Users
This development represents a seismic shift in social media power dynamics:
Freedom of Choice: No longer trapped on platforms that make changes you don’t like Protection from Shutdowns: If a platform closes or blocks your area, you can save your social network Bargaining Power: Platforms must treat users better knowing they can easily leave Future-Proofing: Your social connections become truly portable across different services
Industry Experts React
Technology analysts are calling Bounce a “watershed moment” for social media, comparing it to phone number portability that allows people to keep their phone numbers when switching carriers.
“This could force major platforms to compete on service quality rather than just relying on users being trapped,” said digital rights advocates.
Getting Started: What Users Need to Know
The service is free and available immediately, though it’s currently recommended for users comfortable with new technology since it’s still in beta testing. The process requires accounts on both platforms – your existing Bluesky account and a new Mastodon account where your followers will be transferred.
Users should carefully read all instructions and fully understand that leaving Bluesky is permanent before beginning the migration process.
What’s Next: Expansion Plans
A New Social plans to expand Bounce’s capabilities significantly:
- Reverse Migration: Moving from Mastodon back to Bluesky once technical barriers are removed
- Additional Platforms: Support for other social networks in development
- Enhanced Features: More sophisticated migration options based on user feedback
The Bigger Picture: Social Media Revolution
Bounce represents the first major crack in social media’s “walled garden” approach, where platforms deliberately make it difficult for users to leave. This could trigger a wave of similar tools and force major platforms to reconsider their user retention strategies.
For social media users, Bounce offers something that seemed impossible just days ago: true freedom to choose your platform without sacrificing your social connections. In an era where social media platforms increasingly make controversial changes, that freedom could prove invaluable.
The tool is available now at bounce.anew.social for users ready to take control of their digital social lives.
