SAN FRANCISCO — Users seeking a change from X are increasingly turning to Bluesky, a fresh social media platform that originated from Twitter prior to its acquisition by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2022. Although Bluesky still operates on a smaller scale compared to major platforms like X, it is becoming an appealing choice for those who desire a more positive and welcoming atmosphere, one less shaped by Musk’s influence.
What exactly is Bluesky?
Bluesky, which was initially championed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, functioned as an invitation-only platform until it became accessible to everyone in February. This exclusive period allowed the site to enhance its moderation tools and incorporate various features. The interface is similar to that of Musk’s X, offering a “discover” feed along with a chronological feed for user followings. Users have the ability to send direct messages, pin posts, and access “starter packs” that curate a tailored list of profiles and feeds to explore.
What factors are driving Bluesky’s rapid growth?
In mid-November, Bluesky announced a notable rise in its user base, reaching 15 million—up from approximately 13 million at the end of October—as former X users sought alternative platforms for sharing their thoughts and engaging with others online. The increase in users following the recent elections isn’t the first instance of Bluesky benefiting from a migration away from X. For example, the platform amassed 2.6 million new users in the week following the ban of X in Brazil this past August, with around 85% of those newcomers originating from Brazil. In October, when X suggested that blocked accounts would again have access to a user’s public posts, about 500,000 people registered in a single day.
New users on Bluesky, including journalists, progressive politicians, and celebrities, have been actively sharing memes and expressing excitement about using a platform that avoids ads and hate speech. Many users have commented that the environment reminds them of Twitter’s early days over a decade ago.
Despite Bluesky’s rapid expansion, X has maintained that it continues to “dominate the global conversation surrounding the U.S. election” and has even broken new records.
A vision beyond just social networking
However, Bluesky has aspirations extending beyond merely replacing X. The platform is focused on developing a foundational technology—referred to as “a protocol for public conversation”—that aims to facilitate interoperability among social networks. This means enabling interactions across different platforms, similar to how email, blogs, and phone numbers function.
At present, users cannot seamlessly engage with content across different social media platforms; for instance, someone on Twitter cannot leave a comment on a TikTok account without being restricted to their own platform. Major tech companies have constructed barriers around their online properties, supporting their advertising-driven business models. In contrast, Bluesky is attempting to revolutionize social media by fostering interoperability and breaking down those barriers.