TLDR:
• Bluesky triples user base
• App Store’s top app
• Frustration with X sparks shift
WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Thursday Times) — The explosive rise of Bluesky, a decentralised social network, has now brought it to a milestone of 20 million users, marking nearly triple growth in just three months. This recent surge reflects a momentum that, while still trailing major rivals like Threads, has taken the tech world by storm. Bluesky has consistently been the top-ranking app in Apple’s App Store for almost a week, and has similarly dominated the Google Play Store’s non-gaming apps. Market analysts suggest that a notable portion of new Bluesky sign-ups coincide with mounting user dissatisfaction on X, which many abandoned following the U.S. presidential election.
Decentralisation fuels Bluesky’s appeal
Bluesky’s decentralised structure has resonated with users seeking an alternative to the monolithic nature of larger social media platforms. With its recent promise to refrain from using user data for AI training—a practice that rival X has embraced—Bluesky is tapping into concerns around privacy and control. This promise and a strict ad-free policy set Bluesky apart from other networks, which have seen pushback over aggressive ad strategies and monetisation of user data.
Social shifts after election catalyse growth
Data analytics indicate that traffic to Bluesky surged following key events, notably the U.S. election, as users reportedly left X in large numbers. This shift was particularly apparent on November 7, as users deactivated X accounts and switched to Bluesky. Analysts note that many who left X voiced frustrations over changes in its content policies and platform management. The sense of community Bluesky offers, coupled with its open-source nature, continues to attract those disenchanted with centralised, ad-heavy environments.
Simple, engaging approach captivates
With its minimalist design and focus on user-driven interaction, Bluesky has quickly become a destination for those seeking more authentic, less algorithm-driven engagement. As it cements its place in the social media landscape, Bluesky’s rise challenges the industry norms by re-emphasising the user experience. The platform’s independence from data-selling and AI-training initiatives has added to its allure, drawing attention from users who see Bluesky as a purer social networking option in a crowded field.
Central to Bluesky’s appeal is a commitment to the user-first principle. CEO Jay Graber’s vision of a user-focused platform has steered Bluesky’s success, with policies deliberately countering the ‘enshittification’ of user experience through ads and invasive data practices. As Bluesky continues to evolve, its rapid growth stands as a testament to the demand for user-focused, privacy-conscious platforms that diverge from the established practices of larger competitors.
