Social media platform Bluesky has experienced a significant surge in user growth following the recent U.S. election, with 1 million new users joining the platform in just one week. This increase has propelled Bluesky's total user base to 15 million, up from approximately 13 million at the end of October.
Bluesky, championed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, transitioned from an invitation-only platform to being open to the public in February. During the invite-only phase, the platform focused on developing moderation tools and enhancing user features. Bluesky's interface is reminiscent of Elon Musk's platform, with features such as a 'discover' feed and a chronological feed for user-followed accounts. Users can engage in direct messaging, pin posts, and access curated 'starter packs' to discover new content.
This recent influx of users to Bluesky is not the first time the platform has seen growth due to users migrating from other platforms. In August, Bluesky gained 2.6 million users following a ban on a social media platform in Brazil, with a significant portion of the new users originating from Brazil. The platform also experienced a surge of 500,000 new signups in a single day last month in response to changes on another platform.
Despite Bluesky's growth, another platform, referred to as X, reported record engagement during the U.S. election period. X noted a substantial increase in new user signups on Election Day and a record number of posts globally. The competitive dynamic between Bluesky and X has been highlighted through playful exchanges on social media.
New users on Bluesky, including journalists, politicians, and celebrities, have expressed enthusiasm for a platform free from advertisements and hate speech. Some users have drawn parallels between Bluesky and the early days of X when it was known as Twitter.
Recent developments have seen media outlets and public figures making decisions regarding their presence on social media platforms. The Guardian announced its decision to cease posting on X due to concerns over content, while journalist Don Lemon expressed his departure from X citing changes in the platform's terms of service.
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, users are seeking platforms that align with their values and provide a conducive environment for open dialogue and engagement.
