Bluesky has gained 1 million users since the U.S. election, raising its total to 15 million. This growth reflects ongoing migration from X, particularly in light of recent controversies. The platform, characterized by its focus on moderation, offers an alternative for those seeking a safer online community free from advertisements and hate speech.
In the wake of the recent U.S. election, the social media platform Bluesky has experienced significant growth, adding 1 million new users in just one week. This surge has elevated its total user count to 15 million, up from approximately 13 million at the end of October. Originally launched as an invitation-only platform by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky opened to the public in February and now provides features reminiscent of Elon Musk’s X, including both chronological and trending feeds. Users can create direct messages, pin posts, and utilize curated “starter packs” to engage with like-minded individuals. The post-election increase in users follows previous spikes in registrations related to users migrating from X. Notably, after X was banned in Brazil in August, Bluesky gained 2.6 million new users and saw significant registrations prompted by changes in X’s policy regarding blocked accounts. Despite Bluesky’s rapid growth, X has claimed to have “dominated the global conversation on the U.S. election,” reporting a record number of posts and new user signups on Election Day. Bluesky has been vocal about its competitive positioning in relation to X, utilizing humor in its communications. Recently, the platform remarked on X’s controversies, highlighting that its team would not offer direct access to a presidential candidate on its platform. This discontent with X has attracted various users, including journalists, politicians, and celebrities, eager to find a space absent of advertisements and hate speech. Amidst these developments, The Guardian announced its decision to cease postings on X, citing the prevalence of extremism and racism. Several prominent advertisers have pulled their support from X due to concerns about the association of their brands with inappropriate content.
The dynamics of social media have evolved significantly, particularly following major events such as the U.S. elections. As users become increasingly disillusioned with platforms like X, there is a growing demand for alternatives that promise safer and more accommodating environments for discourse. Bluesky, developed by former Twitter executives, has positioned itself as a viable option for these users, focusing on community standards and moderated interactions, in response to recent controversies involving X.
The rise of Bluesky within such a short span following the U.S. election highlights a notable shift in user preference, catalyzed by the desire for a platform free from the toxicity associated with X. This trend suggests that users are actively seeking more trustworthy social media environments, as evidenced by the increasing user adoption of Bluesky, particularly among those disenchanted by recent events on other platforms like X.
Original Source: apnews.com
