Bluesky, a social media platform that was initially part of Twitter before becoming independent, has seen a significant surge in users following the US election. The platform gained 700,000 new users in the week after the election, with most of them coming from the US and UK. This increase in membership led Bluesky’s user base to grow from 9 million in September to 14.5 million by November 12th.
According to Bluesky spokesperson Emily Liu, the new sign-ups come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Swifties, wrestlers, and city planners. The platform’s growth can be attributed to an exodus of users from another platform, X, which is owned by Elon Musk. Musk’s support for president-elect Donald Trump and an increase in misinformation and offensive content on X prompted users to switch to Bluesky.
This is not the first time users have migrated from X to Bluesky. In August, during riots in the UK, Bluesky saw a 60% increase in activity from UK users. The platform provides a decentralized approach to social media, allowing different platforms and communities to interoperate rather than being under one corporate banner like Twitter or Facebook. Despite its decentralized model, Bluesky offers features similar to X and Twitter, such as direct messaging.
The surge in users on Bluesky highlights a growing trend of users seeking alternative social media platforms that prioritize authentic interactions and content moderation. The platform’s recent growth in user base reflects a broader shift in the social media landscape towards platforms that offer a more positive and engaging user experience.
As more public figures and influencers announce their move to Bluesky from X, the platform is poised to continue its growth trajectory. The influx of new users, combined with its decentralized model and focus on community-driven interactions, positions Bluesky as a promising player in the social media space. With the digital landscape evolving rapidly, platforms like Bluesky offer users a refreshing alternative that prioritizes meaningful connections and content.
