Bluesky: The New Social Media Platform Tops 20 Million Users
With a growing user base of 20 million, Bluesky is quickly establishing itself as a noteworthy alternative to X, formerly known as Twitter. Developed under the guidance of former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, this text-oriented platform is making waves in the social media world, attracting users looking for a decentralized approach to online interaction.
What Is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a social media platform that focuses on text-based communication, offering users the ability to post messages up to 300 characters long. Its interface feels familiar to X users, with posts appearing on a newsfeed for others to view. Available on iOS and Android, the app stands out with its decentralized framework, allowing users to post messages to servers designed for specific communities or interests.
This open and customizable approach is reminiscent of platforms like Mastodon and Discord, but Bluesky brings its own twist. Its mission is to return control to the users, enabling more freedom in how content is created, shared, and managed.
The History of Bluesky
Bluesky was conceived in 2019 as an internal project at Twitter. Jack Dorsey, who was then the CEO of Twitter, envisioned the creation of a decentralized social media platform that would break free from traditional, centralized structures.
The project gained traction in 2020 when Dorsey tweeted about Twitter’s plans to fund such an initiative. This sparked a wave of interest, and the eventual leaders of Bluesky were among those who reached out to Dorsey in response.
In 2022, a year after Dorsey stepped down as Twitter’s CEO, Bluesky became an independent company. Under the leadership of Jay Graber, who serves as CEO, the platform has continued to evolve. Graber, known for her work as a software engineer on the cryptocurrency Zcash and as the founder of an events-focused social media site called Happening, is committed to Bluesky’s decentralized vision.
Ownership and Leadership
Bluesky operates with a traditional corporate structure but aims to disrupt the conventional social media model. The board of directors includes Jack Dorsey and Jeremie Miller, the creator of Jabber, an early instant messaging service.
Jay Graber and the Bluesky team collectively own the company, emphasizing their commitment to a collaborative approach. The platform aspires to shift content control away from centralized authorities and give it back to creators, offering a stark contrast to conventional social media networks.
“Traditional social networks are often closed platforms with a central authority,” explains the Bluesky website. “There's a small group of people who control those companies, and they have total control over how users can use the platform and what developers can build.”
Bluesky’s Growth and Appeal
Bluesky’s user base has surged recently, with a notable increase in registrations following the 2024 U.S. election. Within one week, the platform added over one million users. Celebrities such as Ben Stiller, Stephen King, and Lizzo have also joined, further boosting its visibility.
Despite this growth, Bluesky remains smaller than its competitors. It boasts 20 million users—significant, but still far behind Meta’s Threads, which has exceeded 175 million monthly active users, and X, which reported 229 million daily active users in June 2022 (before being taken private by Elon Musk).
The platform’s appeal lies in its promise of a more open and user-driven experience. Its decentralized framework and customizable servers provide a fresh alternative for those disillusioned with traditional social media giants.
Decentralization: Bluesky’s Unique Selling Point
Bluesky operates on an open framework that allows users to choose servers tailored to their interests or communities. This decentralized model gives individuals more control over their online interactions, standing in stark contrast to the centralized approach of platforms like X and Threads.
By decentralizing social media, Bluesky aims to create a space where users can participate without fear of being at the mercy of a single governing authority. This approach not only fosters innovation but also builds trust among users who may have grown skeptical of traditional platforms’ practices.
Jay Graber explains:
“Our goal is to give users control and choice in how they engage with the platform, from content moderation to the type of communities they join.”
Challenges Ahead
While Bluesky’s decentralized model is its main strength, it also presents unique challenges. Ensuring user safety and moderating harmful content becomes more complex in a decentralized environment. Balancing freedom of expression with the need for a safe online space is a key hurdle that Bluesky will need to address as it scales.
Additionally, the platform’s smaller user base could pose a challenge in competing with established giants like X and Threads. However, its steady growth and high-profile endorsements suggest it is well-positioned to carve out its niche.
Related: Bluesky Surges with 700,000 New Members as Users Flee X After US Election
How to Join Bluesky
Initially, Bluesky required an invitation to join as it underwent testing phases. This exclusivity created a sense of intrigue and scarcity around the platform.
As of February, Bluesky is open to everyone. Interested users can visit the platform’s website or download the app to create an account. The simple registration process makes it accessible to individuals and organizations alike.
Is Bluesky a Viable Alternative to X?
Bluesky’s potential as an X alternative has been a hot topic of debate. The platform’s decentralized nature offers a refreshing change, particularly for users seeking a break from the centralized control of traditional social networks.
While it is still in its growth phase, Bluesky’s focus on community-driven content and its ability to attract high-profile users indicate that it could become a serious contender.
Dorsey himself has been openly critical of Elon Musk’s leadership at X, suggesting that Bluesky represents a better path forward for social media. In a post on Bluesky, Dorsey remarked that things "all went south" at X after Musk’s acquisition.
The Future of Bluesky
Bluesky’s decentralized model positions it as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of social media. By focusing on user control, transparency, and innovation, it offers a compelling alternative to mainstream platforms.
As more people seek alternatives to centralized platforms like X and Threads, Bluesky has the potential to become a key player in the social media ecosystem. Its emphasis on empowering users and creating customizable communities aligns with the growing demand for more personalized and user-centric online spaces.
While challenges remain, the platform’s growth trajectory suggests a bright future. Whether it becomes a dominant force in social media or remains a niche alternative, Bluesky is undoubtedly reshaping how we think about online interactions.
