Since the recent US election, Bluesky has seen a spike of over 1 million new users, marking a significant shift from X, formerly known as Twitter.
Dissatisfaction with the platform under Elon Musk’s leadership, coupled with mounting warnings about misinformation from the EU and anti-hate groups, has fueled this rapid migration.
Bluesky’s user base has surged from 9 million in September to over 15 million, according to company sources.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky, launched as a project within Twitter by then-CEO Jack Dorsey, sought to create an “open and decentralised standard for social media.”
By 2021, Bluesky had become an independent entity, and today it’s headed by CEO Jay Graber.
On Bluesky, users can post, reply, and interact with each other, much like on X, but with enhanced moderation tools and a more customisable experience.
How Bluesky Differs from X
The biggest draw for Bluesky users appears to be its high level of moderation.
Users on Bluesky can choose the algorithms that drive their feeds, allowing for tailored viewing experiences such as a feed for close friends or specific interests.
Users can also set website addresses as their handles, which could become a practical verification tool for journalists, public figures, and other professionals.
In stark contrast, X recently eased its block function, meaning public accounts can still be viewed by users who have been blocked.
In response, Bluesky promotes “anti-toxicity” features that let users detach their posts from unwanted interactions, which many see as a safeguard against online harassment.
Rising Concerns Fuel Migration
Bluesky’s popularity has been fueled by a growing sense of unease about X’s content moderation approach.
Elon Musk, now closely associated with the US president-elect Donald Trump, has faced criticism for his platform’s role in spreading misinformation and allowing extremist content.
In recent months, X’s approach to content control has faced scrutiny from both international organisations and its own user base, prompting many to seek alternatives.
Adding to the discontent, X faced backlash when it temporarily halted operations in Brazil in September, a move that led to an increase of 3 million new Bluesky users within a week.
X’s decision to modify its blocking function has driven even more users to explore Bluesky’s community-oriented model.
Who’s Making the Switch?
Bluesky’s growth has attracted a diverse user base, including prominent public figures and influencers.
In the UK, MPs such as safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, Liberal Democrat technology spokesperson Layla Moran, and Labour’s Diane Abbott have made the move.
Celebrities are also shifting platforms: actor Jamie Lee Curtis, who deactivated her X account, announced her transition on Instagram.
Naturalist Chris Packham, comedian Dara Ó Briain, and lexicographer Susie Dent from Countdown have also opted for Bluesky.
Why Users Prefer Bluesky
Bluesky’s appeal lies in its balance between openness and user control. With features that allow users to curate their experience and reduce unwanted interactions, it offers a refreshing alternative to X’s deregulated environment.
As misinformation and extremism remain central concerns for social media users, Bluesky’s enhanced moderation tools have quickly positioned it as a go-to platform for those prioritising a safer, more controlled online space.
