LOS ANGELES (AP) — Following the recent U.S. election, the social media platform Bluesky has experienced a significant surge, gaining 1 million new users within a week as some X users seek alternative spaces to express their views and connect with others online.
As of Wednesday, Bluesky announced that its user base has reached 15 million, a noticeable increase from about 13 million at the end of October. This growth indicates a trend of users migrating to platforms perceived as providing a more user-friendly or less contentious environment.
Originally launched as an invitation-only platform and championed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky transitioned to a public model in February. The initial phase allowed the site to develop essential features and moderation tools before opening its doors to a wider audience. Users will find familiar elements such as a “discover” feed and a chronological feed of the accounts they follow, along with direct messaging options, post pinning, and curated “starter packs” that suggest users to follow based on interests.
This influx of users in the aftermath of the election is not the first time Bluesky has benefited from discontent with X. In August, the platform saw a notable increase of 2.6 million users within a week after X was banned in Brazil, predominantly attracting users from that country. Additionally, there was a remarkable surge of 500,000 new users in just one day last month when X announced that blocked accounts would finally have visibility to public posts
Despite the growth of Bluesky, X has asserted that it continues to lead global discussions, particularly around the U.S. election, claiming a 15.5% rise in new-user signups on Election Day and reporting a record-breaking 942 million posts globally. However, representatives from both Bluesky and X did not reply to requests for comments regarding the situation.
Bluesky has made light of its rivalry with X, evidenced by its tongue-in-cheek comments on social media. For instance, on Election Day, Bluesky joked about not having team members sitting with presidential candidates and controlling what users see online, hinting at the perceived issues of transparency and accountability on X.
The platform has attracted a diverse range of new users, including journalists, left-leaning politicians, and celebrities who appreciate its ad-free environment and commitment to reducing hate speech. Many have noted that using Bluesky feels reminiscent of the early days of X when the latter operated as Twitter.
In recent developments, The Guardian announced it would cease posting on X, citing the proliferation of “far-right conspiracy theories and racism” as critical reasons for this decision. Adding to this shift, well-known television journalist Don Lemon indicated his departure from X, opting to join Bluesky alongside other social media platforms. Lemon expressed concerns about X shifting away from being a place for “honest debate and discussion,” pointing out recent changes to its terms of service that could further complicate legal recourse against the platform.
Lemon’s remarks highlighted concerns over X’s new policy requiring lawsuits to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas rather than the Western District of Texas. He noted that this change may favor the platform legally, particularly as many consider courts in Texas to have a conservative bias, potentially sidelining critics.
In light of previous controversies, last year saw major advertisers, including IBM and NBCUniversal, distance themselves from X due to fears of their advertisements appearing alongside controversial or harmful content, including pro-Nazi rhetoric. This decline was exacerbated by Musk’s own polarizing posts, which some interpreted as endorsing antisemitic conspiracy theories.
