Bluesky, a budding social network, is a strong contender against platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads. Its user-friendly design and innovative features draw in millions of users, making it a top choice for those seeking a fresh social media experience.
Bluesky gains traction with millions of users
Bluesky might feel like a breath of fresh air if you’ve ever felt let down by other platforms. Since launching in 2023, the app has grown in popularity thanks to features like customisable feeds and personalised moderation filters. These tools give you more control over what you see and how you interact with others — a level of customisation not often found on other platforms.
Initially, Bluesky struggled to attract enough users to make it a daily destination for many. However, the tide turned this November. Within a week, the platform gained 700,000 new users and then surpassed 15 million users. By mid-November, CEO Jay Graber announced that the platform had crossed 20 million users, with more than a million new sign-ups daily.
Part of its appeal lies in its similarities to Twitter but with a more user-focused approach. Unlike Threads, which operates under Meta’s rigid rules, Bluesky empowers you to shape your experience.
Challenges and competition
Bluesky’s rapid growth has yet to be without its hiccups. The surge in users caused occasional slowdowns and a major outage due to a damaged fibre cable. Despite these issues, Meta, the company behind Threads, is clearly keeping a close eye on Bluesky’s progress.
The competition has heated up. After Bluesky announced its milestone of 15 million users, Adam Mosseri, the head of Threads, responded by boasting that Threads had 15 million sign-ups for November alone. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that Threads now boasts 275 million monthly users, solidifying its position as a major player.
In response to Bluesky’s popularity, Meta has introduced significant updates to Threads, including custom feeds and improvements to the “For You” section to prioritise posts from people you follow. These changes show that Meta is committed to maintaining Threads as a dominant social network.
Can Bluesky sustain its momentum?
While Bluesky has quickly become a favourite for many, it still needs to be bigger than Threads and X. Will it retain its users long-term? Meta’s aggressive push to make Threads a billion-user platform and X’s continued relevance for businesses and political updates present significant challenges.
Still, Bluesky offers something unique. With users scattered across various platforms, every app has yet to replicate what Twitter once represented. However, Bluesky is carving out its space and could become the go-to platform for connecting with the digital world.
Bluesky’s journey is one to watch, whether it becomes the next big thing or remains a niche community.
