Bluesky, a social media platform, saw a surge of over 700,000 new users in the week following the US election, as users sought refuge from misinformation and offensive content on another platform, X.
The company reported reaching 14.5 million users globally, up from 9 million in September, with significant growth from North America and the United Kingdom.
According to social media researcher Axel Brands, Bluesky provides an alternative to X (formerly Twitter) with better mechanisms for blocking problematic accounts and addressing harmful behavior.
Brands mentioned, “Twitter users are turning to Bluesky for a more pure social media experience, free from far-right activity, misinformation, hate speech, and bots.”
CEO Jay Graeber stated that Bluesky, initially a project within Twitter, became an independent entity in 2022.
The platform’s growth is attributed to dissatisfaction with X and its owner, Elon Musk, leading to a significant user exodus from X following their rebranding.
Bluesky reported acquiring 3 million new users after X was suspended in Brazil and another 1.2 million after a policy change by Company X.
The platform’s user base is expanding rapidly, with notable figures such as historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat finding appeal in Bluesky’s community and features.
Bluesky is currently the second-largest social networking app in Apple’s US App Store, with a recent increase in monthly active users.
Recent updates to Bluesky, including direct messaging and video features, aim to differentiate it from meta-owned competitors and offer a user-friendly experience.
Overall, the platform is experiencing a resurgence reminiscent of the early days of social media, attracting users with its vibrant and active community.
Prominent figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have found a home on Bluesky, highlighting the platform’s appeal as a space for real connection.
Source: www.theguardian.com
