After the recent U.S. elections, social media users are flocking away from Twitter, now rebranded as X, and finding solace on new platforms, particularly Bluesky. With the political environment intensifying due to Elon Musk's decisions, users have started seeking greener pastures for their online interactions. Notably, Bluesky has reported unprecedented growth, adding around one million users per day since the elections.
Bluesky, created by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, had been operating on an invitation-only basis until recently. It offers features similar to those once found on Twitter, such as the ability to post, comment, repost, and follow others. Users are lured by the promise of decentralization, meaning they can choose how and where their data is stored rather than relying entirely on one corporate entity.
On November 6, post-election, X experienced its largest single-day user drop since Musk took over. According to internet traffic analytics firm Similarweb, approximately 115,000 U.S.-based users deactivated their accounts on X within 24 hours. This sharp decline followed Musk's support for President-elect Donald Trump and the reinstatement of controversial figures on the platform, which ignited backlash from many users.
Mastodon, another social media contender, has similarly reported rising user engagement, with app downloads increasing by 47% on iOS and 17% on Android. Mastodon operates within the fediverse, which integrates countless smaller networks rather than functioning as one giant platform like X.
Meanwhile, Bluesky now has around 18 million registered users, nearly doubling its base from just 9 million previously. Its user interface bears close resemblance to Twitter, featuring hashtags and trending topics, elements users find familiar. Users are appreciating this mix of familiarity and the promise of less restrictive content management.
The surge of users to Bluesky is not merely accidental. Following the bans placed on X, particularly when similar platforms faced regulatory scrutiny, users have actively sought alternate venues to express their views or consume media. Celebrity endorsements have bolstered Bluesky's rise; notable figures like singer Lizzo and celebrities including Ben Stiller and Jamie Lee Curtis have made the switch or expressed their intent to join.
There are also circumstances leading to discussions of X’s current state, and why many are deeming it ‘toxic.’ Critics, including writers and artists, have voiced their frustrations about the platform’s handling of misinformation and extreme views. This movement away from X initiated thoughtful conversations around what users want from online spaces.
The Guardianship has declared it will cease posting on X, citing issues surrounding its management. TV journalist Don Lemon announced he would leave X for Bluesky, criticizing new terms of service which may favor conservative legal outcomes. These growing sentiments of discontent have created fertile ground for alternatives like Bluesky to flourish.
Competitors such as Threads, also owned by Meta, have entered the fray with their appetizing growth stats. Threads reportedly garnered 15 million new users shortly after the elections, showcasing the increasing demand for platforms where users feel safer and can escape the polarized environment on X.
The common denominator among these platforms is their push for improved user experience—be it through less aggressive algorithms or ad-targeting strategies. Bluesky's approach emphasizes avoiding traditional advertising revenue, instead proposing services like custom domain usernames which might provide unique personalization options.
While Bluesky revels in its exponential growth, it still faces challenges around sustainability. Like many tech startups, the path to profitability can often be elusive. Musk's X demonstrated profitability issues over its public trading lifespan, earning profit only sporadically. For Bluesky and others, finding the right balance between growth and revenue generation remains pivotal.
Although Bluesky has been riding the wave of users seeking alternatives to X, market analysts speculate this trend may not hold indefinitely. The present surge may be linked closely to current events and media outrage—a volatility characteristic of digital platforms. Nevertheless, Bluesky’s foundational goal, to decentralize social media and provide users autonomy over their data and interactions, rings true among its new user base.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of social media platforms and the ever-evolving demands of their users. What remains to be seen is how Bluesky will navigate the challenges of continued user growth and whether it can maintain its appeal amid potential changes down the line. For now, it seems clear: the social media battlefield is far from static.
