Bluesky Sees Surge of 1 Million Users Post-U.S. Election Amidst X Controversies

Bluesky has gained 1 million new users since the U.S. election, now totaling 15 million. The platform is lauded for its moderated environment and features similar to X. Historically, Bluesky has benefitted from controversies surrounding X, which has seen advertisers withdraw due to concerns over content. Many users are migrating to Bluesky in search of a healthier online discourse.

Bluesky has experienced a remarkable surge in user registrations, adding 1 million users within a week following the recent U.S. election, among those seeking alternatives to X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform’s user base increased to 15 million from approximately 13 million at the end of October. Founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky transitioned from an invitation-only format to a public platform in February, allowing it to enhance its moderation tools and features. The site’s functionality mirrors that of X, offering a chronological feed, direct messaging, and curated content lists termed as ‘starter packs.’ Historically, Bluesky has capitalized on X’s setbacks, including a 2.6 million user spike after X’s ban in Brazil last August. Notably, Bluesky witnessed a substantial influx of 500,000 users in a single day due to significant policy changes at X. Despite Bluesky’s growth, X reported its own successes, claiming to have significantly influenced the conversation surrounding the U.S. election, with 942 million posts shared worldwide on Election Day. The competition between Bluesky and X has provoked some tongue-in-cheek commentary from Bluesky, which referenced its distinction from X on Election Day. Many new users on Bluesky—journalists, progressive politicians, and public figures—expressed a desire for an ad-free environment, free from hate speech, reminiscent of the early Twitter days. The Guardian has also indicated its withdrawal from X, citing growing concerns about conspiracy theories and racism on the site. Additionally, high-profile advertisers have distanced themselves from X due to content objectionable alongside their advertisements, further complicating the platform’s standing in social media.

Bluesky, conceived by Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO, was initially an invitation-only platform aimed at enhancing user experience with a focus on moderation and community engagement. During its transition to public access in February, Bluesky crafted features similar to those on X, intended to attract disenfranchised users. Following various controversies surrounding X, particularly regarding content moderation and advertising ethics, Bluesky has become a haven for those seeking alternative space for expression on social media. The trends indicate a growing discontent among users of X, leading to migrations towards Bluesky in response to perceived biases and platform policies.

In summary, Bluesky’s recent user growth post-U.S. election reflects a broader trend of social media users seeking alternatives to established platforms like X. The site’s growth is not an isolated event but rather part of an ongoing exodus caused by various issues within X. As the social media landscape evolves, Bluesky is emerging as a viable alternative, appealing to individuals desiring a platform free from hate speech and advertisement disruptions, while continuing to enhance its functionality and user experience.

Original Source: apnews.com