The social media landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift as Bluesky, the Twitter-like platform created by Jack Dorsey, experiences a surge in popularity. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s recent election victory, Bluesky’s daily user numbers have skyrocketed, surpassing Meta’s Threads in total user count while trailing in app usage. This rise has been driven by discontent with Elon Musk’s management of X (formerly Twitter) and a growing appetite for platforms that offer user-centered control and curation.
Explosive Growth Post-Election
According to data from Similarweb, Bluesky’s app and website usage in the U.S. rose more than 500% after Trump’s election win, bringing the platform’s daily user base to 3.5 million. As of November 22, Bluesky’s total users reached 21.5 million, growing by roughly one million new users daily for several days, according to Bluesky CEO Jay Graber.
“It’s proving out the model that we thought would be the right approach to social [media]: Give people the tools to control their experience and they’ll have a better time,” Graber told NPR.
The platform, launched in 2019, allows users to post text, photos, and videos, share posts, and reply to others, similar to X. However, Bluesky distinguishes itself through features like its “starter pack,” which simplifies the onboarding process by letting users follow curated groups of accounts with a single click.
Bluesky vs. Threads: A Tightening Race
Before November 5, Meta’s Threads had five times more daily U.S. users than Bluesky. Now, that margin has narrowed to just 1.5 times. While Threads still leads in app engagement, Bluesky’s rapid expansion is narrowing the gap. Analysts attribute this shift partially to Meta’s decision to de-prioritize political content across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Conversely, Musk’s controversial approach to X—including reduced content moderation and policy changes like allowing blocked users to view posts from those who blocked them—has driven many users to seek alternatives. Musk’s affiliation with Donald Trump and promotion of deregulation have further polarized the platform, alienating journalists, academics, and left-leaning politicians.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its impressive growth, Bluesky has faced significant challenges, including frequent outages and glitches, leading some to question its scalability. Skeptics have also raised concerns about the platform’s business model and its ability to sustain momentum in the competitive social media space.
Graber remains optimistic, emphasizing Bluesky’s unique focus on empowering users with control over their experience. However, scaling up while maintaining stability and user satisfaction will be a critical test for the platform’s long-term success.
A Shift in Social Media Dynamics
Bluesky’s rise is emblematic of a broader shift in the social media ecosystem. Prominent businesses and public figures have announced their departures from X, citing Musk’s leadership and policy decisions. Among the most notable exits are Target, The Guardian, journalist Don Lemon, actor Bradley Whitford, and singer Barbra Streisand.
These departures, along with Musk’s decision to curtail content moderation, have accelerated Bluesky’s user migration. In September, Bluesky gained three million users in a single week after X faced a temporary suspension in Brazil. An additional 1.2 million users joined Bluesky in just two days following Musk’s controversial policy update on blocked user visibility.
Looking Ahead
As Bluesky continues its ascent, the platform’s ability to capitalize on this momentum will be pivotal. While Threads and X retain significant user bases, Bluesky’s rapid growth highlights an increasing appetite for alternatives to traditional social media giants. With its focus on user control and a commitment to free expression, Bluesky is poised to play a major role in shaping the next era of online social interaction.
Sources:
- MSN News
- Similarweb Analytics Report
- NPR Interview with Jay Graber
- News Nation
- Meta’s Threads Usage Data
