Bluesky Sees Surge in 700,000 New Users After US Election as People Flee X

Bluesky Sees Surge in 700,000 New Users After US Election as People Flee X

November 12, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Business

Bluesky Sees Significant User Surge Following US Election

As the US election resulted in a presidency that has raised concerns about social media use, Bluesky, a decentralized social network originally funded by Twitter, has experienced a notable user surge. Here’s a summary of the key points:

  • User Growth: Bluesky added more than 700,000 new users in the past week, bringing its total user base to 14.5 million, up from 10 million in September.
  • Reasons for Growth: The increase is largely driven by users seeking an alternative to X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about misinformation, hate speech, and other problematic content. Many users are dissatisfied with Elon Musk’s leadership of X and its ties to former President Donald Trump’s political activities.
  • Geographical Impact: The majority of these new users come from North America and the UK, indicating a significant shift in user behavior post-election.
  • Platform Features: Bluesky offers a more effective system for blocking or suspending problematic accounts and addressing harmful behavior, which appeals to users looking for a safer social media experience similar to the early days of Twitter.

The platform, which started as a project within Twitter but became independent in 2022, is attracting dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s leadership of X and its ties to former President Donald Trump’s actions. Key points from Bluesky’s growth include:

  • Alternative to X: Many users are fleeing X due to Musk’s support for Trump and the platform’s increasingly right-leaning content.
  • New Features: Bluesky has recently added features like direct messaging and video compatibility to better compete with X.
  • Community Engagement: Social media researcher Axel Bruns noted that the surge in new users has created a vibrant and active community, with examples like New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez using the platform to express her appreciation for its diverse and respectful online environment.
  • Rapid Growth: Bluesky’s rapid growth is not unprecedented, as the platform added 3 million new users after X was suspended in Brazil in September and another 1.2 million after X allowed users to view posts from those who had blocked them.

Bluesky’s ascendancy to 14.5 million users underscores a growing trend of users seeking alternative, less polarizing social media platforms, especially in the wake of significant political events[1][2][4].