In recent weeks, a new name has been making waves across social media,Bluesky.
For those wondering what all the buzz is about, Bluesky is an emerging alternative to Elon Musk’s X, offering a similar look but a fresh approach to social networking.
The platform is experiencing explosive growth, with nearly one million new users signing up daily.
As of the latest count, it had 16.7 million users -a number that continues to rise rapidly. But what exactly is Bluesky, and why are so many people making the switch?
What makes Bluesky different?
Bluesky describes itself as “social media as it should be,” providing a familiar interface with features like posts, comments, likes, and reposts—much like X, formerly known as Twitter.
However, its key distinction lies in its decentralized structure.
Unlike traditional platforms where all user data is controlled by the company, Bluesky allows individuals to host their data on external servers.
While most users still sign up under the “.bsky.social” domain, this decentralized model offers greater flexibility and ownership.
The platform was originally created by Twitter’s former CEO, Jack Dorsey, who envisioned it as a decentralized version of Twitter.
Free from corporate control. However, Dorsey stepped away from the project in 2024, leaving Jay Graber in charge as the company’s CEO.
Bluesky had existed since 2019 but remained invitation-only until February 2024.
This slow rollout allowed developers to fine-tune the platform before opening it to the public.
When access became unrestricted, user numbers skyrocketed, particularly following Donald Trump’s success in the U.S. elections.
Many X users, uncomfortable with Musk’s open support for Trump, began migrating to Bluesky.
Beyond political motivations, some users have left X due to concerns over misinformation and toxicity.
Organizations like The Guardian have also abandoned X, calling it a “toxic media platform.”
Bluesky’s popularity continues to soar, with its app topping download charts in the UK.
Celebrities such as Lizzo, Greg Davies, Ben Stiller, and Jamie Lee Curtis have joined the movement, further fueling its momentum.
Can Bluesky compete with X?
Despite its rapid growth, Bluesky still has a long way to go before it can rival X, which boasts hundreds of millions of users.
Unlike X, which generates revenue through advertising, Bluesky aims to sustain itself through alternative means, such as selling custom domain usernames.
While its long-term financial model remains uncertain, history shows that even Twitter struggled to turn a profit before Musk’s $44 billion acquisition.
Bluesky’s future is unpredictable, but with its rising popularity, it could become a major player in the social media landscape.
