What is X competitor Bluesky, and why are users flocking to it?
Resembling X in its functionality, Bluesky platform recently hit 16.7 million users
November 18, 2024
Bluesky, a rapidly growing social media platform, has become a popular alternative to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), with a user base swelling by about one million new sign-ups daily, BBC reported.
The platform recently hit 16.7 million users. But what sets Bluesky apart, and why is it attracting so much attention?
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky resembles X in functionality and design, offering features like posting, commenting, and liking content. However, its distinguishing feature is decentralisation, allowing users to host their data on independent servers rather than company-owned ones. While most users adopt a standard username ending in “.bsky.social,” Bluesky also supports custom domains, offering additional personalisation.
Who owns Bluesky?
Founded in 2019 by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky was initially envisioned as a decentralised version of Twitter. However, Dorsey stepped down from the board in May 2024 and deleted his account in September. Today, the platform is led by CEO Jay Graber and operates as a US public benefit corporation.
Why the surge in users?
Bluesky’s rise coincides with significant political shifts and user dissatisfaction with X. Elon Musk's alignment with Donald Trump’s administration has prompted many to leave X in protest, while organisations like *The Guardian* have criticised the platform for fostering toxicity. Additionally, Bluesky’s top-ranking status in app stores and endorsements by celebrities such as Lizzo and Ben Stiller have further boosted its visibility.
How does Bluesky make money?
Unlike X, Bluesky avoids traditional advertising, exploring paid services like custom domain usernames. As its user base grows, Bluesky may consider broader revenue streams, such as subscription models, to sustain operations.
Bluesky’s current growth is impressive but falls short of X’s daily active user base, estimated at 250 million. Its financial viability remains uncertain, echoing challenges faced by its predecessor.
