Bluesky has been making waves as an alternative to Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter. Here’s everything you need to know about the platform, its rapid growth, and why it’s attracting millions.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a social media platform that looks and feels similar to X, but with a key difference: it is decentralized. Users can host their data on servers outside Bluesky’s control. While most users stick to the default “.bsky.social” usernames, it offers a unique element of personalization.
Who Owns Bluesky?
Bluesky was initially created by Twitter’s former CEO, Jack Dorsey, to be a decentralized version of the microblogging platform. However, Dorsey stepped down from its board in May 2024, and Jay Graber now runs it as a public benefit corporation.
Why is Bluesky Gaining Popularity?
Bluesky saw a surge in users following the U.S. elections in November 2024, as many were dissatisfied with Musk’s overt political affiliations and X’s direction. High-profile endorsements from celebrities like Lizzo, Ben Stiller, and Jamie Lee Curtis have further fueled its growth.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite adding one million new users daily, Bluesky still faces outages due to overwhelming demand. While it avoids advertising for revenue, it is exploring subscription models, such as offering custom domains for usernames.
Bluesky’s rise signals a shift in how people engage with social media, and while it has a long way to go to challenge X, its growing user base and unique approach make it a platform to watch.
