Bluesky, the decentralized social network, announced it has surpassed 13 million users, a significant increase from the approximately 3 million users when it opened to the public in February 2024. This rapid growth coincides with the platform securing $15 million in new financing, positioning Bluesky as a notable alternative amid challenges faced by rival social media service X (formerly Twitter).
The influx of users came after a series of missteps by X, including discussions about charging users to post and controversies involving content moderation policies. Bluesky has capitalized on these issues by emphasizing a commitment to user control and content moderation. The platform allows extensive blocking capabilities, contrasting with X’s more restrictive approach, which appears to resonate with users seeking a safer online environment.
With the new funding, Bluesky aims to develop a subscription-based model offering premium features such as higher-quality video uploads and customizable profiles. Despite this shift, the company reassures users that the core service will remain free. “Bluesky will always be free to use—we believe that information and conversation should be easily accessible, not locked down,” the company stated. “We won’t uprank accounts simply because they’re subscribing to a paid tier.”
Bluesky was initially funded by Twitter to develop an open, decentralized social media protocol known as the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol. This foundation allows Bluesky to operate without the centralized control that characterizes many traditional social media platforms, aligning with broader efforts to create a more decentralized internet ecosystem.
The platform’s growth reflects a user base increasingly interested in decentralized networks and dissatisfied with the practices of larger tech companies. While challenges remain in competing with established platforms, Bluesky’s focus on user experience and decentralization may contribute to its continued expansion.
**Source:**
– Thomas Claburn, The Register (October 28, 2024): “Bluesky capitalizes on X woes with funding and user growth”
