Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has reached 20 million users, tripling its base over the past three months. The milestone comes as Bluesky experiences unprecedented growth, with some days seeing a million new users in 24 hours. This surge follows increased dissatisfaction with rival platform X (formerly Twitter), particularly after the contentious U.S. presidential election. Analytics firm SimilarWeb reported a spike in X account deactivations, with over 115,000 U.S. users leaving the platform on November 7, coinciding with Bluesky’s rise in sign-ups.
The growth also underscores Bluesky’s appeal as an alternative to larger platforms. The app topped both Apple’s App Store and Google Play charts in recent days. Unlike X and Meta’s Threads, Bluesky has pledged not to use user content to train generative AI models, a move welcomed by creators concerned about data privacy. Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber reiterated the platform’s commitment to avoiding ads and respecting user autonomy, contrasting with Threads’ plans to introduce advertising next year and X’s controversial data policies.
Bluesky’s momentum is part of a broader trend as users seek alternatives to platforms dominated by disinformation and aggressive monetization strategies. Prominent academics and public figures are also leaving X, further fueling the perception of Bluesky as a refuge for authentic engagement. With growing user support and policies that prioritize transparency, Bluesky is positioning itself as a leading player in the evolving social media landscape.
