Highlights
- BlueSky triples its user base, reaching 20 million users.
- Growth fueled by decentralised structure and US election surge.
- Rivals like Threads and X maintain larger user bases.
BlueSky Social, a decentralised social media platform, has achieved a significant milestone, crossing 20 million active users. While still considerably smaller than competitors like (NASDAQ:META) Threads and (NASDAQ:TWTR) X, the platform has witnessed exponential growth, tripling its user base in recent months. Notably, during the recent US election, BlueSky experienced a sharp increase, adding nearly a million users in a single day.
Decentralised Approach Driving Growth
Unlike traditional platforms, BlueSky operates on an open protocol, allowing users to build their own communities and manage their content independently. This decentralised approach grants developers the freedom to create unique tools while empowering users to control their data and customize moderation techniques.
According to BlueSky CEO Jay Graber, the platform aims to provide flexibility and alternatives for users, ensuring their data is not tied exclusively to the company. This structure enables communities to thrive without centralized curation or restrictions, offering a more open and adaptable experience.
Graber noted, “The ability for people to host their own data means that users always have other alternatives, and that their experience doesn’t have to just come from us.”
Competitive Growth Rates
BlueSky’s user growth rivals that of Threads, which recently reported 275 million monthly users, adding over 15 million users within three weeks. Although BlueSky’s numbers remain smaller, its growth rate highlights increasing interest in decentralised platforms. Following the US election, BlueSky saw spikes in activity, with usage increasing by over 500% in the US and 350% in the UK, as reported by Similarweb.
BlueSky’s lack of a strict content algorithm further enhances its appeal. Users follow individual, group, or company pages, with posts directly integrated into their feeds, creating a more authentic and less curated experience compared to algorithm-driven platforms.
While BlueSky still trails major players like X and Threads, its growth trajectory suggests potential to rival these platforms in the future. By continuing to leverage its decentralised model, BlueSky could solidify its position in the social media landscape.
As decentralised platforms gain traction, BlueSky’s unique structure and user-focused approach may continue attracting those seeking an alternative to traditional social media networks.