Social Media Shift: Bluesky Sees Surge in Users Amid Election Fallout
In the wake of the U.S. presidential election, micro-blogging startup Bluesky has experienced a significant influx of new users, totaling over 1.25 million in just one week. This sudden growth suggests that some social media users are reevaluating their online habits and seeking alternative platforms.
A New Alternative Emerges
Bluesky’s surge in popularity can be attributed to its successful pitch as a viable alternative to rivals X, owned by Elon Musk, and Meta’s Threads. The majority of new users hail from the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, according to the company.
Welcoming a New Wave of Users
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone looking for a better social media experience,” said Bluesky CEO Jay Graber in a statement. Despite this impressive growth, Bluesky’s total user base still lags behind its competitors, with approximately 15.2 million users. In comparison, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reported nearly 275 million monthly users on Threads in October, while Elon Musk claimed X had 600 million monthly users in May.
The Appeal of Bluesky
Industry observers note that journalists, politicians, and news enthusiasts have been praising Bluesky as a superior alternative to X and Threads. Some users have publicly stated that they abandoned X due to Elon Musk’s perceived support for President-elect Donald Trump. “It’s appalling that Elon Musk has transformed Twitter into a Trump propaganda machine, rife with disinformation and misinformation,” one user posted on Bluesky.
A Repeat Performance
This marks Bluesky’s second notable surge in recent months. In September, the platform gained 2 million new users after the Brazilian Supreme Court suspended X in the country for failing to comply with regional content moderation policies.
As social media users continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of online platforms, Bluesky’s growth suggests that users are seeking alternatives that prioritize a better online experience.
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