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Bluesky is the fastest growing social media platform right now. Establishing itself as a competitor, or more like an alternative to X, formerly known as Twitter, Bluesky has nearly 15 million users. Most of these users are fleeing X, citing complaints such as the proliferation of ads as well as the amount of hate speech tolerated on the platform, now owned by Elon Musk since April 2022. In the Bluesky vs Twitter debate, control is on the line for users of the formerly 140-character platform.
Take it back to where it all began and rehash how and why Elon Musk bought Twitter here.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a Twitter-like app and site championed by the former Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey. On the join page, Bluesky aims to be “the last social account you’ll ever need to create,” via the comic displayed below.
Bluesky is introducing a list of features to introduce to its platform – and to the Bluesky vs Twitter debate – as detailed on their blog:
- Domain names as usernames & account portability
- Composable moderation & reputation systems
- Algorithmic choice & custom feeds
Bluesky wants to ensure that influencers and creators retain their audiences and email lists as they switch over to the app. For this reason, creators can use their domain names as usernames to keep long term connections with their audience. It will operate using “open protocol” to encourage cross-posts for users between social media sites. This is different from most other social media services, where posts to that specific app are only shown on that app.
The app is working to set itself apart from competitors with stackable moderation services and subscribable moderation lists. This will ideally prioritize safety for its users as it promotes fact-checking and ease of distribution for industry-specific knowledge, or cultural norms, in categories such as politics, news, art, science, entertainment and more.
Take a look at How Reddit Became The Most Civilized Place on the Internet to Discuss News.
Additionally, Bluesky touts itself as an open social network. Their website translates this into meaning no one company will be monopolizing a given user’s online experience. Instead, the user experience will remain easily customizable. When it comes to moderating, Bluesky promises to promote an “ecosystem of third party providers” using well-established practices such as automated labeling for things such as “spam.”
Bluesky Finds its Audience
When it comes to the Blueksy vs Twitter debate, various reasons have driven former X/Twitter users to the platform. Many of these former X users have cited the lack of labeling, and proliferation of hate speech and right-wing propaganda as a major reason for jumping ship. Many users have joined in the weeks following the 2024 US presidential election, with over 1 million users joining Bluesky the day after the results were finalized. The Guardian cited the proliferation of “far right conspiracy theories and racism” on X as a reason for leaving. Additionally, former CNN host and journalist Don Lemon said that X does not promote “honest debate and discussion,” prompting him to make the switch to Bluesky.
If anyone has a Bluesky invite for me, I’d be grateful 🙏🏿
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) April 23, 2023
Bluesky has now reached 24 million users, with influencers, creators, and politicians heading over in droves and chiming in with their own takes on Bluesky vs. Twitter. The first user to reach 1 million followers was United States Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. Mark Hamill, of Star Wars fame, called himself a “Twitter Quitter.” Hugely, the site reported over 1 million users joining the platform the day after the US presidential election. At that rate, they are experiencing 12 new users per second. That influx of sign-ups can be explained by many of the earlier reasons cited, many of which boil down to the presence of hate speech and right-wing content being propelled by the algorithm.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink has been Implanted into its First Human Patient
What’s Next for Bluesky?
With big names like AOC, Mark Hamill, Lizzo, Stephen King and media outlets such as The Guardian and The New York Times making the migration to Bluesky, it seems that the Bluesky vs Twitter debate is surely falling in favor of the new and blue. Other Twitter competitors such as Spill and Metadon have looked to take a piece of the pie in the crumbling market of Twitter’s former users. Spill, one of Twitter’s competitors, has found itself with recent investors, while Mastadon only has 10 million users. In this vein, Bluesky seems to be surpassing its competitors. However, Threads boasts 275 million users as of last month, which pales in comparison to Bluesky’s 24 million. X still leads, boasting 588 million users, despite the mass exodus.
X, or rather Twitter, is still a household name and a place for debates, deep dives and political discussion. When it comes to the Bluesky vs Twitter debate, Bluesky is aiming high as it attempts to unseat, or at least compete with X. It has convinced a host of celebrities, influencers, politicians and everyday users to join its platform. So far it has operated successfully, but all eyes are on the skies as users wait to see which platform will succeed.
