Key information
- Bluesky saw a surge in popularity with 15 million users as of mid-November.
- The platform presents itself as a more positive and less confrontational environment than X (formerly Twitter).
- Bluesky is developing a “public conversation protocol” to enable interoperability between different social networks.
Bluesky, a social media platform that spun off from Twitter before its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022, has seen a surge in popularity as users seek alternatives to X (formerly Twitter). Although smaller than established platforms like X, Bluesky presents itself as a more positive and less confrontational environment.
Founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky operated on an invite-only system until February, which allowed it to develop moderation tools and features. The platform has similarities to X, with “discovery” and timeline feeds, direct messaging, pinned posts, and curated lists of users and content called “starter packs.”
A growing user base
Bluesky reported a significant increase in users, which stood at 15 million in mid-November, up from around 13 million at the end of October. This growth coincides with user discontent on X following recent changes and events. Bluesky has already benefited from the controversies surrounding X, seeing a surge in Brazilian users after X was banned in the country in August.
User reactions and perceptions
Bluesky's new users, including journalists, left-wing politicians and celebrities, have expressed enthusiasm for its ad-free and less toxic environment. Some see it as a throwback to the early days of Twitter. Despite this growth, X asserts its dominance in online conversations surrounding the US election.
However, Bluesky's ambitions are not limited to competing with X. The platform is developing a “public conversation protocol”, aiming to enable interoperability between different social networks. This vision would allow users to interact seamlessly across platforms, similar to what happens with email or phone numbers. Currently, interactions are confined within each platform, creating barriers that benefit advertising-driven business models.
The future of social media
By promoting interoperability, Bluesky seeks to revolutionize the social media landscape and create a more interconnected online experience.
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