- A new social media platform called Bluesky adds millions of new user after president-elect disappointment.
- Many users are reportedly leaving X due to its perceived increase in far-right rhetoric and misinformation.
What happened
Over 700,000 new users have joined the social media platform Bluesky in the week following the US election as users try to avoid inflammatory posts and false information on X. According to the company, the migration, which is mostly from North America and the UK, has helped Bluesky grow its user base from 9 million in September to 14.5 million globally. The platform has been averaging more than 100,000 new sign-ups daily since November 5.
Social media expert Axel Brunt stated that, “It’s become a refuge for people who want to have the kind of social media experience that Twitter used to provide, but without all the far-right activism, the misinformation, the hate speech, the bots and everything else. The more liberal kind of Twitter community has really now escaped from there and seems to have moved en masse to Bluesky.” Many bluesky user says Bluesky feel like the old day of early Twitter.
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Why it’s important
The massive user gain of Bluesky within a week after the election, bringing its total user base to approximately 14.6 million, up from about 9 million in September. This growth reflects a consistent trend of attracting users dissatisfied with X’s evolving environment under Musk’s leadership. Many users are reportedly leaving X due to its perceived increase in far-right rhetoric and misinformation, exacerbated by Musk’s political affiliations and decisions. The recent election results have prompted many to seek a more moderated social media experience, positioning Bluesky as a refuge for those disillusioned with X’s direction.
Bluesky offers a decentralized platform that emphasizes user control over content moderation and algorithm customization. This contrasts sharply with X’s increasingly polarized atmosphere. Features like direct messaging, video compatibility, and community-focused “starter packs” enhance user engagement and satisfaction. Analysts suggest that Bluesky’s rise signals a broader shift in social media dynamics where users are increasingly rejecting platforms that prioritize sensationalism and polarization.
