Bluesky, the decentralized social network, is making waves with its recent user growth, gaining over 1 million new users in just one week. This growth has brought its total user base to over 14.5 million, a notable achievement for a platform that operates very differently from the mainstream social media giants like Meta’s Threads, with 275 million users, and X (formerly Twitter), with more than 318 million users.
What sets Bluesky apart is its decentralized architecture. Instead of being controlled by a single company or individual, Bluesky allows users to create their own servers, each with its own rules and communities. These servers are all interconnected within the broader Bluesky network, offering users more autonomy over their interactions and data.
Despite the theoretical benefits, Bluesky has faced challenges due to its complexity. Managing decentralized servers and understanding the platform’s infrastructure can be difficult for new users, hindering adoption. However, the recent surge in user numbers indicates that Bluesky may be overcoming these barriers, especially as people look for alternatives to centralized platforms.
Bluesky’s recent growth spurt is largely attributed to users in the United States, a trend that has gained momentum following the high-profile 2024 US presidential election. During this time, Elon Musk, the owner of X, actively supported Donald Trump’s campaign, which led to some users seeking out other social networks. Bluesky’s appeal is growing among those who want to distance themselves from the political influence and controversies tied to centralized platforms like X.