Bluesky, a decentralized platform, has experienced an unprecedented surge in user signups following controversial policy changes at X (formerly Twitter).
On October 17, 2024, X announced significant alterations to its blocking feature and privacy policy that ignited outrage among its user base. The new blocking mechanism allows users who have been blocked to view the public posts of those who blocked them, although they cannot interact with those posts.
In addition to the blocking changes, X introduced a new privacy policy that permits third-party developers to utilize user data for AI training purposes starting November 15. This policy has raised alarms about data privacy and consent, as users have expressed concerns over how their information might be exploited without clear options for opting out. The combination of these two controversial changes has prompted many users to reconsider their presence on X and explore alternatives.
In direct response to the upheaval at X, Bluesky reported an astonishing influx of new users. Within just 24 hours of X’s announcement regarding the blocking feature, the social media welcomed over 500,000 new signups. This momentum continued as the platform gained over 1 million new users within 48 hours, pushing its total user base to approximately 12 million. Such rapid growth propelled Bluesky into the top five apps on the U.S. App Store and made it the second most popular app in the Social Networking category.
The organic nature of this growth is noteworthy; Bluesky did not engage in any paid advertising campaigns or App Store Search Ads to drive these signups. Instead, word-of-mouth and social media discussions about X’s changes fueled interest in Bluesky as a viable alternative.
Bluesky differentiates itself from traditional social media platforms through its decentralized structure and user-centric features. Unlike X and other competitors like Threads from Meta, Bluesky operates as a public benefit corporation.
One of the social media standout offerings is its robust blocking functionality. Users can block accounts effectively, ensuring that those they wish to avoid cannot view their posts at alla stark contrast to X’s recent modifications. Additionally, it allows users to verify their accounts using their domain names and offers the option to migrate their accounts and identities to different servers if desired.
The backlash against X’s policy changes has been palpable across social media platforms. Many users have taken to platforms like Reddit and other forums to express their dissatisfaction with X’s leadership under Elon Musk. Concerns about safety and privacy have become central themes in these discussions, with users citing fears of harassment and unwanted exposure as primary reasons for leaving X.
Bluesky has capitalized on this sentiment by positioning itself as a safer alternative. The platform actively promotes its commitment to user control and privacy through its messaging, resonating with individuals seeking more autonomy over their online experiences.
Bluesky’s growth is not confined to the United States; it has also seen significant upticks in downloads across various countries including Japan, Thailand, Canada, South Korea, and Singapore. In Japan alone, Bluesky reached No. 1 in app rankings shortly after the surge began.
As more users flock to decentralized platform. it signals a potential shift in how social media operates. The traditional model dominated by centralized platforms may face increasing pressure as users prioritize privacy and control over their digital interactions
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