Bluesky gains half a million new users in one day

Bluesky, a social media platform, has experienced rapid growth, adding over 1 million new users daily recently. As of mid-October 2023, the platform achieved a remarkable milestone by welcoming 500,000 users in a single day. The site has recently attracted a number of celebrity users, such as Mark Hamill, Lizzo, and George Takei, as it positions itself as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), which has seen a decline in user numbers. As of September 2023, X had 588 million global users down from 611 million in April of the same year. The exponential growth of Bluesky can be attributed to its unique features and modifications that it implements in comparison to other social media platforms. Originating as a project of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky utilizes the authenticated transport protocol (AT), which offers a network of diverse sites. This empowers users to personalize their online experience significantly more than platforms such as X and Threads. One standout feature of Bluesky is its option for users to set their domain as their handle, creating a more individualized engagement within the app. Moreover, Bluesky implements a custom feeds option that allows users to select the specific algorithms that curate their posts, offering greater control over content visibility. This differentiation, alongside built-in automated moderation systems and community labeling features, sets Bluesky apart from competitors. Users appreciate this flexibility, contributing to their transitions from other platforms, particularly amid criticisms regarding X's moderation and user experience. As of November 19, 2023, Bluesky has a solid rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store, reflecting positive user feedback on the platform's reliability and functionality. The new user influx indicates a growing desire for alternative social media experiences that provide stronger community engagement and personalized content. The continuous rise in user numbers further cements Bluesky's potential to emerge as a prominent player in the social media landscape, especially as the dynamics of user preferences sway in the wake of other platforms' declining popularity.