Bluesky, the decentralized and open-source social media platform backed by Jack Dorsey and Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, has seen a significant surge in its user base, crossing the four million mark. This milestone was achieved following the abolition of the invitation-only system, which led to an influx of new users.
The platform attracted nearly 800,000 new users on its first day open to the public. This rapid growth is expected to push the total number of users to over four million. The platform had grown to just over three million users when it officially opened to the public.
Bluesky’s journey began with an invite-only beta phase last year, generating significant interest and even leading to invites being sold on eBay for $400. The end of invitations and the opening of the social network to everyone gave a boost to registrations.
While Bluesky’s user base is still smaller compared to its primary competitor, Mastodon, the growth of Mastodon over time serves as a testament to the potential success of Bluesky. When Elon Musk acquired Twitter, now X, in October 2022, Mastodon had around 400,000 users, but it has now grown to 8.7 million users.
Despite some technical challenges during its launch, such as user-generated algorithmic feeds not working overnight, Bluesky quickly addressed the issue, and the app is now functioning smoothly. Bluesky also plans to update its moderation services and release labeling services that let users add more options to their moderation preferences.
Platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon attract users who seek alternatives to larger social media platforms like X and Instagram’s Threads. Bluesky also described features that make its network “so open and customizable.”
Bluesky’s decentralized model relies heavily on user trust. Transparency about data management, potential vulnerabilities, and the decision-making process will be essential in building a community that feels invested in the platform’s success.
While the recent user surge is undoubtedly positive, Bluesky’s journey has just begun. The coming months will be a test of its ability to scale, moderate, and engage its growing user base, ultimately determining whether it can truly carve out a unique space in the social media landscape.
Image Credit: hindustantimes.com
