A New Social Media Platform Gaining Traction
Bluesky, a relatively new social media platform, has been experiencing a surge in users, particularly following the November 2023 presidential election. This growth is attributed to several factors, including user dissatisfaction with X, formerly known as Twitter, under Elon Musk's leadership.
User Growth: Bluesky's user base has more than doubled since mid-October 2023, reaching over 22 million users. This growth is attributed to user frustration with X's changes under Musk's ownership.
Bluesky resembles the "old Twitter" in terms of layout and content, offering a safe haven with minimal trolling and a focus on user-curated content. Users can find people to follow through "starter packs" and build a feed based on their interests, rather than relying on algorithms.
Bluesky boasts higher user engagement compared to X, with 30% of users actively posting content compared to 1% on X. This leads to more interaction and discussion on the platform.
Changes under Musk: X, formerly Twitter, has undergone significant changes under Musk's ownership, including prioritizing paid accounts and implementing controversial policies. These changes have led to user dissatisfaction and a decline in ad revenue.
Bluesky offers an alternative to X, resembling the platform's earlier iteration with a focus on user experience and community building. This has attracted users who are dissatisfied with X's current direction.
Funding and Staff: Bluesky is a relatively small company with limited funding and a team of 20 employees. However, it has raised $23 million in funding and is exploring new revenue streams through subscriptions and financial transactions.
Bluesky plans to launch a subscription model offering features like custom aesthetics and avatar frames. It will also enable financial transactions between users, taking a portion of the payment.
Bluesky emphasizes community building and user experience, offering a space for users to connect and engage with like-minded individuals.
Open to All: Bluesky is now open to all users, no longer requiring an invitation.
User handles end with ".bsky.social," posts are limited to 300 characters, and videos cannot exceed 60 seconds.
Bluesky offers features like tagging, liking, and hashtags, with additional options for managing hashtags.
Bluesky presents a unique alternative to established social media platforms, focusing on user experience, community building, and a familiar interface. While its future remains uncertain, its recent growth and distinctive features suggest it could become a significant player in the social media landscape.