Bluesky appears to be emerging as the big winner in the evolving social media landscape.
Since receiving my invite to join Bluesky in April 2023, I’ve observed its potential, particularly with unique features like customizable algorithmic feeds and user-defined moderation filters. However, for quite some time, the platform lacked the critical mass of users needed to make it the primary social network I turn to each day.
This month has marked a turning point. Bluesky has experienced a surge in popularity, adding 700,000 users in just one week. Shortly after, it surpassed 15 million total users. Most recently, CEO Jay Graber announced that the platform had crossed the 20 million-user threshold, growing by over a million users per day.
One key factor driving Bluesky’s growth is its resemblance to Twitter, but with notable improvements. Bluesky gives users greater control over their app experience, offering customizable options that are absent in some competing platforms. In contrast, Meta’s Threads heavily dictates what appears in its algorithmic feed, often prioritizing content that the company deems relevant rather than what individual users might prefer.
Despite its momentum, Bluesky hasn’t been without challenges. The rapid influx of users has led to some technical hiccups, including a major outage caused by a severed fiber cable. These issues highlight growing pains for the platform as it scales. Nevertheless, Bluesky’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by competitors, particularly Meta.
In response, Meta has been ramping up its efforts with Threads. Shortly after Bluesky celebrated hitting 15 million users, Threads head Adam Mosseri announced that the platform had already seen over 15 million signups in November alone. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also revealed that Threads has reached 275 million monthly users. To stay competitive, Threads has introduced major updates, such as custom feeds, adjustments to its “For You” feed to show more content from followed accounts, and significant improvements to its search functionality.
For now, Bluesky remains my preferred platform. Its streamlined design and emphasis on user control make it an appealing alternative to Threads and X (formerly Twitter). However, Bluesky’s relatively smaller size compared to its competitors raises questions about its long-term sustainability. Meta appears determined to position Threads as its next billion-user social network, while X continues to maintain relevance due to its utility for corporate announcements and Elon Musk’s growing influence, particularly with his anticipated role in the Trump administration.
That said, none of these platforms seems poised to fully recreate what Twitter once was. The social media landscape is now fragmented, with users spread across multiple platforms, making it difficult for any one network to dominate. Yet, Bluesky has a legitimate chance to establish itself as a central hub for capturing the internet’s pulse.
For now, I’m enjoying the experience and eagerly await what’s next—skeets and all.