According to Bluesky’s Chief Operating Officer, Rose Wang, Bluesky, the ultra-decentralized social media network saw plenty of new users in just the past week, adding up to about 700,000, increasing its total user count as a whole to over 14.5 million. These new users are largely American, fueling the platform’s steady US growth, which now sees Bluesky rocket up to No2 on the U.S App Store free social networking apps table behind Meta’s Threads.
Threads have been under the microscope following recent problems with moderation, persistent algorithmic feeds, and high engagement bait, which frustrate users who want more options in their feed experience. Although they’re still far removed from Threads with over 275 million monthly users, Bluesky’s growth has been somewhat more stable, indicating that users might be looking for other spaces with fewer algorithmically designed feeds and less moderation argumentation.
Bluesky climbs to the top as users search for social media freedom
Bluesky’s growth surge points to recent changes at X, formerly Twitter, that have seen users flee. By way of example when, in response to X’s recent policy change that stopped blocked users from seeing blocked users’ content, 500,000 people joined Bluesky in just one day. On top of it all, some communities, like those behind U.S. election followers and even Taylor Swift fans, are looking elsewhere for a place safer than X: Bluesky.
| Social media platform growth analysis 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluesky growth indicators | ||
| Total Users | 14.5 million | |
| New Users (Last Week) | 700,000 | |
| Record Daily User Growth | 500,000 (after X’s blocking policy change) | |
| Platform comparison | ||
| Metric | Threads | Bluesky |
| Monthly Active Users | 275+ million | 14.5 million |
| US App Store Ranking (Social) | #1 | #2 |
| Weekly Growth Rate | Data not available | ~5% |
| Key user migration factors | ||
| • Algorithm-based content feed concerns • Moderation policy differences • Platform customization options | ||
| Global Market Overview | ||
| Total Active Users Globally: 5.17 billion Annual Growth Rate 4.44% | ||
| Platform Growth Metrics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Platform | User Base/Growth | Key Metrics |
| Lemon8 | 200% YoY (US) | Fastest-growing new platform |
| Bluesky | 9.7 million users | Decentralized platform growth |
| Threads | 200+ million active users | Leading new platform |
| Tumblr | 8% engagement increase | Renewed growth in niche communities |
| 4% growth | Dominant among the 28+ age group | |
| Platform Distinctive Features | ||
| Platform | Key features | |
| Bluesky | • AT Protocol-based • Custom feed creation • Enhanced privacy controls | |
| Lemon8 | • Instagram/Pinterest hybrid • Focus on authentic content • User-generated emphasis | |
| TikTok | • Strong Boomer/Gen X growth • #2 in social shopping • Short-form video dominance | |
| 2024 Market Trends | ||
| • Shift toward user-generated content • Growing demand for decentralized platforms • Increased focus on authentic experiences • Rise in social commerce • Cross-generational platform adoption | ||
Pinned posts, video support, and more in the next few years have cemented Bluesky’s position as a modern social media choice. Through these additions, Bluesky is living up to users’ desires for a platform that feels easy and new simultaneously and is cementing itself as an exciting competitor in the rapidly changing social media landscape.
Images credit: Bluesky
