November 18th 2024.
It seems that disgruntled X users have found a new online space to call home - Bluesky, a social media platform that emerged from the former Twitter before Elon Musk's takeover in 2022. Although it may not have the same level of popularity as established platforms such as X, Bluesky has gained attention as an alternative for those seeking a different kind of social experience.
So what exactly is Bluesky? Well, it was originally an invitation-only platform championed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, but it opened up to the public in February. This initial period allowed the site to develop its moderation tools and other features. The platform is similar to X, with a "discover" feed and a chronological feed for accounts that users follow. Additionally, users can send direct messages, pin posts, and explore "starter packs" that provide curated lists of people and custom feeds to follow.
But why is Bluesky gaining momentum? The platform reported a surge in users, reaching 15 million in mid-November, up from 13 million in October. This can be attributed to some X users seeking an alternative platform to share their thoughts and connect with others online. This isn't the first time Bluesky has seen a boost in users - in fact, the platform gained 2.6 million users in Brazil after X was banned in the country in August. And in October, 500,000 new users signed up in just one day when X announced that blocked accounts could now view public posts. Some users have even drawn comparisons to the early days of Twitter over a decade ago.
Despite Bluesky's growth, X boasts its dominance in the global conversation on the US election and claims to have set new records. However, Bluesky has bigger aspirations than simply competing with X. The platform is also building a technical foundation, known as "a protocol for public conversation," which aims to achieve interoperability across different platforms, similar to how email, blogs, and phone numbers work. Currently, users are limited to interacting within their own social networks, but Bluesky hopes to change that by breaking down the barriers set up by Big Tech companies. These companies have built moats around their online properties to serve their advertising-focused business models, but Bluesky is reimagining this and striving towards interoperability.
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