Understanding Bluesky: Key Insights on the X Competitor
Is the grass greener on the other side? While that remains uncertain, the rise of Bluesky suggests that the social media landscape is evolving. Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, many users have sought alternatives, leading to the emergence of various platforms. Among these, Bluesky has distinguished itself, amassing over 30 million users by February 2025. This growth is attributed to several controversial changes at X, including modifications to its blocking feature and the use of user content for AI training. However, despite its impressive numbers, Bluesky still faces challenges in catching up to competitors like Meta’s Threads, which boasts 275 million monthly active users.
Understanding Bluesky
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform conceived by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. It features a user interface reminiscent of Twitter, with algorithmic choices and community-specific moderation. The platform operates on an open-source framework known as the AT Protocol, which allows for transparency in its development. Dorsey initiated the Bluesky project in 2019, intending for Twitter to adopt a decentralized standard for social media. However, following Musk’s takeover of Twitter, Bluesky has evolved into an independent public benefit corporation, now led by CEO Jay Graber. This shift has allowed Bluesky to carve out its identity separate from X.
The platform’s decentralized nature means that it is built on principles that prioritize user control and community governance. Users can expect a more transparent experience compared to traditional social media platforms, which often operate under opaque algorithms and policies. As of May 2024, Dorsey stepped down from Bluesky’s board, marking a significant transition in the platform’s leadership and direction.
Navigating the Bluesky Experience
Upon joining Bluesky, users create a unique handle, represented as @username.bsky.social, along with a display name. The app allows users to post updates of up to 256 characters, including images. Similar to X, users can interact with posts through replies, retweets, and likes. The platform also features a personalized “Discover” feed that curates content based on user preferences, replacing the previous “What’s Hot” section.
Bluesky has introduced a “Starter Pack” feature for new users, offering curated lists of accounts to follow, helping them discover engaging content quickly. User profiles include standard features such as profile pictures, bios, and follower metrics. In early 2025, Bluesky added a video tab to profiles and a vertical video feed, enhancing its multimedia capabilities to compete with platforms like TikTok. The app is available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Who is Joining Bluesky?
Since its launch, Bluesky has attracted a diverse array of users, including notable figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Cuban, and Barbra Streisand. By July 2023, the platform had surpassed one million downloads, coinciding with the launch of Instagram’s Threads. In 2025, prominent political figures, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, joined Bluesky, further legitimizing the platform as a space for public discourse.
Bluesky has also welcomed various news organizations, including Bloomberg and The Washington Post, enhancing its credibility as a source of information. The platform’s verification system, introduced in May 2025, allows notable users to receive blue checkmarks, similar to X’s previous model. This feature aims to help users identify authentic accounts and reduce impersonation risks.
Bluesky’s Unique Features and Future Directions
Bluesky operates similarly to X in many respects, but it has also introduced distinct features. Initially lacking direct messaging capabilities, Bluesky has since implemented one-to-one messaging, though group chats are not yet available. The platform is exploring features akin to X’s Community Notes and has been testing a Trending Topics feature. Unlike X, Bluesky has committed to not using user-generated content for training AI models, setting it apart in terms of user privacy.
The platform is free to use and aims to sustain itself through alternative revenue streams, such as premium services. In July 2023, Bluesky announced a paid service for custom domains, allowing users to personalize their handles further. The company has also raised significant funding to support its growth and development, including a $15 million Series A round in November 2024.
As Bluesky continues to evolve, it remains focused on fostering a decentralized environment where users can freely navigate their social media experiences. The platform’s commitment to transparency and user control positions it as a noteworthy alternative in the rapidly changing social media landscape.
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