Jamie Spencer
The social media landscape is seeing significant shifts following President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, sparking a wave of new interest in platforms beyond mainstream channels. One of the biggest beneficiaries is Bluesky, a decentralized social media app that has experienced a rapid influx of new users.
Elon Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter), has secured a role on Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), signaling deeper ties between the social media magnate and the incoming administration. Musk’s approach to rolling back content moderation on X, ever since his high-profile acquisition and rebranding, prompted various new platforms to compete as alternatives. While none managed to overtake X, Bluesky’s user base has recently surged as concerns about free speech and platform independence grow.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is known for its open, decentralized framework, allowing for user participation in the platform’s development. The app mirrors X’s familiar layout but differentiates itself with unique features that promote creative control and engagement flexibility.
“Bluesky is an open social network that gives users choice, developers the freedom to build, and creators independence from platforms,” Bluesky spokesperson Emily Liu noted in a statement. The platform made its public debut in February 2024, and has since become a home for those seeking an alternative to more controlled environments.
Origins and Leadership
The platform’s roots trace back to 2019 under the leadership of former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Since its formal separation from Twitter in 2022, Bluesky has evolved under CEO Jay Graber. Other notable figures involved include Jabber creator Jeremie Miller, Techdirt founder Mike Masnick, and Kinjal Shah, a general partner at Blockchain Capital.
A Sudden User Boom
In the past week alone, Bluesky has welcomed 2.5 million new users, pushing its total user count past 16 million. Liu reported record activity across the board, including metrics such as likes and follows. “Users have also been sharing feedback that they’re receiving more engagement (and higher-quality engagement) on Bluesky than on other platforms despite initially having more followers elsewhere,” she said, emphasizing that the platform is providing a more enjoyable social experience.
As Trump’s presidency unfolds with Musk as a significant ally, Bluesky’s growth signals a potential pivot in how people engage with social media, emphasizing user autonomy and alternative voices.
