Bluesky, the decentralized social platform, has experienced rapid growth, surpassing 9 million users after a 50% increase in a week. The surge was fueled by a Brazilian court’s ban on X (formerly Twitter), driving millions of users to Bluesky. As of Friday morning, Bluesky added 3 million new users, with 85% of these new sign-ups coming from Brazil. The app reached second place in Brazil’s iPhone app charts, just behind Meta’s Threads.
Bluesky, originally a Twitter-backed project aiming to develop an open social protocol, became an independent startup and opened fully to the public in February. The platform’s rapid expansion, especially in Brazil, has resulted in some technical issues due to the large influx of users. However, Bluesky continues to assure users that video support will be introduced soon, reflecting the platform’s commitment to improving user experience.
Bluesky’s growth highlights the shifting dynamics in the social media space, with alternative platforms like Threads and Bluesky gaining popularity as users seek options outside traditional networks like X. The platform’s rise in Brazil, spurred by legal and social changes, signals a potential shift in global social media usage. Its focus on a decentralized framework positions Bluesky as a unique competitor in an increasingly crowded market.
The platform’s user base and growth potential are significant indicators of its future role in the global social media ecosystem. As Bluesky continues to expand, its ability to handle scaling challenges and implement new features, such as video support, will be critical in retaining users and competing with established platforms.