Bluesky has soared to the No. 1 position on the Apple App Store in the U.S. this week, as many users from Elon Musk’s platform, X, are leaving in response to his significant influence during the presidential election. Bluesky’s user base has doubled in the last three months, with the company reporting 1 million new sign-ups in just the past week, bringing its total to over 15 million users.
Changing Atmosphere on X
The tone on X has shifted dramatically; Musk has spent months promoting President-elect Donald Trump. Recent observations show a rise in derogatory language on the platform, coinciding with Musk’s previous decisions to cut moderation, restore banned accounts, and alter the verification system, all of which have negatively impacted the company’s advertising revenue.
Several high-profile journalists, including Charlie Warzel from The Atlantic, Mara Gay from The New York Times, and former CNN anchor Don Lemon, have announced their transition from X to Bluesky. Additionally, The Guardian stated it will cease posting on X, labeling it a “toxic media platform.”
Bluesky’s Moment in the Spotlight
While Bluesky is experiencing a surge in popularity, any claims that it will completely replace X should be approached with caution. X, as a private entity, does not disclose user metrics, and while third-party estimates suggest a decline in user engagement since Musk’s takeover, the platform has managed to survive various controversies without fading into obscurity.
X CEO Linda Yaccarino claimed, “X usage is at an all-time high and continues to surge,” emphasizing that users of all backgrounds will always have a space to engage.
User Reactions Post-Election
In the wake of the election, over 115,000 U.S. users deactivated their X accounts—marking the largest single-day drop since Musk’s acquisition. Interestingly, the same day, X experienced its highest web traffic of the year, with 46.5 million visits, up 38% from previous averages. Bluesky also saw an increase in daily visits around the election.
Despite these fluctuations, David Carr from Similarweb noted that while X experienced a peak in traffic, this does not compensate for the overall decline in its audience since Musk took control.
Comparative Growth
Market analysis indicates that while X saw a temporary spike in activity before and during the election, Bluesky’s user base has been steadily increasing since. Despite X having a larger user population, Bluesky’s growth trend suggests a potential shift in user preferences.
Ongoing Engagement Trends
Users have reported higher engagement on Bluesky, even if they have larger followings on X. Ed Zitron, a media relations expert, noted that although he remains on X for its critical mass, the engagement on Bluesky is more rewarding. Similarly, New York Times journalist Mike Isaac remarked on the stark difference in engagement between platforms.
Musk’s Political Maneuvering
Even if X loses users to Bluesky, Musk appears unfazed. Despite initially claiming he aimed to create a politically neutral platform, X has shifted towards a more right-leaning stance under his leadership. Musk reinstated Trump’s account after his ban and promoted pro-Trump content, effectively transforming X into a hub for right-wing discourse.
Following the election, Trump announced Musk would take on an official role in his administration, further solidifying Musk’s influence. Musk’s wealth also saw a significant increase, suggesting that his relationship with Trump might outweigh concerns over X’s declining ad revenue and user base.
