Bluesky Social Media App Soars Amidst X Policy Changes

The decentralized social media platform, Bluesky, has experienced a meteoric rise in new users in recent days, likely fueled by changes in X's policies, formerly known as Twitter. The platform, which has been steadily gaining traction since its launch, has witnessed a surge in downloads and user engagement, catapulting it to the forefront of the social media landscape.

A Wave of New Users

Bluesky reported welcoming 500,000 new users in just one day, a testament to its growing popularity. This influx has propelled Bluesky's position on popular app charts, further solidifying its status as a rising force in the social media world.

Climbing the App Charts

According to app analysis firm Appfigure, Bluesky has skyrocketed to the top five apps on the US Apple App Store and secured the second spot in the Social Networking category, a remarkable feat considering it was ranked at 181 just a week prior.

This surge in popularity isn't confined to the US. Bluesky's downloads have increased by a four-digit percentage compared to last week, propelling the app to the top spot in Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan. It also holds the second position in Hong Kong, fourth in Canada and South Korea, and eighth in Singapore.

Record-Breaking Downloads

Appfigures data reveals that Bluesky was installed 197,000 times on the App Store on Thursday, October 17, a significant increase from roughly 3,400 installations the day before. The US contributed the largest share of these downloads, accounting for 40% or about 80,000 installs. Overall, Bluesky downloads have surged by a four-digit percentage in 90 countries.

Although Google Play Store data lags slightly, early indicators suggest Bluesky is also witnessing a significant surge. The app previously occupied a position around 100 in the Social Networking category, but it has now climbed into the top five and continues to rise, as reported by TechCrunch.

Factors Driving Bluesky's Growth

Several factors, primarily related to recent changes in X's policies, have contributed to Bluesky's rapid growth. These changes have sparked concerns among X users, prompting them to explore alternative platforms like Bluesky.

X's Controversial Blocking Feature Update

X recently announced modifications to its blocking feature, allowing posts from public accounts to be seen by anyone, including blocked accounts. While blocked accounts cannot interact with these posts, such as replying, liking, or reposting, many X users have expressed apprehension about this change, fearing potential harassment and stalking. This move has fueled concerns about the platform's commitment to user safety and privacy.

X's Data Sharing Practices

Furthermore, X updated its Terms of Service and privacy policy, stating that users agree to grant X the right to share their data with third parties, including for AI training. This disclosure has raised concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of user information, further driving users away from X and towards platforms like Bluesky that prioritize user privacy.

The Future of Decentralized Social Media

Bluesky's rapid growth is a testament to the growing demand for decentralized and user-centric social media platforms. The platform's commitment to user privacy, control over data, and open-source development has resonated with users seeking alternatives to traditional social media giants.

As Bluesky continues to evolve and expand, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving social media landscape. Its success could pave the way for a more decentralized and user-empowered future for social media.