The decentralized social media platform Bluesky has achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching 15 million users amid a dramatic surge in new signups. The platform experienced particularly strong growth in the past week, adding approximately one million new users coinciding with increased social media activity around the US presidential election.
According to platform analytics tracked through the Bluesky API, the majority of recent user growth has come from the United States. The app's popularity has soared to claim the top spot in Apple's iOS App Store, ranking ahead of major platforms like Threads, ChatGPT, and Google's flagship app.
While Meta's Threads platform maintains a larger user base with 275 million monthly active users, Bluesky distinguishes itself through unique features and architecture. Both platforms currently operate without advertisements, but Bluesky's approach to content discovery sets it apart. The platform enables users to create their own algorithmic feeds, complementing the standard "Discover" and "Popular With Friends" options.
Recent platform updates have enhanced the user experience with new capabilities including video sharing, post pinning, and custom font options. Bluesky has also implemented features aimed at reducing negative interactions, such as allowing users to disconnect their posts from unwanted quote posts.
The platform's growth highlights increasing user interest in decentralized social media alternatives built on protocols like AT Protocol, which powers Bluesky's infrastructure. This milestone represents a notable achievement for the platform as it continues to evolve and attract new users seeking different social media experiences.