Bluesky, launched by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, gains momentum as a competitor to X

Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform launched by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, has rapidly gained traction since its public release in February 2024. On its first day, nearly 800,000 new users signed up, and by September 2024, the platform boasted over 9 million users. This surge was partly driven by X (formerly Twitter) being banned in Brazil, encouraging users to explore alternatives.

Built on the AT Protocol, Bluesky offers a decentralized structure that provides users with greater control over their data. Its design, featuring algorithmic timelines, community moderation, and an open-source framework, sets it apart from centralized platforms like X. In a company statement, Bluesky emphasized its commitment to transparency for both users and developers.

Originally conceived while Dorsey was CEO of Twitter, Bluesky was intended to create a decentralized social media standard. Since becoming an independent company, it has introduced features like custom feeds and direct messaging. The platform remains free to use, with additional revenue generated through the sale of custom domain handles.

Bluesky, while still smaller than competitors like Meta’s Threads, continues to grow under the leadership of CEO Jay Graber, with Jack Dorsey stepping down from its board in 2024.