Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform, experienced a significant surge in user sign-ups, with over 1 million new accounts created in the span of just 24 hours. The announcement came Thursday evening, marking one of the busiest days for the company. This rapid influx of users catapulted Bluesky to the top of the free apps chart on the U.S. App Store, ahead of major competitors like ChatGPT and Threads.
The recent spike in user registrations is attributed to Bluesky's introduction of advanced automated tools designed to flag content that violates its Community Guidelines. These enhancements aim to strengthen Bluesky’s position against larger networks such as X. The app's moderation team will review these tools, ensuring they effectively uphold community standards.
Some users have expressed concerns about safety due to these updates, prompting a wave of interest in Bluesky. The platform's traditional block feature is seen as a key advantage, offering users a more familiar and reliable method of content control. This feature has become a distinguishing factor amidst Bluesky's ongoing efforts to resolve moderation challenges since its initial launch.
Bluesky has been proactive in enhancing account security and authentication. In October 2023, the platform introduced email verification, reinforcing its commitment to user security. The platform's steady user growth can also be linked to various global events, including X’s ban in Brazil, moderation controversies on Threads, and recent U.S. election results.
The launch of federation is another significant development for Bluesky, aligning it more closely with platforms like Mastodon. This feature allows users to choose and switch between servers freely, offering greater flexibility and control over their online presence.
Under the leadership of CEO Jay Graber, Bluesky operates as an independent public benefit corporation. The company is also working on a subscription service that will provide premium features such as higher quality video uploads and enhanced profile customization options.
“We also have a higher percentage of posters than most social sites, which follow a 90-9-1 pattern of lurkers-commenters-posters. We haven’t dipped below ~30% posters,” – Jay Graber
