Fri Nov 22 12:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Bluesky Soars as Users Flee Elon Musk’s X

**SAN FRANCISCO** – In the wake of the US election and increasing dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s leadership of X (formerly Twitter), the relatively new social media platform Bluesky is experiencing a massive influx of users. Millions have flocked to the platform in the days following the election, seeking an alternative to what many describe as a toxic and politically charged environment on X.

Musk’s ownership of X, marked by controversial policy changes including alterations to the block feature and a paid verification system, coupled with his vocal support of right-wing figures and President-elect Donald Trump, has fueled a mass exodus from the platform. The appointment of Musk to a position in Trump’s new administration further alienated many users.

Data suggests X saw over 115,000 account deactivations the day after the election, while Bluesky reported over 2.5 million new sign-ups in the following week. Currently, Bluesky boasts over 20.7 million users, with employee-tracked data showing a sign-up rate of approximately eight users per second. The platform is also reporting record activity in other metrics, including likes and follows.

Bluesky, initially conceived as an internal Twitter project aimed at decentralization, offers a similar user experience to X, allowing users to post short messages, images, and videos. However, its open-source nature and focus on user choice are key differentiators, attracting users seeking a less restrictive and more engaging online community. While X saw a surge in posts and new users on Election Day itself, the subsequent shift to Bluesky signals a significant change in the social media landscape. High-profile accounts, including those of celebrities and news organizations, have also reportedly left X for other platforms.

Read More