As I observe the evolving landscape of social media, it is evident that Bluesky, a microblogging platform often regarded as a rival to X (previously Twitter), has witnessed notable growth. However, recent statistics indicate that the influx of new users, primarily driven by departures from X, may be starting to taper off.
Highlights
User Growth and Engagement
As of December 2024, Bluesky has amassed an impressive 25.9 million users, with approximately half of this number registering in just the last six weeks of 2024. This rapid increase is remarkable, particularly given that the platform reported only 13 million users in October 2024 and reached 20 million in November 2024.
Despite this surge in user numbers, the speed of new user growth appears to be slowing. Consider the following key points:
- The user base of Bluesky expanded from 13 million in October to 20 million in November, culminating at 25.9 million by December 2024.
- Engagement levels have soared, with some users reporting up to 10 times greater interaction than previously.
- A trending topics feature was launched just prior to Christmas, enabling users to participate in popular discussions.
Downloads and Daily Active Users
The download figures for the Bluesky app further illustrate its growth trajectory. Here are some relevant statistics:
- Monthly installations of the Bluesky app hit a record 7.85 million in November 2024.
- There are currently around 3.5 million daily active users across the US and UK.
- Total downloads of the Bluesky app worldwide reached 16.52 million in 2024.
Funding and Operational Insights
Bluesky has successfully secured substantial financial backing to facilitate its expansion:
- The platform has raised $23 million across two funding rounds, including a $15 million Series A funding round disclosed in October 2024.
- Bluesky operates with a fully remote workforce, comprising 20 full-time employees and 100 contractors who serve as content moderators.
Global Reach and Demographic Insights
Bluesky’s user base spans numerous countries, offering some intriguing demographic insights:
- The United States is responsible for over half of the traffic directed to Bluesky, followed by the UK, Japan, and Brazil.
- According to Similarweb’s demographic data, 35% of Bluesky’s users are between the ages of 18 and 24.
Bluesky continues to expand and attract new users, yet the data indicates that the pace of this growth may be experiencing a decline. As I monitor these developments, it is clear that Bluesky remains an influential entity in the social media arena, particularly as users seek alternatives to X.
Bluesky, a microblogging platform frequently seen as a competitor to X, has enjoyed significant growth, and it will be intriguing to observe its progression in the upcoming months.