Bluesky has recently experienced a remarkable surge in user engagement, especially in the wake of the recent presidential election. This newfound popularity positions it as a significant rival to major players such as Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s Threads. Despite this escalating competition, Bluesky’s CEO, Jay Graber, is keen to emphasize a unique attribute of the platform—its resilience against acquisition influences, coining the term “billionaire proof.” In a recent interview, Graber conveyed that the essence of Bluesky is rooted in its commitment to user freedom and open-source design, setting it apart from traditional social media models.
In an era where social media platforms often face tumultuous changes post-acquisition—often leading to user exodus—Graber expressed confidence in Bluesky’s architecture. This architecture facilitates a seamless transition for users, allowing them to take their follower base with them if they choose to leave the platform. Graber articulated that, “The billionaire proof is in the way everything is designed.” This decentralized approach aims to preempt the user dissatisfaction that has been evident with other platforms, particularly following Musk’s takeover of Twitter. In contrast to platforms that can become dictated by the whims of their owners, Bluesky’s structure allows users to retain agency over their connections.
The Background and Ideals of Bluesky
Originating as a Twitter initiative in 2019 during Jack Dorsey’s tenure, Bluesky has come a long way, evolving into an independent public benefit corporation by 2022. Graber reflects on Dorsey’s original vision, pointing out that the impetus was to conceptualize a better form of social media. The focus has always been on providing an open-source platform that encourages user-driven innovation. Bluesky’s commitment to transparency and user control is an ambitious departure from many existing social networks, which have often been criticized for prioritizing profit over user satisfaction.
Graber has also outlined Bluesky’s business strategy, which notably avoids traditional advertising models that have become integral to other platforms. Unlike competitors that rely heavily on algorithm-driven ads, Bluesky is charting its own course by considering subscription services to unlock specialized features for users. This approach reflects a commitment to maintaining the user experience at the forefront while exploring viable monetization pathways. The emphasis is on not compromising user experience by bombarding them with ads—an assertion that signals a growing demand for less intrusive forms of revenue generation in the social media landscape.
Despite its relatively smaller user base—boasting over 21 million users compared to X and Threads, which have reported figures as high as 600 million and 275 million respectively—Bluesky’s growth trajectory is remarkable. Notably, it reported an increase of 2 million users in September alone, following notable content moderation controversies that embroiled X in several regions. In addition to this recent growth, Bluesky successfully secured $15 million in funding led by Blockchain Capital, bringing its total financing to $36 million. The infusion of capital promises to bolster its development efforts, particularly the expansion of its “developer ecosystem” aimed at third-party coders.
As Bluesky navigates its way through a crowded social media landscape, it distinguishes itself through user-centric design and a commitment to open-source values. The company’s endeavor to offer an alternative to conventional social media practices—highlighted by its resistance to ad-driven revenue models—positions it as a progressive player in the industry. The ethos of Bluesky, under Graber’s leadership, reflects a desire to build a platform that prioritizes transparency and user agency over bottom-line profits, promising a distinctive social media experience that could redefine user expectations in the digital age. As it continues to evolve, Bluesky is poised to make a significant impact on how social media is conceptualized and experienced.