Bluesky's Rapid Rise: 2 Million New Users in 4 Days Surpass Meta's X in Brazil
Bluesky, the social networking startup, has seen a massive surge in new users following the shutdown of Meta's X in Brazil. With over 2 million new users added in just four days, Bluesky has quickly become the top app in Brazil, surpassing Meta's X competitor, Instagram Threads.
According to data from Appfigures, Bluesky's total downloads skyrocketed by 10,584% compared to the previous weekend, with downloads in Brazil increasing by an astonishing 1,018,952%. This growth has also had a ripple effect, with downloads outside Brazil rising by 584% in 22 countries where Bluesky had previously seen little traction.
Countries like the U.S., Portugal, the U.K., Canada, and Spain have seen the most absolute downloads, while Portugal, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Romania experienced the most significant growth in downloads. Key metrics on the platform have also seen a substantial increase, with likes, follows, and reposts all seeing significant growth in just a few days.
Bluesky's appeal lies in its similarity to the user experience of the now Elon Musk-owned X, formerly Twitter. Users can enjoy familiar features like likes, reposts, direct messages, and more, while also benefiting from improved capabilities like decentralized networks, customizable feeds, and third-party moderation services.
The shift towards Bluesky may also be attributed to its decentralized nature, which gives users more control over their content and moderation compared to centralized platforms like Threads. With a focus on user freedom and ease of use, Bluesky is positioning itself as a more attractive option for those seeking a platform that resembles Twitter/X but offers greater flexibility and control.
In comparison, Threads has taken a different approach by avoiding political content and focusing on attracting brands and influencers for future monetization through ads. This difference in content and moderation strategies has likely influenced some Brazilians to choose Bluesky as a platform that aligns with their desire for decentralized networks and user-controlled moderation.
Overall, the surge in Bluesky's user growth signifies a shift in the social media landscape, with users seeking platforms that offer a mix of familiar features and innovative capabilities. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it competes with established players like Meta's X and Threads in the ever-changing social media market.