Bluesky Surpasses 10 Million Users, Fueled by X's Brazil Blockade

Elon Musk's reign over X, formerly known as Twitter, continues to stir controversy and drive users away, with many seeking refuge in the decentralized social media platform Bluesky. This exodus has been particularly evident in Brazil, where a court order blocking X has propelled Bluesky's user base to a staggering 10 million, a significant portion coming from the South American nation.

Brazil's Court Order Propels Bluesky's Growth

This surge in Bluesky's Brazilian user base can be directly attributed to a court order blocking X in the country. Bluesky announced this milestone with a celebratory post visible to all users: "If you're reading this, you're one of 10 million users on Bluesky!" The platform even offered a special feature for its users, allowing them to see their joining order number by clicking on a celebratory emoji within the post.

Bluesky's Popularity Boosted by X's Absence

The court's decision to block X in Brazil, which went into effect last month, has been met with mixed reactions. The court even imposed fines on users caught accessing the platform via VPNs. This forceful measure has propelled a surge in users on alternative platforms, including Meta's Threads and Bluesky. Tech Crunch reports that both Threads and Bluesky have consistently ranked among the top 10 social media apps on the App Store and Play Store in Brazil.

Bluesky Experiences a Rapid User Influx

In the immediate aftermath of the X blockade, Bluesky saw a remarkable influx of 3 million users, propelling its user base to over 9 million in early September. Over 85% of these new users originated from Brazil, contributing to some minor disruptions on the platform as it struggled to accommodate the rapid growth.

A Decentralized Future?

While X remains under scrutiny in Brazil, Bluesky has continued to expand its offerings, introducing a new feature for sending videos and enhancing content moderation options. These features, along with the platform's decentralized nature, make it an attractive alternative for those seeking a less centralized social media experience.

Bluesky's Future in the Spotlight

With its user base surpassing 10 million and a significant portion of new users coming from Brazil, Bluesky has positioned itself as a strong contender in the social media landscape. It remains to be seen how the platform will navigate the challenges of continued growth, but the recent surge in users has certainly solidified its place in the conversation about the future of online social interaction.

What is the primary factor contributing to the recent surge in Bluesky's Brazilian user base?

The recent surge in Bluesky's Brazilian user base can be directly attributed to a court order blocking X, formerly known as Twitter, in the country.

What new feature did Bluesky introduce last week?

Bluesky introduced a new feature last week for sending videos.

What are some of the content moderation options recently added to Bluesky?

Some recently added content moderation options on Bluesky include selecting users who can quote content, hiding replies, and blocking specific words for a designated period.

Bluesky's Rise: A Testament to Decentralization's Appeal

Bluesky's recent surge in user growth, fueled by X's absence in Brazil, highlights the growing appeal of decentralized social media platforms. This trend suggests that users are increasingly seeking alternatives to centralized social networks and are embracing the potential of more user-controlled online experiences.