Bluesky has experienced explosive growth, reporting over 13 million users—up significantly from around three million when it opened to the public in February 2024. This growth announcement came alongside news of a $15 million funding boost, which is set to support Bluesky as it builds out a subscription-based model for optional premium features like high-quality video uploads and customizable profiles, including unique color themes and avatar frames. Notably, Bluesky emphasizes that the core experience will remain free, signaling a commitment to accessible conversation—a contrast to some social networks with pay-to-play structures.
In a statement that may be seen as a critique of platforms leaning heavily on paid features, Bluesky remarked, “Bluesky will always be free to use—we believe information and conversation should be open and accessible, not limited to those who pay.” This approach counters rivals like X (formerly Twitter), which prioritizes content from paying subscribers.
Bluesky’s rapid growth has, in part, been fueled by recent controversies around X’s management. In late 2023, X’s consideration of a mandatory fee for posting led to a surge in Bluesky signups. Another spike occurred when X faced a temporary shutdown in Brazil after a clash with the country’s Supreme Court, resulting in 2.6 million new Bluesky users in just a week.
Could Bluesky’s open-access philosophy signal a new chapter for social media?
Source: https://www.theregister.com/20…ky_capitalizes_on_x_woes/
