Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in users following controversial changes at X (formerly Twitter). Within a single day, Bluesky gained 500,000 new users, propelling it to the second spot in the U.S. Apple App Store Social Networking category and the top five overall. The cause? A policy change at X, which has left many users concerned about their online safety and privacy.
According to app analytics firm Appfigures, Bluesky has experienced explosive growth globally, becoming a top download in multiple countries. It now ranks first in Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan, while also gaining popularity in Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea, and Singapore. Rapid ascent is driven by growing user dissatisfaction with X recent updates, which many believe compromise their security.
Bluesky Global Surge in Popularity
On Thursday, October 17, Bluesky recorded 197,000 installs on the Apple App Store alone, a massive increase from just 3,400 installs the day before. The U.S. accounted for around 80,000 of these downloads, making up 40% of the total. While figures for Android are still emerging, Bluesky rise on the Google Play Store has been similarly impressive. Previously ranked outside the top 100 in the Social Networking category.
In addition to its U.S. success, Bluesky global footprint is expanding rapidly. The platform experienced four-digit growth in over 90 countries, with notable rankings across Asia and North America. Its decentralized approach, which offers more user control over content moderation and privacy, has struck a chord with users seeking alternatives to mainstream platforms.
X Controversial Changes Trigger User Exodus
The exodus to Bluesky can be directly traced to a policy change at X that has left many users feeling exposed. X recently announced that blocked accounts can still view posts from public profiles, though they cannot interact by replying, liking, or reposting. This has sparked widespread concern, particularly among users who are wary of harassment or stalking. For many, the ability to block users was seen as a fundamental safety feature.
Adding to these concerns, X updated its Terms of Service, giving the platform the right to share user data with third parties, including for AI training. The combination of these changes has left many users feeling uncomfortable with the direction X is heading, leading them to seek alternatives like Bluesky.
One former X user who recently migrated to expressed relief at the switch. “With X changes, it felt like user safety was no longer a priority. Bluesky approach gives me more control over my privacy, which is exactly what I want in a social platform.”
Bluesky Commitment to Privacy and Safety
Bluesky emphasis on user control and privacy has made it an attractive alternative to X. Unlike X, Bluesky operates on a decentralized model, giving users more autonomy over how their accounts are managed and who can interact with their content. This model contrasts sharply with X increasingly centralized policies, which have left users with fewer options to protect themselves from unwanted attention.
Development team has assured its community that user safety remains a top priority, even as the platform continues to grow at a rapid pace. A Bluesky spokesperson remarked, “The growth we’re seeing is a clear indication that users are looking for a platform that respects their privacy and allows them to control who they interact with.”
While team works to scale the platform to meet the rising demand, they’ve remained focused on maintaining the safety features that have drawn so many users in the first place. Their commitment to decentralization, combined with their user-friendly interface, has helped position as a credible alternative to X.
Bluesky rise underscores a larger trend in the social media landscape—users are seeking platforms that prioritize their privacy, safety, and control. The backlash against X block feature change is just the latest example of how user preferences are evolving, especially in the wake of growing concerns around data privacy and platform governance.
With X facing widespread criticism, Bluesky user base is expected to continue growing as more users seek alternatives that better align with their values. The platform’s rapid growth signals a shift in how users engage with social media, favoring decentralized and privacy-focused alternatives over more centralized networks like X.
As Bluesky continues to grow, it faces the challenge of maintaining its commitment to user safety while scaling to meet the demands of its expanding community. For now, however, Bluesky success marks a significant moment in the evolving world of social media.
