Bluesky, a social media platform developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has experienced rapid growth in recent weeks, surpassing 20 million users. The platform’s chief executive, Jay Graber, recently highlighted some key aspects of the network during a BBC interview.
During the interview, Graber mistakenly stated that Bluesky’s age limit was 18, when it is actually 13. The platform uses a simple age-gating process during sign-up by asking users to enter their date of birth. Bluesky does not verify user identification, with Graber emphasizing the importance of protecting user privacy.
The platform’s surge in popularity coincides with the recent US election, with many users potentially leaving X (formerly Twitter) in protest. Elon Musk, X’s owner and a major supporter of Donald Trump, has been controversial in the social media landscape. This political division has driven some users to seek alternative platforms.
Bluesky differentiates itself by claiming to offer a better user experience with reduced harassment, bots, and spam. The platform’s moderation approach combines human moderators and automated technology. Instead of traditional advertising, Bluesky is exploring potential subscription models for users seeking additional account features.
The platform’s growth is significant but still modest compared to larger social media networks. While Bluesky has reached 20 million users, it remains far behind X and Meta’s Threads platform. In September, the platform had just nine million users, indicating rapid recent expansion.
The broader context of social media usage for young people is also evolving. Countries like Australia are considering banning social media access for users under 16, and similar discussions are ongoing in the UK. Bluesky has implemented additional settings to ensure content safety for younger users.
Interestingly, some political figures are cautious about embracing new social media platforms. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, for example, has stated he has “no plans” to join Bluesky and currently sees no moves to establish official government accounts on the platform.
Graber emphasized the platform’s commitment to user experience and responsible data handling. By focusing on creating a positive environment and avoiding traditional advertising, Bluesky aims to differentiate itself in the competitive social media landscape.
The platform’s connection to Jack Dorsey, who stepped down from the board in May of last year, adds to its credibility. However, its long-term success will depend on maintaining user trust, managing growth, and continuing to provide a unique social media experience.
As social media continues to evolve, platforms like Bluesky represent emerging alternatives for users seeking different communication environments, driven by concerns about existing networks’ content, moderation, and political influences.
