Bluesky surges into the top 5 as X changes blocks, permits AI training on its data
Social networking startup Bluesky, which just reported a gain of half a million users over the past day, has now soared into the top 5 apps on the U.S.
Social networking startup Bluesky, which just reported a gain of half a million users over the past day, has now soared into the top 5 apps on the U.S.
Bluesky Soars to T 5 on US App Store, Overtakes X in Social Networking Category
Bluesky, a social networking startup, has experienced a remarkable surge in growth, with over half a million new users joining the platform in just one day. As a result, Bluesky has catapulted to the top 5 apps on the US App Store and has become the No. 2 app in the Social Networking category, surpassing X, a popular social media platform. This meteoric rise is a testament to the startup's ability to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction with X's recent changes and moderation issues.
According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Bluesky's growth is entirely organic, with no paid advertising campaigns running on the App Store. The app's popularity has spread globally, with many countries showing four-digit growth in downloads, including Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea, and Singapore. This widespread adoption is a significant achievement, considering that Bluesky is a relatively new player in the social media landscape.
Bluesky's rapid growth can be attributed to a combination of factors. One reason is the controversy surrounding X's decision to change its block function, which has left many users feeling unsafe and vulnerable to harassment and abuse. This change has led to widespread criticism and a loss of trust among users, who are seeking a more secure and respectful online environment. Additionally, X's updated terms of Service and privacy policy, which allows the company to share user data with third-party companies, has raised concerns among users about their privacy and data security.
Another factor contributing to Bluesky's success is the moderation issues plaguing Threads, a social media platform owned by Meta. Users have been reporting account bans and post downrankings without explanation, leading some to switch to Bluesky in search of a more transparent and fair moderation system.
While X is still experiencing a significant number of downloads, its growth has slowed, and the app has dropped to No. 29 on the US App Store. Bluesky, on the other hand, continues to rise, with Appfigures estimating 197,000 new installs on the App Store on Thursday alone. This surge in growth is a testament to the startup's ability to adapt to changing user needs and preferences.
Bluesky's previous surges in growth have been driven by similar factors, including its public launch and the Brazil ban on X. The startup's ability to capitalize on these trends has helped it establish a strong presence in the social networking space.
As Bluesky continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the company maintains its momentum and addresses the concerns of its new users. With its focus on providing a safe and secure platform, Bluesky is well-positioned to become a major player in the social media landscape. The startup's commitment to transparency, moderation, and user privacy will be crucial in building trust with its users and differentiating itself from its competitors.
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