# Bluesky Achieves 15 Million Users: A Swift Rise in the Microblogging Arena
Bluesky, an emerging microblogging service, has recently reached an important benchmark: it has now surpassed 15 million registered users. This remarkable surge is especially impressive considering it had approximately 13 million users just a month ago. The increase in registrations signifies a rising appetite for alternatives to well-established social media behemoths, especially X (previously known as Twitter).
## An In-Depth Look at Bluesky’s Growth
User metrics for Bluesky were provided by [Stats for Bluesky](https://bsky.jazco.dev/stats), a resource capitalizing on the platform’s API to monitor its growth. Currently, the platform has exceeded 15.2 million registered users, a significant jump from only 2 million users in November 2023. This swift growth reflects changing user tendencies, as numerous individuals are on the lookout for new venues for expression and online dialogue.
However, despite this growth, Bluesky remains considerably behind its rivals. X continues to lead the microblogging market with more than 500 million active users worldwide. Meta’s Threads is also a strong competitor, with 275 million monthly active users and gaining over a million new registrations daily. Nonetheless, Bluesky is drawing interest from users dissatisfied with both X and Threads, especially in light of recent controversies involving these platforms.
## Reasons Behind User Movement to Bluesky
Several recent incidents have fueled Bluesky’s rising popularity. A significant event in Brazil, where X encountered a temporary suspension, led to hundreds of thousands of users turning to Bluesky as an alternative. Additionally, Elon Musk’s political activities, particularly his connection to Donald Trump, have increased curiosity in platforms that present a different social media experience. Consequently, Bluesky has become the most downloaded application in the US App Store, with Threads closely trailing in popularity.
Launched in 2021, Bluesky was envisioned as a “proof of concept” for the decentralized AT Protocol. The project was backed by Twitter’s former CEO, Jack Dorsey, who aimed to create a platform centered around user autonomy and decentralization. After Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, Bluesky and X evolved from being linked initiatives to direct adversaries.
## Future Outlook and Monetization Strategies
To enhance its services and continue its growth, Bluesky has recently revealed plans to roll out a paid subscription model. This new option will provide users with extra features, similar to X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue). However, Bluesky has promised its community that the essential social networking functionalities will remain available for free, underscoring its dedication to user engagement and satisfaction.
## Closing Thoughts
Bluesky’s swift rise to 15 million users signifies a noteworthy event in the changing social media landscape. While it still has a considerable journey ahead to rival industry leaders like X and Threads, the platform’s growth trajectory indicates a growing interest in alternative microblogging options. As users continue to search for new platforms that resonate with their values and preferences, Bluesky’s innovative methods and focus on decentralization could position it as a prominent player in the future of social media.
