Bluesky Soars: 1 Million New Users Flee X Over AI Policy, Hitting 17M Total
Staff Editor
2 min read
Bluesky Sees Massive User Influx as X’s AI Policy Sparks Exodus
In a dramatic shift in the social media landscape, Bluesky has experienced an unprecedented surge in its user base, with over 1 million new sign-ups in the past 24 hours. This influx brings the platform’s total user count to an impressive 17.14 million, as individuals migrate from X (formerly Twitter) in search of alternative platforms.
The mass exodus appears to be triggered by X’s recent update to its terms of service, which now allows the platform to use public posts for AI training purposes. Under these new terms, X has granted itself a license to analyze user content for service improvement and AI model training.
In contrast, Bluesky has taken a firm stance on AI and user content, announcing that it has “no intention” to use user-generated content for AI training. This declaration has resonated strongly with artists and creators concerned about data privacy, as Bluesky assures its users that their content will be protected. The platform does employ AI for content moderation and its Discover feed but emphasizes that it does not engage in generative AI practices.
This migration of users comes in the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, which has highlighted the perceived right-wing approach of X under Elon Musk’s ownership. Musk’s use of the platform to campaign for President-elect Donald Trump has further polarized the user base, prompting many to seek alternatives.
While Bluesky is experiencing significant growth, it’s worth noting that Meta’s Threads remains the largest competitor to X, boasting over 275 million monthly active users. Threads has also seen substantial growth, with 15 million new sign-ups this month alone.
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, users are increasingly prioritizing platforms that align with their values and privacy concerns. The coming months will likely see further shifts as users navigate this changing digital terrain.
