Bluesky reaches 20 million users as it competes with Threads and X

The app is now a top app on Apple’s App Store & Google Play

Highlights

• Bluesky has tripled its user base in three months, surging from 9 million users in September to 20 million.
• The app has seen over a million new sign-ups on some days; a 519% increase in U.S. app usage and a 352% growth in the UK.
• Despite its growth, Bluesky still lags behind Threads and X.

Bluesky has reached 20 million users, according to new data from Similarweb. The app, which had just 15 million users less than a week ago, has tripled its user base in the past three months, climbing from 9 million users in September.

In recent weeks, Bluesky has experienced massive growth, with some days seeing over a million new signups within 24 hours.

Similarweb also reports a 519% increase in U.S. app usage and a 352% increase in the UK compared to the first 10 months of the year. The app’s recent growth also shows its increasing popularity in app stores. It has been the top-ranked app on Apple’s App Store for six consecutive days and the top non-gaming app on Google Play for four days.

Bluesky vs. Threads and X

Bluesky’s growth has fueled speculation that it could rival Threads and X. However, it still lags behind these platforms in terms of active user base. Threads recently claimed 275 million active users in October, gaining 15 million new sign-ups since November. X remains the platform with the most users. Earlier this year, X owner, Elon Musk said earlier the platform has 600 million monthly users.

Adam Mosseri, Instagram Chief, dismissed claims that Bluesky is catching up in daily active users. Responding to a Threads post on Bluesky’s growth, Mosseri said, “There is no way this is the case as we have many times as many daily users as they have total sign-ups. Maybe this data is web data?”

Bluesky’s recent rise comes amid frustration among X users. Many users have reportedly deactivated their X accounts, citing dissatisfaction with the platform’s policies. A significant increase in Bluesky traffic was reported on November 7, the day after the U.S. presidential election.

Bluesky has said it will not use user data for generative AI training, unlike X. It also doesn’t have plans to bring ads to the platform. Threads reportedly plans to introduce ads in January.

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