In 2024, Bluesky has seen an astonishing growth in its user base, becoming a favorite for those seeking alternatives to X (previously known as Twitter). Over the course of the year, a whopping 22.9 million users jumped on board with Bluesky, with more than 13 million making the switch in just the past six weeks.
This surge in popularity was highlighted in Bluesky’s "2024 in Review" blog post, which came out just before year’s end. The blog also spotlighted some key milestones, including the shift from an invite-only model to open access for everyone. "Bluesky’s inaugural community started with 3 million members. Within just one week, an additional million joined," the platform shared.
A significant achievement for Bluesky in 2024 was reaching its goal of introducing federation. This innovation allows an interconnected social network, empowering users to host their personal data servers independently rather than relying solely on Bluesky’s infrastructure.
Rewinding to this time last year, Bluesky offered only basic functionalities. Fast forward to now, and you’ll find that the platform has introduced essential features like hashtags, direct messaging, video sharing, and trending topics—crucial elements that establish Bluesky as a credible alternative to major platforms like X.
One of the standout features introduced in 2024 is the concept of starter packs. This unique addition makes it easy to curate collections of accounts for new users to follow. For instance, a Windows Central starter pack lists all its team members active on Bluesky.
Amidst the exodus from X and the search for less toxic social media environments than Instagram and Facebook, Bluesky attracted millions. Even third-party Bluesky apps for Windows 11, like Beeskie and DarkSky, have emerged, alongside deck.blue, which offers a user experience similar to TweetDeck.
Featured below are the notable advancements and updates Bluesky rolled out in 2024.
Bluesky 2024 Updates: Big Features
- Hashtags: Made finding content a breeze.
- Direct Messages: Rolled out in May, opening new lines of communication.
- Starter Packs: Launched in June to simplify community onboarding.
- Video Sharing: Added in September.
- Trending Topics: Introduced around Christmas in December.
Bluesky 2024 Updates: Small Features
- Account Deactivation: Available since June.
- Priority Notifications: Introduced in July.
- Self-Moderation Tools: Such as detach quotes and hide replies, unveiled in August.
- Pinned Posts: Added in October.
- The Thread Composer: Made its debut in November.
In summary, Bluesky’s dynamic progression in 2024 shows a strong commitment to innovation and user experience, positioning it as a formidable player in the social media landscape.
