Bluesky Reaches 20 Million Users: Why It’s Becoming the Go-To Alternative to X

Bluesky, the decentralised social network, just hit 20 million users.

That’s no small feat for a platform launched as an alternative to the increasingly contentious X (formerly Twitter). So, what’s driving this surge in popularity, and should indie hackers make the jump?

A Move Away From Chaos

The last year has seen a significant shake-up in the social media landscape.

X’s leadership has alienated many users with erratic policy changes, increasing paywalls, and diminishing trust in moderation practices. Bluesky, by contrast, offers something refreshingly simple: a decentralised platform with transparency baked into its foundation.

For many, Bluesky feels like what Twitter was in its heyday—a space for open conversation, minus the noise and chaos.

It’s a reminder that people value social networks where their voices are heard without interference or frustration.

Decentralisation as a Selling Point

Bluesky’s biggest draw is its commitment to decentralisation.

Unlike X, Bluesky allows users to have more control over their experience through its protocol, which enables diverse algorithms and moderation tools. This approach empowers communities to create the environment they want, whether it’s a tightly moderated feed or a free-for-all.

For creators, businesses, and regular users alike, this flexibility is a game-changer. It’s not just about leaving X—it’s about moving to a network that feels more trustworthy and user-focused.

Should Indie Hackers Make the Jump?

For indie hackers, the question isn’t just about what Bluesky offers but where the audience is.

Right now, X still feels like the place for tech chatter, networking, and startup culture. Many indie hackers have deeply entrenched audiences there, and leaving a familiar network where “everyone is” comes with the risk of losing reach.

Bluesky’s decentralised ethos is appealing, but its value to indie hackers depends on whether the critical mass of like-minded folks makes the move. At 20 million users, it’s growing, but X’s network effects are strong, and inertia will likely keep indie hackers around until X truly collapses—or Bluesky becomes impossible to ignore.

For now, dabbling in Bluesky makes sense. Think of it as an experiment: claim your spot, explore the platform, and keep an eye on the growing communities there. But for full engagement as an indie hacker, X remains the powerhouse—for better or worse.

Can Bluesky Sustain the Growth?

Hitting 20 million users is a major milestone, but it raises questions about sustainability.

Bluesky has benefited from its exclusivity (remember the invite-only phase?) and the growing dissatisfaction with X. But as it scales, it will face the same challenges as other social networks: keeping moderation effective, avoiding echo chambers, and ensuring the platform remains fun to use.

Still, the momentum is undeniable. While X is busy losing the trust of its user base, Bluesky is positioning itself as the antithesis: a user-first platform with room to grow. If the team continues to prioritise transparency and innovation, 20 million could just be the beginning.

It’s early days, but Bluesky is shaping up to be more than just another Twitter clone.

For indie hackers, though, the calculation is more nuanced: stay where your audience is, but don’t ignore the potential of a growing alternative. A presence on both might be the most strategic move for now.

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