Bluesky has been making headlines recently, but is it really worth adding another social media app to your routine?

The simple answer: not right now, but it might be worth reserving your username for future use.

What is Bluesky, and why is it trending?

Bluesky has gained traction, particularly in the UK and the US, due to dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and the lack of engaging features on Threads. Bluesky feels like a return to the original Twitter experience, offering a chronological feed and open discussions without restrictions on political topics or link sharing.

Here are some reasons for the buzz:

• Rapid growth: Bluesky has recently surpassed 20 million users, tripling its size since August.

• App rankings: It held the top spot on the App Store, outperforming Threads and X in recent weeks.

• Increased activity: Usage is up by 500% in the US and 350% in the UK.

What makes Bluesky different?

Bluesky stands out for its simplicity. It offers a straightforward, real-time feed, prioritising updates from people you follow rather than algorithmic recommendations. However, despite its recent growth, Bluesky’s user base remains much smaller than Threads (275 million users) or X (500 million). For now, it is more of a niche platform.

Should you join Bluesky?

It depends on your priorities. For most people, Bluesky doesn’t yet offer enough to replace other platforms like Threads or X. However, if you are a business or content creator, it could be wise to secure your username early to prepare for potential future opportunities.

Threads, backed by Meta, is likely to remain Bluesky’s main competitor. Meta has the resources to introduce features that rival Bluesky’s simplicity, such as customisable feeds or relaxed content restrictions, making Threads a safer bet for now.

Final thoughts

Bluesky shows promise, but it is not yet a must-have social media platform. It could carve out a niche audience over time, but it is too early to tell if it will become a major player. In the meantime, focus on platforms with established audiences, but don’t hesitate to sign up for Bluesky to reserve your username—it might come in handy in the future.