Bluesky is on the verge of overtaking Threads in all the ways that matter

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Usage and Growth Metrics

  • Article’s claim: Bluesky DAU is catching up to Threads; some see a “hockey stick” for Bluesky while Threads looks flat.
  • Others note Threads still reports hundreds of millions of MAU vs ~20M total Bluesky users; Mashable’s unsourced DAU comparison is called dubious.
  • Metrics sources like Similarweb are mentioned; some suspect Threads numbers are inflated by Instagram-driven “accidental” usage.
  • X/Twitter still appears to dwarf both in visits, though several commenters note HN users may be atypical.

User Experience Comparisons

  • Threads: Often described as Instagram-style, algorithmic, engagement-bait heavy, with lots of generic memes, “guru” spam, and cross-posted content. Some say it’s unengaging or “ghost town”; a minority find it “good product” and more balanced than X.
  • Bluesky: Praised for chronological “following” feed, ability to block reposts, niche creative and regional feeds, and a vibe closer to “old Twitter” but calmer. Some initial experiences show political rant slant until feeds are tuned.
  • X/Twitter: For some, still “killing it” and fun; for others, degraded by right‑wing rage bait, pay‑boosted blue checks, downranking of links, crypto scams, and intrusive video/For You behavior.

Moderation, Safety, and ‘Free Speech’

  • Strong split:
    • One camp praises Bluesky and Threads for better moderation, far less harassment, and tools like custom labels and block lists.
    • Another argues over‑moderation creates censored echo chambers and sees X as comparatively freer.
  • Several users recount receiving violent threats on X post‑acquisition; claim this is much rarer on Bluesky/Threads.
  • Counterclaim: old Twitter censored non‑aligned views; new X allegedly reduced that.

Protocols, Openness, and Features

  • Bluesky’s AT Protocol, “protocols not platforms,” custom feeds, starter packs, labellers, and third‑party clients are highlighted as genuinely new and developer‑friendly.
  • Some worry Bluesky is effectively centralized today despite decentralization goals.

Business Models and Enshittification

  • Bluesky is a benefit corporation with VC money; debate over whether investor pressure will eventually force ads and engagement optimization.
  • Some think all large social networks inevitably “enshittify”; others argue Bluesky’s structure and open protocol may constrain that.

Polarization, Echo Chambers, and Algorithms

  • Many see social media fragmenting into ideological silos; algorithms that maximize engagement are blamed for ragebait and polarization.
  • Chronological feeds and user‑selectable algorithms on Bluesky are viewed as partial antidotes, but others note people create bubbles even without algorithms (e.g., Fediverse).
  • Several suggest the real draw of any network is where one’s preferred communities and “interesting people” move, more than any specific feature.