Bluesky’s Boom and Save Social’s Fight to Reshape Online Platforms

A grassroots movement is challenging Big Tech’s dominance—while Bluesky’s explosive rise proves users crave something better. Can decentralized platforms win?

, and Administrator

2025 November 16 . 5:37 AM

1 min read

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Bluesky, a Twitter/X alternative, is surging in popularity with 10 million users in September 2024, expected to reach 23 million by early 2025. Meanwhile, the Save Social initiative, launched in Germany, demands stricter regulations for large tech companies and promotes alternative platforms like Bluesky.

The Save Social initiative seeks to strengthen alternative platforms, limit market power, hold operators liable for criminal content, promote interoperability, disclose algorithm transparency, and bolster media literacy. It's backed by prominent supporters including civil society organizations and public figures.

Bluesky's rapid growth mirrors that of other alternatives like Mastodon, which has around 10 million users since Musk's Twitter takeover. Pixelfed, an Instagram alternative, has over 700,000 users. PeerTube, a decentralized YouTube rival, also exists. However, Friendica, a Facebook alternative, has a low reach but scores high in interoperability.

The initiative aims to address issues like hate speech and data protection, which have been neglected on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram. It also seeks to counter the influence of tech billionaires who have supported controversial figures like Donald Trump.

The Save Social initiative, backed by diverse supporters, is pushing for stricter regulations and promoting alternative platforms. Bluesky's rapid growth shows the potential of these alternatives, which could reshape the social media landscape.