33 Million Users and Counting: Bluesky's Rise Is Shaking Up Social Media As We Know It

Is this the dawn of a new era where user control and privacy redefine our online interactions?

Hello and welcome to this edition of our newsletter! We're thrilled to bring you the latest developments in the rapidly evolving world of social media, especially around the remarkable growth of Bluesky. As we explore its rise to over 33 million users, we invite you to ponder: What would a social media landscape look like if users truly had control over their experiences? Join us on this journey of discovery and innovation!

📈 The Bluesky Boom

Hey tech enthusiasts! Here's the latest buzz around Bluesky:

• Since going public a year ago, Bluesky's user base has skyrocketed to over 33 million users as of March 2025. That's no small feat! This significant growth positions Bluesky as a notable alternative to traditional social networks like X (formerly Twitter).

• Breaking barriers: The AT Protocol (ATProto) is at the heart of this transformation, enabling the creation of various applications designed for an open social web. Developers recently gathered at the inaugural ATmosphere conference to share insights on the protocol's future and the challenges it faces. The ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with new innovations emerging such as photo and video-sharing apps like Flashes and Spark, and livestreaming services including Streamplace and the newly introduced Pinksky. Unique communication tools like Germ and Roomy also promise to enhance user interactions in this decentralized landscape.

• Why this matters: The ongoing development of ATProto-based applications signifies a potential shift in how we engage with social media, emphasizing user control and privacy. As these applications continue to evolve, they may redefine our experiences and interactions online.

For deeper insights into this exciting development, check out the full article: Beyond Bluesky: These are the apps building social experiences on the AT Protocol - TechCrunch.

🌟 Innovators' Spotlight

PSA for devs! Dive into the new wave of innovation:

• Latest from ATmosphere conference: The recent ATmosphere conference in Seattle brought together developers and innovators eager to discuss the future of the AT Protocol (ATProto). Insights shared during this event highlight the collaborative spirit of the community as they navigate challenges and opportunities within this evolving landscape. For more details, check out the article here.

• Consumer apps on the rise: Here’s how apps like Flashes, Spark, Streamplace, and the newly introduced Pinksky are redefining connectivity and social media experiences. These innovations promise to enhance user interactions and privacy while providing tools that cater to a decentralized social network. This expanding ecosystem emphasizes user control and privacy, making it an exciting time for developers to engage with and contribute to this new framework.

• What if you could control your own social world? It's happening! With the development of various applications on the AT Protocol, users are gaining unprecedented control over their social networking experiences. Emerging communication tools like Germ and Roomy further enhance this user-centric approach, allowing for tailored interactions that prioritize individual preferences and privacy.

• What's your take: Ready to pivot your approach? As Bluesky’s user base grows to over 33 million within just a year of launching, the potential impact of ATProto-based applications could redefine how we perceive social media and user engagement. Now is the time to consider how you can leverage these developments in your own projects and initiatives.

Explore deeper insights into this transformative journey and get inspired to innovate further!

🔍 Deep Dive Discussion

Calling all researchers and thinkers!

Explore: What makes ATProto's ecosystem so appealing?

There are several critical factors driving the success and attractiveness of the AT Protocol (ATProto) ecosystem:

1. Open Collaboration: The recent ATmosphere conference demonstrated the power of collaboration among developers, highlighting their commitment to sharing insights and navigating challenges together. This community-driven approach fosters innovation and ensures that the protocol evolves to meet user needs. More details on the conference can be found in the article here.

2. User-Centric Control: ATProto enables users to have greater control over their social networking experiences. This shift towards decentralization empowers users to tailor interactions according to their preferences, thereby enhancing privacy and promoting user autonomy. As highlighted in the article, various applications like Germ and Roomy exemplify this focus on individualized user experiences.

3. Diverse Application Ecosystem: With over 33 million users and numerous consumer-facing apps emerging on the ATProto platform, there’s a vast array of functionalities that cater to different user needs. From photo-sharing apps like Flashes and Spark to livestreaming services like Streamplace and Pinksky, this eclectic mix of applications signifies a robust ecosystem ready for exploration and engagement. As emphasized in the article, the potential for innovation within this framework is considerable.

Don’t miss: How decentralized networks could change the game. The ongoing evolution of ATProto-based applications signals a potential shift in how we engage with social media, emphasizing control and privacy in a radically decentralized landscape. This represents a significant departure from traditional centralized platforms, as noted in the recent findings on Bluesky's growth.

Curious? Let's unravel this together: Beyond Bluesky: These are the apps building social experiences on the AT Protocol - TechCrunch.