Bluesky Faces User Decline Despite Expanding Focus Beyond App

Washington DC, United States Aug 11, 2026 ALN: Decentralized social network Bluesky was one of the bigger beneficiaries of the exodus from Elon Musk’s X in November 2024, following the U.S. elections. But now, nearly two years later, the social network and would-be X competitor is struggling to hold on to its momentum.

According to data from digital intelligence provider Similarweb, Bluesky’s mobile app had 10.4 million monthly active users worldwide in June 2026, down 27.2% year-over-year. In addition, mobile daily active users continued to decline, falling 25.6% year-over-year in July to around 3 million.

These declines indicate that even though Bluesky’s app continues to add registered accounts, fewer people are using its mobile app on a regular basis. It also suggests that some of those who joined Bluesky due to their dissatisfaction with X post-elections haven’t stuck around long-term.

But the bigger takeaway here is not just that Bluesky’s post-election bump has shrunk. Bluesky’s app has lost more than half its monthly active users from its late-2024 high, which means that its app usage continued to shrink even after the initial post-election surge subsided. (Its quarterly average was around 22.1 million monthly active users in the fourth quarter of 2024, Similarweb’s data indicates, and it declined to 10.7 million in the second quarter of 2026. That’s a decline of around 52%.)

Building beyond Bluesky

While Bluesky’s numbers are down, those who stuck around are committed. Its smaller community remains relatively active, with a stickiness rate (the ratio of daily to monthly active users) of roughly 29% in June, about the same as Threads.

For Bluesky’s new CEO, Toni Schneider, these numbers may not be as concerning. The company is not entirely focused on making Bluesky (the app) succeed, but on making it possible for the underlying protocol (AT Proto) to power a growing number of social apps, services, and communities. That’s something that is now taking place, as projects like BlackSky and Eurosky are growing, while some AT Proto apps like the video-focused Skylight have found early traction, too.

In addition, the company has launched new products, like the AI-powered research tool Attie, and is now working on adding support for private data to Bluesky. The latter could generate new interest in Bluesky from a different type of user — those less interested in the public square, and more interested in private networking and communities.

What’s more, Similarweb’s data doesn’t necessarily suggest that Bluesky users have returned to X, as some may have feared.

Instead, the data shows that X’s worldwide monthly active users on mobile were down around 3% year-over-year in June, and X’s mobile daily active users dropped 7% in July to 123.7 million. (Of course, X remains a sizable social network with around 302 million monthly active users on its app as of June 2026 and a growing number of web visits, up 5.3% year-over-year in July to 4.7 billion.)

If anything, the app to now be concerned about is Threads. It’s unclear whether Threads is benefiting from Bluesky’s falling engagement, or if it has managed to attract a new set of people who had never used a Twitter-like service.

In any event, the Meta-owned app’s daily active users were up 21.3% year-over-year to 147 million in July 2026, and its website visits were up 112% year-over-year to 471.6 million.

Bluesky’s own public stats indicate the company now has nearly 46 million registered users, but it doesn’t share specific data on daily or monthly active usage.

The situation at Bluesky highlights a broader trend in the social media landscape, where user engagement can be as critical as the number of registered users. The initial surge in sign-ups following a major event, such as the U.S. elections, can create a false sense of security. Companies must then work hard to retain these users, ensuring they find value in the platform that keeps them coming back.

The decline in Bluesky's user activity can also be attributed to competitive pressures. The social media market is highly dynamic, with users constantly seeking new experiences and platforms that resonate with their needs and preferences. As users become more discerning, they gravitate toward platforms that not only offer a unique value proposition but also foster a sense of community and belonging.

In this context, Bluesky's focus on building a decentralized social network through its AT Proto protocol is an ambitious move. By enabling other applications to utilize its technology, Bluesky is attempting to create a broader ecosystem that could attract users who are looking for alternatives to traditional centralized social media platforms. This strategy could help mitigate the impact of declining user engagement on its flagship app.

However, the challenge lies in the execution of this vision. For the AT Proto to succeed, it must provide compelling features and functionalities that distinguish it from both established competitors and emerging platforms. The success of projects built on AT Proto will be crucial in determining the long-term viability of Bluesky as a decentralized social network.

Moreover, the introduction of new products like the AI-powered research tool Attie represents an effort to diversify Bluesky's offerings. By integrating artificial intelligence into its platform, Bluesky aims to enhance user experience and engagement. Such innovations could attract users who are interested in leveraging technology to enhance their social interactions and information consumption.

The potential for private networking and community support, as Bluesky aims to add, could also tap into a growing trend among users who value privacy and control over their online interactions. In an era where concerns about data privacy and surveillance are paramount, platforms that prioritize user privacy may find a receptive audience.

In conclusion, while Bluesky is currently facing a decline in user engagement, its strategic pivot towards building a decentralized ecosystem and introducing innovative products may provide a pathway to recovery. The social media landscape is ever-evolving, and platforms must continually adapt to meet the changing needs of users. As Bluesky navigates this challenging environment, its ability to retain and engage users will be crucial for its future success.