“We’ve always been a fan of blueskies”: Is Microsoft losing faith in Elon Musk’s X as it migrates to his fastest-growing competitor?

"We've always been a fan of blueskies": Is Microsoft losing faith in Elon Musk's X as it migrates to his fastest-growing competitor?

What you need to know

  • Microsoft recently announced that it had joined Bluesky alongside Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) amid unfavorable new terms and conditions.
  • The Redmond giant says the platform provides a connected digital platform that bolsters innovation and promotes its inclusivity and empowerment values.
  • Windows Central and many of our staff members are also on Bluesky and are available to follow as a starter pack.

As an analyst with over two decades of experience in the tech industry, I find myself intrigued by Microsoft’s decision to join Bluesky. Given my long-standing association with both Microsoft and the evolving social media landscape, it’s like watching the chessboard being rearranged, piece by strategic piece.


Microsoft has revealed its decision to join the Bluesky project. In a post on LinkedIn, Frank X. Chaw, Microsoft’s Chief Communication Officer, stated, “Our goal is to be present where our clients, associates, and even rivals interact, engaging with them in their preferred spaces.” Microsoft explains that it sees Bluesky not just as a social network, but as a platform that creates a “cohesive digital environment” that enhances user experience and fosters innovation.

We find Bluesky’s decentralized approach highly appealing, as Microsoft has consistently advocated for empowering users to shape their own digital experiences. Here, you’re not just watching from the sidelines; instead, you actively mold your digital realm. This platform signifies a fresh chapter in social interaction, and we are thrilled to participate in its development and vitality.

The tech company mentioned that the social media site they’re developing encourages a more diverse and empowering atmosphere, which aligns well with their focus on inclusivity. At this point, advertisements aren’t allowed on Bluesky, but it may change in the future. Currently, the platform is funded by its investors through subscription services, which will help generate revenue and cover server expenses. It’s uncertain whether businesses and brands will have separate subscription tiers from regular users, but additional features like improved video quality or customization options such as color schemes and avatar frames are definitely in the works.

X’s sinking ship

"We've always been a fan of blueskies": Is Microsoft losing faith in Elon Musk's X as it migrates to his fastest-growing competitor?

Recently, X (previously known as Twitter) has experienced a substantial decrease in its user base, shifting towards platforms such as Bluesky, CounterSocial, Discord, LinkedIn, Mastodon, Reddit, and Threads. Since Elon Musk took over the company in October 2022, there have been notable changes within the social media landscape.

Following the purchase and his appointment as CEO, Musk integrated the platform into X Corporation, resulting in some changes at the upper management level. Among these changes was the termination of CEO Parag Agrawal. This led to a significant revamping of X, including renaming various features and eliminating allusions to avian-related terminologies.

After that point, people started expressing their concerns on various social media sites regarding X’s deteriorated and unsatisfactory user experience. They pointed out hostile discourse and unappealing changes in the terms and conditions, which now allow the use of their data for training artificial intelligence systems.

Furthermore, it appears that many celebrities leaving the platform after having large fanbases may have encouraged others to follow suit. Additionally, some users seem to be moving towards alternative platforms that offer an experience comparable to X.

In just under a week since its debut, Meta’s Threads platform attracted more than 100 million users. During this period, however, Twitter (previously known as X) made significant adjustments, restricting users to send only 600 tweets daily.

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2024-12-06 17:09