Barack Obama Joins Bluesky as the Platform Gains Momentum

Bluesky, an open-source social network and alternative to X, has achieved a significant milestone by attracting former President Barack Obama to its platform. The company confirmed his presence on Sunday when Bluesky’s Rose Wang responded to speculation about the account’s authenticity, simply stating, “Confirmed!”

In his first posts, Obama marked the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), emphasizing that the legislation serves as a reminder that meaningful change is possible when people fight for progress. Despite joining Bluesky, the former president continues to maintain a substantial following on other platforms, with 130.6 million followers on X and 55 million on Facebook.

Since the 2024 U.S. elections, X has seen a decline in users, with many shifting to alternative platforms like Bluesky. This trend accelerated after Elon Musk used X to campaign for Donald Trump and endorse MAGA-aligned views. Musk’s growing influence in Trump’s circle, particularly through his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has further alienated left-leaning users. As a result, Bluesky experienced a surge in user growth in late 2024 and now boasts over 33 million users.

Several prominent U.S. politicians have also joined Bluesky, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Al Green, Gavin Newsom, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who became the first person on the platform to reach one million followers. Many other representatives, senators, and governors have also embraced the growing social network.