Bluesky's Active User Base Shrinks 52% Over 18 Months, But Its Protocol is Spreading

According to data from Similarweb, Bluesky's mobile app experienced a significant 52% decline in its monthly active user base over the course of 18 months, falling from 22.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 to just 10.4 million in June 2026. This represents a steep drop of 27.2% year-over-year, with daily active users also declining by 25.6% year-over-year, down to around 3 million in July 2026.

The app's user count had peaked at a high of 22.1 million monthly active users in late 2024, but it has since dwindled significantly. Despite this decline in user numbers, those remaining are reportedly highly engaged, with a stickiness rate of around 29% in June 2026, comparable to that of the competing Threads app. Bluesky's new CEO, Toni Schneider, appears less concerned by these user numbers, as she sees the focus shifting from the app itself to the underlying protocol it uses, known as AT Proto.

This protocol is now being adopted by other social apps and communities, such as BlackSky, Eurosky, and Skylight, which have found early success. Furthermore, Bluesky has introduced new products, including an AI-powered research tool called Attie, and is exploring the addition of support for private data, a feature that could attract users seeking more private networking opportunities.

However, Threads has seen a growth spurt in recent months, with daily active users increasing by 21.3% year-over-year to 147 million in July 2026, and website visits rising 112% year-over-year to 471.6 million.