The emergence of Bluesky as a viable alternative to existing social media platforms has garnered attention, particularly among left-leaning influencers. Recent data from the Pew Research Center sheds light on this trend, revealing significant shifts in user behavior among prominent news influencers who are adapting to the evolving landscape of digital communication.
Influencer Shift to Bluesky
According to a recent analysis by the Pew Research Center, a substantial number of prominent influencers have begun to establish their presence on Bluesky. The analysis updates findings from a prior report that highlighted the influencer landscape before Bluesky’s rise. In the earlier study, Pew focused on 500 influential accounts that boasted over 100,000 followers on major platforms, predominantly examining their engagement with current events. The new update, however, specifically addresses the incorporation of Bluesky into their online strategies.
In February and March, Pew found that 43% of these influencers had created accounts on Bluesky. Notably, more than half of these accounts were established after the 2024 presidential election, indicating a strategic response to the changing political environment and social media dynamics. What stands out in this research is the stark division between left-leaning and right-leaning influencers. A remarkable 69% of left-leaning influencers, identified as those expressing support for Democratic candidates before the election, have migrated to Bluesky. In contrast, only 15% of conservative influencers have made a similar shift, highlighting a pronounced ideological divide in social media engagement.
Maintaining a Presence on X
Despite the migration of some influencers to Bluesky, it appears that many still maintain a strong presence on X (formerly Twitter), with 82% of those tracked by Pew owning accounts on the platform, a slight reduction from 85% observed in the summer of 2025. This reflects a significant trend: while left-leaning influencers are exploring Bluesky as a new outlet, most have not abandoned X entirely. Among those who have ventured into Bluesky, 87% continue to post more frequently on X than on its newer counterpart.
Interestingly, there has been an uptick in activity from influencers on Bluesky. The proportion of those who actively posted on Bluesky surged from 54% in the first week of January to 66% by the end of March 2025. This increase is indicative of a growing interest and investment in the platform, suggesting that as users become more familiar with Bluesky’s features and community, their engagement may rise.
Market Context and Implications
The data surrounding Bluesky and its influencer adoption showcases a broader trend in social media where established platforms face competition from emerging ones. As reported by TechCrunch, the political landscape, particularly the association of X’s owner Elon Musk with political figures like former President Donald Trump, has played a role in pushing users toward Bluesky. This shift represents not just a change in user preference, but also the ongoing evolution of how influencers leverage various platforms to maintain and grow their audiences.
Pew’s report emphasizes the nuanced behavior of influencers as they navigate their online presence. While they are diversifying their platforms, the data suggests that for now, X remains a crucial part of their communication strategy. This dual presence allows influencers to tailor their messages in ways that resonate with different segments of their audience, fostering engagement on multiple fronts.
Community Responses
Among the community of content creators and their followers, responses to the rise of Bluesky have been mixed. Some users appreciate the fresh approach and invite to newer social media experiences, while others remain loyal to the established structure of X. This phenomenon illustrates the adaptive nature of digital communication and community-building in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
As Bluesky continues to gain traction among influencers, it will be important to monitor its growth and how it affects the overall dynamics of social media engagement. The convergence of political identity and social media strategy will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the interactions of influencers and their audiences in the coming years.
Quick Reference Table
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Influencers on Bluesky | 43% |
| Left-leaning influencers on Bluesky | 69% |
| Right-leaning influencers on Bluesky | 15% |
| Influencers still active on X | 82% |
| Bluesky active posting increase | 54% to 66% |
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, the strategies employed by influencers will provide invaluable insights into audience engagement and platform effectiveness in a climate of constant change.