### Bluesky: The Social Media Sanctuary Gaining Traction Post-Election

Bluesky, an emerging social media network, is already attracting significant investment interest, despite having just secured $15 million in Series A funding a few weeks ago. This rapidly growing platform has become a haven for millions of users seeking an alternative to Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter.

Bluesky has garnered attention not only from users but also from investors who see potential in its open ecosystem. Kinjal Shah, a general partner at Blockchain Capital who led Bluesky’s Series A funding and has since joined its board, emphasized the network's unique appeal. "Our thesis is that the open ecosystem isn't just for the Bluesky product, but also for developers to build on and leverage the broader social network," Shah explained. She noted that the past decade or two has seen little innovation in social media, making Bluesky’s approach particularly refreshing.

While Bluesky’s appeal is growing, it's facing a typical challenge for new social networks: the risk of burning out after an initial surge of interest. Historical cautionary tales like Ello show that initial popularity doesn't always translate to long-term success.

Nonetheless, Bluesky is gaining traction among various influential groups. Local officials, community influencers, and sports teams are increasingly branching out to this platform. Notably, journalists based in the Twin Cities are establishing Bluesky accounts in large numbers. For over a dozen years, Twitter was the go-to platform for local reporters covering a wide range of topics, from politics to entertainment. This trend seems to be shifting now that many reporters are exploring Bluesky.

Despite Bluesky’s rapid growth, X, Musk's rebranded version of Twitter, remains the most dominant social discourse platform in the U.S. It reportedly garners 30 times more daily visits than its rivals, especially during the general election period. The growing relationship between Musk and Trump may further entrench X's influence, as reported by Axios.

However, the tide could be shifting. In the week following the election, numerous users, including notable entities like The Guardian, left X in protest and joined Bluesky. This platform has seen over a million downloads in just a few days and boasts more than 15 million users.

The burgeoning interest in Bluesky highlights the public’s desire for diverse social media options. As Bluesky continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether it can achieve the critical mass necessary for long-term viability and become a monetizable platform with over 100 million users.