Bluesky reaches 40 million users and begins beta test of “dislikes” feature
Social networking platform Bluesky announced on Friday that it has surpassed the 40 million‑user milestone, marking a significant step in its growth since launching publicly in late 2022. The company also disclosed plans to roll out a beta version of a new “dislikes” button, which will be integrated into its Discover feed and other content streams to refine personalization algorithms.
Bluesky, originally spun off from a research project at a major technology firm, positions itself as an open, decentralized alternative to mainstream social media services. Its user base has expanded steadily, driven by a combination of early‑adopter enthusiasm and a broader industry shift toward platforms that prioritize user control over data and algorithmic curation. Analysts note that reaching 40 million active accounts places Bluesky among the mid‑size contenders in the social networking sector, suggesting a growing appetite for its federated model.
The upcoming “dislikes” feature will allow users to express negative feedback on posts without removing them, providing additional signals for the platform’s recommendation engine. In the beta phase, a limited group of participants will be able to toggle the button on or off, and their interactions will be aggregated anonymously to improve content relevance. Industry observers anticipate that the extra data point could help reduce the spread of low‑quality or polarizing material, though some experts caution that the effectiveness of such signals depends on broader user adoption and transparent algorithmic adjustments. Representatives from Bluesky emphasized that the test is designed to gather real‑world usage data before a wider launch.
Looking ahead, the introduction of “dislikes” reflects a broader trend among social platforms to offer more nuanced feedback mechanisms beyond simple likes. If the beta proves successful, Bluesky may expand the feature to its full user base, potentially influencing how other services approach content moderation and personalization. For now, the platform’s growth and experimentation signal an ongoing effort to balance user engagement with responsible algorithmic design.
