Threads, Bluesky & Mastodon: Apps that are attracting Twitter users

Here are some platforms that are increasingly finding their base among users who are quitting Twitter.

Twitter is still the biggest microblogging platform in the world (Image: Reuters)

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Twitter has been on a rollercoaster ride ever since it was acquired by billionaire Elon Musk for a whopping $44 billion in October 2022. On the flip side, Twitter continues to lose traffic with each passing day. Twitter’s ongoing turf battle has become an opportunity for many. Numerous competitors are now seeking to attract the microblogging site’s dwindling user base. Several companies have recently launched platforms, modelled after the Musk-led social media platform.

As the competition intensifies, and in view of the ever-changing regulations, a vast majority of users are exploring viable alternatives to Twitter. Here are some platforms that are increasingly finding their base among users who are quitting Twitter.

Also read | Meta’s Twitter alternative Threads surpasses 100 million users

Threads by Instagram

The latest Twitter lookalike, Threads is currently the one that could hurt Twitter the most. In fact, within a few days of launch, Threads has reported over 100 million registrations, which is a staggering number of users even for a well-established social media platform. It is to be noted that despite being an almost two-decade-old platform, Twitter just has four times the user base (450 million) of Threads.

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What makes Threads the force to reckon with is its parent company Meta, the social media conglomerate that controls platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Interestingly, the Threads app is designed by Instagram engineers and despite being the first iteration, it works almost seamlessly with no major bugs or glitches.

Also read | Bluesky Social’s demand outpaces supply: All you need to know about Twitter’s new rival

Bluesky

While anyone with an Instagram account can join Threads in a matter of seconds, Bluesky follows a different approach. Instead of aiming at achieving a record number of sign-ups, Bluesky aims at becoming a more trusted platform, where one currently needs an invite to join the platform. The app has received over $21 million in funding with the backing of Twitter co-founder and ex-CEO Jack Dorsey.

Currently, in beta, the Bluesky app is available for iPhone users. Those who have used it claim that Bluesky does look a lot like Twitter. However, the core of Bluesky is a lot different from mainstream microblogging platforms, as it is a decentralised platform. It is reportedly a lot more private than Twitter or Threads.

Mastodon

Mastodon is another prominent entity that synchronises with other Twitter-like applications with slightly over 10 million registrations and 2 million active users. With its easy-to-use interface, Mastodon was set to be the next Twitter. However, recent apps Threads and Bluesky with better features have impacted the overall adoption of Mastodon.

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Spill

Created by ex-Twitter employees is yet another invite-only microblogging platform that emphasises cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain to differentiate itself from the competition. However, the platform has been criticised a lot by peers for its claims. Spill claims to offer unbiased feed when compared to its contemporaries.

Substack notes

Substack Notes is not really a microblogging app. However, built on top of the newsletter platform, it allows users to write mini blogs and follow other users to get updates from fellow users. This is meant for those who are already using Substack and it’s like an extension, prioritised for writing and sharing.