Bluesky hits 40 million users, introduces ‘dislikes’ beta
- ByStartupStory | November 1, 2025
Bluesky Hits 40 Million Users, Launches ‘Dislikes’ Beta to Boost Personalization
Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform built on the AT Protocol, recently announced it has reached an important milestone of 40 million registered users. Alongside this achievement, the company unveiled a new beta feature that allows users to “dislike” posts, intended to enhance content personalization and user experience on the platform.
The introduction of the ‘dislikes’ beta aims to provide users more control over the content they see, improving the relevance of posts in key feeds such as Discover and reply sections. As users mark posts with dislikes, Bluesky’s algorithms learn which types of content different users prefer to see less of. This negative feedback signal complements existing engagement metrics like likes and replies to fine-tune personalized feed rankings.
Since its launch, Bluesky has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional centralized social networks by giving users ownership of their identities and content moderation choices. The platform’s “marketplace of algorithms” lets users select or create custom feeds aligned with their interests and values, fostering diverse community experiences.
The new dislikes feature responds to challenges with managing toxic or low-quality content, aiming to reduce unwanted posts without overly restricting discovery or freedom of expression. Bluesky also introduced other conversation control updates, including improved toxicity detection and ways to highlight more meaningful discussions.
Achieving 40 million users in just a few years places Bluesky among the fastest-growing social networks, particularly notable given the platform’s decentralized design. The milestone reflects growing interest in alternatives that prioritize user control and trust amid concerns over privacy, moderation, and manipulation on bigger platforms.
Despite the growing user base, Bluesky has faced fluctuations in daily active user counts and moderation complexities. The company remains committed to transparency and refining algorithmic moderation through user feedback and data-driven improvements.
Bluesky’s CEO emphasized that the goal is to create a place for “fun, genuine, and respectful exchanges” by empowering users with tools to control their social media experience. The dislikes beta is the latest step in that direction, signaling Bluesky’s commitment to evolving its platform organically with community involvement.
As Bluesky continues to grow and innovate, key metrics to watch include user retention, satisfaction with content personalization, and reductions in toxic interactions. The company aims to prove that decentralization and user-centric design can yield a sustainable and engaging social network alternative in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
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