Bluesky, a decentralized social network, has surpassed 16 million users, rapidly gaining traction as a viable alternative to Elon Musk's X. The platform's growth is attributed to users fleeing X over Musk's right-wing leanings and changes to the service's moderation policies.

According to analytics firm Similarweb, X has seen a significant spike in account deactivations, with over 115,000 users deactivating their accounts in a single day, the highest since Musk's acquisition. This exodus has contributed to Bluesky's rapid growth, making it a significant threat to X's dominance in the social media landscape.

Bluesky's decentralized approach, which allows users to host their own data and customize their experience, has resonated with users seeking more control over their online presence. The platform's features, including federation, customizable feeds, and independent moderation services, have also attracted users looking for a more democratic and transparent social media experience.

As Bluesky continues to grow, it may begin to challenge X's market share, potentially disrupting the social media landscape. The startup's success serves as a testament to the growing demand for decentralized and user-centric social media platforms.