Who Owns Blue Sky Social Media: Platform Ownership and Structure

When you consider who owns Bluesky social media, it's not as straightforward as you might think. The platform started within Twitter but now stands as an independent Public Benefit Corporation. This setup gives Bluesky a unique approach to who really controls and benefits from the platform. You might be surprised by how its structure shapes everything, from daily decisions to your own digital experience, especially when you see who's steering the ship and why.

Origins and Development of Bluesky

Bluesky originated as an initiative within Twitter in 2019 with the objective of enhancing user control over content sharing and moderation. Conceived by Jack Dorsey, the project aimed to introduce decentralization as a fundamental principle in social media.

In 2021, Bluesky was established as an independent entity, structured as a public benefit corporation focused on user empowerment.

At the core of Bluesky's mission is the AT Protocol, which enables users to transfer their accounts across various platforms, potentially fostering a more interconnected landscape. The initiative has received significant financial backing, including an $8 million seed round and a subsequent $15 million Series A funding. These investments have contributed to the platform's development and expansion.

Bluesky positions itself as a decentralized alternative within the social media space, and it continues to grow its influence and user base. Its focus on user autonomy and platform interoperability reflects broader trends in the tech industry towards decentralization and user-centric design.

Corporate Structure and Leadership

Bluesky emerged from a project initiated within Twitter and has since developed an independent organizational framework that guides its focus on decentralization and user empowerment.

Operating as a Public Benefit Corporation, Bluesky Social strives to balance profit generation with the interests of its user community.

The company is led by CEO Jay Graber, who emphasizes the importance of decentralized social networking. Supporting Graber is a board of directors that includes individuals such as Jeremie Miller and Mike Masnick.

Notably, Jack Dorsey, who played a significant role in the organization’s establishment, resigned from the board in May 2024.

This governance structure is designed to ensure accountability and integrate ethical practices into Bluesky's operational approach.

Relationship With Twitter and Independence

Bluesky Social originated in 2019 as a project under Twitter's leadership, initiated by then-CEO Jack Dorsey to evaluate the concept of decentralized social networking.

It officially transitioned to an independent platform in 2021, when it separated from Twitter's governance. By the end of 2022, Bluesky attained full operational autonomy following the conclusion of its service agreement with Twitter.

The platform's governance now consists of industry experts, and following Dorsey’s departure from the board in May 2024, any remaining influence from Twitter has been eliminated.

As a public benefit corporation, Bluesky focuses on decentralization and user control, prioritizing these aspects over traditional corporate interests.

Funding and Revenue Model

Bluesky has pursued a funding strategy that aligns with its mission of decentralization and user control, distancing itself from traditional advertising models. The organization has secured significant financial support, raising tens of millions of dollars from venture capital and investors. This includes an initial seed investment of $8 million and an additional $15 million in Series A funding, primarily led by Blockchain Capital.

This approach allows Bluesky to prioritize user privacy and maintain a level of ownership over its platform. In addition to venture capital funding, Bluesky offers paid services, such as customized usernames, and is considering future subscription-based features.

User Base and Platform Growth

Bluesky transitioned from an invite-only platform to a public one in February 2024, which significantly contributed to its rapid user growth. By December 2024, the platform reported an increase in its user base to over 25 million. This surge can be attributed, in part, to dissatisfaction with X, particularly following the US elections, as many users sought alternative venues for political discourse. The involvement of celebrities also played a role in raising the platform's profile.

However, despite the initial influx of users, the number of daily active users observed a decline from 2.5 million in March 2025 to 1.5 million by September 2025. This fluctuation indicates that while the initial growth phase was substantial, sustaining user engagement has proven more challenging.

Various factors including public sentiment and significant events have had a direct impact on Bluesky's user activity, demonstrating the dynamic nature of social media engagement.

Conclusion

When you use Bluesky, you're stepping into a new kind of social media platform—one that puts your interests, privacy, and control at the forefront. Bluesky isn't run by big advertisers or a single corporate owner; instead, it's structured as a public benefit corporation with a mission to empower users like you. With its independent leadership and dedication to decentralization, Bluesky's growth offers you a more transparent and user-driven way to connect online.