The current social networking sector, especially microblogging, has undergone radical changes in recent years. The takeover of Twitter by Elon Musk in 2022 has shaken the entire ecosystem, generating an explosion of mass exodus towards alternatives. Users were looking for platforms that were not influenced by Musk’s controversial leadership style, and two new protagonists emerged: Threads and Bluesky. Now, in 2025, the microblogging landscape is characterized by three main actors: X (formerly Twitter), Threads and Bluesky. But which platform is worth exploring? In this guide, we’ll look at the characteristics, strengths and differences of each to help you decide which is best for you.
The evolution of X: From Twitter to a paid platform
X (the former Twitter) is undoubtedly the most famous of the three, but its identity has changed drastically since Elon Musk became its owner in 2022. The changes introduced by Musk, which included changes to the feed, search and ad management, have prompted many users to look for new alternatives. But the real revolution was in the business model: X has turned into a subscription-centric platform, with verification and many other features hidden behind a paywall.
Main features:
- Freedom of expression: Musk has put a strong emphasis on freedom of speech, accepting controversial and extremist content as well, but promising to follow the community guidelines.
- Model for a fee: After introducing Twitter Blue, X has further extended the paid model by giving access to exclusive features such as account verification, access to custom feeds and ad removal.
- Centralized platform: X remains a centralized platform, which means that content and policy management is directly under the Musk team..
Pro:
- A global and well-established user network.
- Many features for companies and content creators, including monetization.
- A large pool of news and real-time updates.
Cons:
- The pay-as-you-go model and the growing emphasis on subscriptions may alienate some users.
- The frequent changes in content policies and controversial management may not be to everyone’s liking.
Threads: The young but promising competitor of Meta
Launched by Meta in 2023, Threads has quickly established itself as the main rival of X, attracting a large number of users, especially those already active on Instagram. With a base of 275 million users as of October 2024, Threads is consolidating itself as one of the emerging microblogging platforms. Its great strength lies in the direct integration with Instagram, which makes it easy for users to create a Threads account using their Instagram profile.
Main features:
- Integration with Instagram: Users can easily migrate to Threads by connecting directly with their Instagram profiles, creating a seamless experience between the two platforms.
- Simple interface: Threads focuses on simplicity and accessibility, with a clean interface that favors short posts and fast conversations.
- Privacy and security: Meta has tried to give Threads a more privacy-conscious approach, trying to address its users’ concerns about personal data.
Pro:
- Easy to use, with quick adoption thanks to the connection with Instagram.
- A growing platform with a focus on a no-frills interface.
- Privacy and data control improved over X.
Cons:
- Still a young platform, with some features under development.
- The reliance on the Meta ecosystem may not be appealing to those looking for a more independent experience.
Bluesky: The decentralized proposal
Bluesky, the project launched by Jack Dorsey (co-founder of Twitter), is distinguished by its decentralization. While X and Threads are centralized platforms, Bluesky takes a completely different approach, using the AT Protocol, which allows for a network of stand-alone servers. The idea behind Bluesky is to give control to its users and reduce centralized censorship, creating a social network that is not dominated by one entity.
Main features:
- Decentralization: The use of a decentralized protocol allows anyone to create their own version of the platform, reducing centralized control and offering more freedom.
- Moderation by third parties: Bluesky has introduced a third-party moderation feature via Ozone, which allows different servers to apply different rules.
- More control for users: Users have more control over their content, with the ability to decide which servers to join and how to moderate the platform.
Pro:
- Innovative and transparent approach with decentralization.
- Greater freedom of expression and control over content.
- Good user experience with advanced moderation features.
Cons:
- Platform still in development, with limited functionality.
- Decentralization may be difficult for some users to understand.
- Fewer users than X and Threads, therefore a smaller reach.
Migration to new platforms: why users are leaving X
Many users have chosen to leave X after the acquisition of Musk, in search of a less controversial and more free-expression environment. The main reasons that have driven users to opt for alternatives like Threads and Bluesky are the subscription model introduced by Musk, changes to moderation policies and the growing emphasis on paid content. IMoreover, the election of Donald Trump in 2024, supported by Musk, marked a further breaking point for many users, who have seen an increasing polarization on the platform.
Bluesky and Threads have gained ground, with Bluesky offering an experience similar to Twitter but with a decentralized approach, while Threads takes advantage of the popularity of Instagram to attract new users. With Bluesky growing and Threads continuing to expand, X is losing ground in the microblogging industry, although it still remains one of the most used platforms in the world.
Which microblogging platform to choose in 2025?
The answer depends a lot on your preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. Here is a brief summary:
- X might still be the biggest name among the three, but changes to business models and controversial management may push you to look elsewhere if you prefer a less subscription-centric platform.
- Threads It’s ideal if you are already an Instagram user and are looking for a simple and integrated microblogging experience.
- Bluesky is the best choice if you want a decentralized platform that promotes freedom of expression and user control.
In 2025, the competition between these platforms is more alive than ever, and the future of microblogging may depend on how the features and policies of each of them evolve.
