Social media has been a powerful force in shaping cultural conversations, and no platform has been more integral to the Black community’s online presence than X (formerly Twitter). Early on, Black content creators expressed their opinions on Twitter. As the platform grew, so did the movement that we affectionately known as “Black Twitter.” By the 2010s, it grew beyond social media and became a fixture of pop culture. In 2020, it became the voice of the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd. Enter Bluesky: the social network that seems to be attempting to address some of these gaps, specifically catering to Black users and creators.
With Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, however, many Black users have begun searching for alternatives that would allow us to maintain our voice and activism. One potential contender rising in the ranks is Bluesky, a social network that looks very similar to X and promises to serve as a more inclusive, creative, and supportive environment for Black users. But can “Blacksky” truly replace Black Twitter, a cultural phenomenon built over more than a decade?
To understand the significance of Bluesky, we need to first reflect on Black Twitter’s unique place in online culture. For years, Black Twitter has functioned not only as a space for social interaction but as a hub for culture, politics, and collective identity. It is where viral trends are born, where Black creators and activists amplify their voices, and where crucial social movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #SayHerName have flourished.
Twitter became the primary platform for Black users to create, share, and exchange ideas. From hilarious commentaries to serious political discourse, Black Twitter gave us all a place and a voice. However, the platform’s recent changes (especially under Musk’s ownership) have led to concerns about safety, accessibility, and overall tone of the site. Many feel that Twitter’s shift toward more unmoderated content, a decrease in safety measures, and a bad user experience have created an unsupportive environment for marginalized communities, particularly Black users.
One of Bluesky’s main selling points is its focus on Black culture and community. Unlike Twitter, which always seemed to struggle with controlling hate speech and trolling — especially against Black users — Bluesky promises a safer and more inclusive environment. The platform is designed to center Black creators and content creators, ensuring that their work, ideas, and experiences are front and center without the worry of being overshadowed or marginalized.
The platform is designed to encourage creators to directly interact with their followers in a more authentic way. While Twitter’s algorithm can sometimes make it difficult for certain voices to rise to the top, Bluesky aims to create an environment where Black creators — whether they are artists, musicians, activists, or influencers — can gain organic visibility and build direct relationships with their audiences.
With the possibility of TikTok going away for good, creators and influencers will need a new space to monetize their content. Bluesky’s emphasis on monetization opportunities for creators could help position it to be the alternative. Unlike Twitter, which has struggled with offering substantial direct monetization options for creators, Bluesky promises more opportunities for monetization through content creation, live events, and potentially subscription-based models for exclusive content.
Many Black users have cultivated their presence on Twitter over the years. Black Twitter, as a subculture, isn’t just a trend though. It’s a staple in online engagement and influence. We could always turn to it for the latest viral hashtag, the intense political debates, or watching the awards show moments that get amplified like no other. The sheer volume of activity and engagement on Black Twitter will be hard to replicate, in my opinion.
As far as Black women are concerned, we just want a space where we can feel safe. Oftentimes, sharing my opinion on Twitter would turn into a toxic moment; a place of harassment, misogyny, and racism. It was after the election that we started to see a mass exodus of people, mainly celebrities, from Twitter. Bluesky added more than 1.5 million new users in just one week after the presidential election. The influx of sign-ups has coincided with Trump’s victory.
The huge numbers of Black Twitter users care about the depth and influence of the culture. Replacing that kind of cultural touchstone requires a committed growth strategy and a sustained presence in the daily lives of Black internet users.
That said, Bluesky’s rapid growth does indicate that there is a real desire for a platform where we feel more in control of our narratives. The early adopters who are flocking to Bluesky are highly engaged and invested in creating the type of environment that prioritizes Black interests, creativity, and safety. But sustaining that engagement and attracting mainstream users will require Bluesky to prove that it can deliver both value and cultural relevance over time.
For Black creators, I believe that Bluesky presents both an opportunity and a potential challenge. On the one hand, Bluesky’s focus on building a supportive, creative environment offers the possibility for direct connections with audiences who are especially interested in supporting Black talent. The platform’s design prioritizes Black narratives. This is something that could help smaller creators grow their following without getting lost in a competitive system as we’ve seen on Twitter.
However, time will tell if Black creators will find a better level of exposure and monetization. While Bluesky does promise monetization opportunities, the platform will need to prove that it can rival the financial rewards of more established social networks, like Instagram or Threads. Creators who rely on platforms like Twitter for visibility may be hesitant to fully embrace a new network, if it lacks the same potential for brand partnerships and those viral moments.
Bluesky will also need to ensure that it can keep its platform safe and welcoming for creators. On Twitter, many Black creators have experienced harassment and have faced challenges in navigating the platform’s often toxic environment. If Bluesky can maintain its commitment to addressing hate speech, supporting creators, and creating a positive experience for Black users, it could build a strong community of creators who feel both valued and protected.
Whether Bluesky can replace Black Twitter remains to be seen. It’s going to take more than numbers. It’s about creating a sustainable, culturally relevant space for Black voices. Black Twitter’s influence has been years in the making, and Bluesky’s challenge will be to build on that foundation without losing the essence that made Black Twitter a super powerhouse. For now, Bluesky’s rise lets us know that a shift is possible for how digital spaces can be curated for Black voices.
