Bluesky's Emily Liu courts subreddit moderators after ditching X links

Hundreds of Reddit communities are considering banning links to X while dozens of high-profile subreddits have already made the leap, cutting ties with the platform amid growing frustrations over its usability, ethics, and controversial changes since Elon Musk’s takeover. Now, Bluesky, the up-and-coming decentralized social media platform, is swooping in to capitalize on X’s stumble.

Enter Emily Liu, a prominent figure at Bluesky, who wasted no time making a pitch to Reddit’s subreddit moderators. Taking to Bluesky herself, Liu’s post read: “If you’re a subreddit mod, I’d love to chat with you about how we can onboard your community to Bluesky. My DMs are open.” Liu’s timing couldn’t have been better, as the Reddit drama unfolds and tensions with X continue to boil over.

if you're a subreddit mod, i'd love to chat with you about how we can onboard your community to bluesky

my DMs are open

[image or embed]

— Emily Liu (@emilyliu.me) January 22, 2025 at 9:48 PM

The growing resentment toward X stems from a combination of issues. Since Musk’s acquisition, X has rolled out contentious changes, including restrictions on free API access, a push for paid subscriptions, and user experience updates that have left many shaking their heads. Some Reddit mods argue that linking to X is a headache for both moderators and users, citing usability concerns and the platform’s often chaotic vibe.

Moreover, ethical debates about X’s handling of content moderation and misinformation have only fueled the fire. The result? A mass exodus of X links, with popular subreddits leading the charge. Posts discussing potential bans have become some of the most upvoted topics on Reddit, showing just how widespread this sentiment is.

Bluesky’s leadership sees this as their moment. The platform, born from a project initially funded by X itself, has been gaining steam as an alternative social media hub. Its decentralized model, designed to give users more control over their data and online experiences, resonates with those disillusioned by the centralized, corporate approach of X.

By courting subreddit mods, Bluesky is positioning itself as the next logical home for communities seeking refuge from X’s perceived decline. Liu’s open invitation to collaborate is both savvy and strategic — Bluesky doesn’t just want individuals; they want entire communities.

While Bluesky’s pitch is compelling, challenges remain. The platform is still in its early stages and operates on an invite-only basis, which could hinder mass adoption. Scaling to accommodate entire subreddits would require significant technical upgrades and community management finesse.

However, Bluesky has something that X currently lacks: goodwill. Early adopters have praised the platform’s cleaner interface, community-driven ethos, and focus on decentralization. By directly engaging with subreddit mods, Bluesky is proving it’s willing to listen and adapt — a trait many feel X has lost.

The online landscape is no stranger to platform wars, but this latest development adds an interesting twist. As X faces mounting criticism and Reddit’s moderators weigh their options, Bluesky is seizing the moment to position itself as the underdog worth rooting for.