Bluesky users crave X-like Spaces as platform welcomes 1 million newcomers

Bluesky is bustling with new energy as droves of users migrate from X following Donald Trump’s re-election and his alliance with billionaire Elon Musk, X’s owner. It’s been a wild ride, and with Bluesky racking up over 1 million new members since the election, there’s one big feature missing that users are dying to see: something akin to X’s Spaces. As Bluesky embraces this surge, it’s finding itself at a unique crossroads — how can it live up to being the “new Twitter” without the real-time audio flair of Spaces?

For those out of the loop, X’s Spaces allow live audio conversations that bring communities together in real-time, and many users find it indispensable for dynamic discussions, debate, and even spontaneous concerts. The absence of an equivalent in Bluesky has started to weigh on some, with users rallying for Spaces or any real-time audio chat option to be introduced. And they’re vocal about it.

Enter SkySpaces, a promising initiative by developer Justin Watson, who saw the need and set out to meet it. SkySpaces isn’t an official Bluesky feature but a third-party solution, embracing Bluesky’s decentralized AT Protocol to create a live audio space that feels just as lively as X Spaces. Watson’s passion project, born from a month-long brainstorming session, has already hosted lo-fi concerts, community hangouts, and even sessions by podcasters. With no limits on participant numbers and big plans for creator monetization, SkySpaces is shaping up to be the missing puzzle piece Bluesky users are clamoring for.

But here’s the twist — SkySpaces isn’t exclusive to Bluesky. Speaking to The Verge in May 2023, Watson said he has ambitions to bridge SkySpaces with other audio and social platforms. In the grand vision, he imagines integration with X Spaces, Discord, and other platforms, thanks to Bluesky’s open and decentralized approach. This ambition could create a cross-platform live audio experience unlike anything currently on the market.

Bluesky, meanwhile, isn’t exactly slacking. With over 15 million users, it’s managing an explosion of new members, eager Taylor Swift fans included. The rapid growth has seen Bluesky climb to #1 in the App Store, especially as many disillusioned X users embrace it as a less chaotic alternative to Musk’s platform. But with its current infrastructure possibly straining under the weight of this influx, Bluesky’s priorities seem to focus more on stability and core functionality than rapid feature expansion. Adding complex features like live audio spaces is probably a tall order when basic things are still being refined.

Bluesky’s steady rise has been fascinating to watch. From early praise for its ad-free, customizable feeds and decentralized handle system to recent grumblings about missing features, the app seems to embody both the hope and the reality check of a social media startup. The desire for Spaces is understandable. Still, for now, Bluesky is laying foundational pieces as it becomes a serious competitor in the decentralized social scene.

While users may have to wait a bit longer for built-in Spaces, SkySpaces may offer a compelling alternative — and maybe even a peek into a future where live audio transcends platform boundaries.