Here is the rewritten title: “Surviving the Digital Apocalypse: X’s Enduring Legacy Beyond 2025”

Is 2025 the Year We Finally Let X Die?

X, formerly known as Twitter, has been experiencing a steady decline in monthly users since 2022. The platform’s struggles seem to be self-inflicted, with each new update and tweak driving users further away. So, is 2025 the year we finally bid farewell to X?

The Decline of X

According to research from Soax and Statista, X has lost a staggering 32.7 million monthly active users, or 8.83%, since Elon Musk acquired the app in 2022. This decline is a result of various factors, including the platform’s controversial changes, such as the introduction of a paid verification system and the ability for blocked users to view the profiles and posts of those who have blocked them.

X’s Key Rivals

X is not the only social media platform vying for users’ attention. Decentralized social network Mastodon saw a surge in user numbers when Musk rendered the blue verification tick redundant in 2022. Meta also launched Instagram’s text-based sister site, Threads, in 2023, but it failed to gain traction.

Bluesky: The New Kid on the Block

The most recent app to gain popularity is Bluesky, which saw a 519% increase in US usage and a 352% increase in UK usage in the days following the 2024 US election. Bluesky is perhaps the closest app to emulating the look and features of X at its peak. Originally developed by X founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky is a decentralized take on the platform.

Could 2025 be Bluesky’s Year?

The question is, can Bluesky finally surpass X in 2025? While it’s too early to say, I believe it may be too early to write off X just yet. Despite the criticism, X remains a household name and a major destination for those looking to stay up-to-date on trends and current events. However, I do think rivaling apps will continue to gain traction, and my money is on Bluesky as its eventual killer.