Bluesky Adds Cashtags and LIVE Badges as Downloads Surge
What’s new on Bluesky in 2026? The decentralized social network is rolling out two major features—cashtags for stock discussions and LIVE badges for Twitch streamers—just as it experiences a sharp rise in user growth. The timing isn’t coincidental: Bluesky’s U.S. app downloads jumped nearly 50% after a wave of backlash against X (formerly Twitter) over its AI-generated deepfake scandal. Users seeking a safer, more transparent alternative are turning to Bluesky in droves—and the platform is responding with tools that cater to both investors and creators.
Why Bluesky’s User Base Is Growing Fast
The surge began shortly after reports surfaced that X’s AI assistant, Grok, was being used to generate nonconsensual, sexualized deepfakes of real people—including minors—from uploaded photos. The controversy sparked public outrage and prompted California’s attorney general to launch an investigation into xAI. Amid growing distrust in X’s content moderation and AI ethics, many users started exploring alternatives. Bluesky, with its open protocol and community-driven moderation, emerged as a leading option. According to Appfigures, daily iOS downloads in the U.S. spiked by almost half compared to pre-scandal levels—a clear sign that users are voting with their taps.
Cashtags Bring Financial Conversations to the Feed
Starting this week, Bluesky users can now use “cashtags”—a format like $AAPL or $TSLA—to tag and follow discussions about publicly traded companies. Unlike generic hashtags, cashtags are designed specifically for financial discourse, making it easier for investors, traders, and market watchers to track relevant conversations in real time. Clicking a cashtag surfaces all public posts mentioning that stock, creating a lightweight, community-driven feed akin to a mini stock ticker. While not a replacement for professional trading platforms, the feature adds utility for casual investors and fintech enthusiasts who want timely, crowd-sourced insights without leaving the app.
LIVE Badges Connect Streamers and Followers
In another creator-friendly move, Bluesky now syncs with Twitch to display a LIVE badge next to usernames when users are broadcasting. This integration doesn’t embed video—it simply alerts followers that someone they follow is live on Twitch, encouraging cross-platform engagement. For streamers building audiences across social channels, the badge acts as a low-friction notification system. It’s a subtle but smart play: rather than trying to compete with Twitch’s video infrastructure, Bluesky enhances discoverability while staying true to its text-first, lightweight design philosophy.
A Platform Positioned for Trust in 2026
Bluesky’s recent momentum isn’t just about features—it’s about trust. In an era where AI misuse and opaque algorithms dominate headlines, Bluesky’s commitment to decentralization, user control, and transparent moderation resonates. The platform runs on the AT Protocol, which allows users to move between servers (“personal data pods”) without losing their identity or followers. This stands in stark contrast to walled-garden platforms where users are locked into a single company’s rules and data practices. As concerns about digital safety and platform accountability grow, Bluesky’s architecture offers a compelling alternative.
What’s Next for Bluesky?
With rising adoption and new functionality rolling out, Bluesky is quietly shaping up to be more than just a Twitter alternative—it’s becoming a hub for niche communities, from finance buffs to indie creators. The addition of cashtags and LIVE badges signals a strategic focus on utility over virality. Rather than chasing attention at all costs, Bluesky appears to be prioritizing features that foster meaningful interaction and real-world utility. If the current trajectory holds, 2026 could mark the year Bluesky transitions from a promising experiment to a mainstream social destination.
For users tired of algorithmic chaos and ethical gray zones, Bluesky’s steady, user-centric evolution offers a breath of fresh air—and a place where conversations, not controversies, take center stage.
