Bluesky has officially removed the interim label from Toni Schneider’s title, making him the social network’s permanent chief executive officer. Schneider, who stepped into the role four months ago after founder Jay Graber moved to chief innovation officer, announced the change Friday on his personal blog.
A leader with deep tech roots
Schneider is no stranger to high-stakes tech leadership. He was the founding CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress and Tumblr, and currently serves as a partner at True Ventures, a venture capital firm that has invested in Bluesky alongside Automattic. His appointment signals a desire for experienced operational leadership as the platform navigates a critical growth phase.
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In his blog post, Schneider wrote that he is “all in as Bluesky’s official CEO” and that his first major initiative will be to “create smaller spaces and more private communities.” He believes this shift will “unlock the next wave of growth and innovation” for the network, which has been searching for a sustainable identity beyond its initial surge of users fleeing Elon Musk’s X.
From Twitter spin-off to growth challenges
Bluesky was originally spun off from Twitter in 2019, before Musk’s acquisition. It gained significant traction after Musk rebranded Twitter to X in 2023, attracting users seeking an alternative. Under Graber, the platform grew to 43 million users, and its underlying AT Protocol was expanded to allow other apps to share the same social network.
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However, the platform has recently faced headwinds. While it saw a sharp spike in users after Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024 — a period when Musk was highly active in politics — engagement and user numbers have since declined. Some observers have questioned whether Bluesky is “dying,” pointing to reduced activity and a shrinking community.
What’s next for Bluesky
Schneider acknowledged the challenges ahead but struck an optimistic tone. “We’re at the very beginning of this story,” he wrote Friday. His focus on private communities represents a strategic pivot from the open, broadcast-style social networking that defined Bluesky’s early days. Whether that shift can re-accelerate growth remains an open question, but the appointment of a permanent CEO with a track record of scaling platforms gives the company a clearer direction.
Bluesky’s investors, including True Ventures and Automattic, are betting that Schneider’s experience will help the platform find a sustainable niche in a social media field dominated by X, Meta’s Threads, and Mastodon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Toni Schneider?
Toni Schneider is the former founding CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress and Tumblr. He is also a partner at venture capital firm True Ventures, which is an investor in Bluesky.
Why did Bluesky’s previous CEO step down?
Jay Graber stepped down as CEO in March 2025 to become Bluesky’s chief innovation officer, focusing on the development of the AT Protocol and other technical initiatives.
What are Toni Schneider’s plans for Bluesky?
Schneider has stated that one of his first priorities is to create smaller spaces and more private communities on the platform, which he believes will unlock the next wave of growth and innovation.
How is Bluesky performing in terms of user growth?
Bluesky grew to 43 million users under former CEO Jay Graber, but has recently struggled to retain and grow its user base, with some observers questioning its long-term viability.
