Skylight: Rising TikTok Option Gains Popularity Amid Ownership Debates
Introducing a Fresh Player in Short-Form Video Platforms
Skylight is emerging as a promising short-form vertical video app built on open-source technology, quickly attracting users searching for TikTok alternatives. In light of recent changes to TikTok’s ownership structure in the U.S., Skylight has grown its user base to over 380,000 and continues to expand rapidly.
Decentralized Infrastructure at Its core
Debuting last year with investment from notable figures such as Mark Cuban, Skylight leverages the AT Protocol-a decentralized framework also powering bluesky, a social network with more than 42 million active users. this architecture offers enhanced transparency and greater user autonomy compared to traditional centralized platforms.
Tools That Foster Genuine Community Interaction
The platform features an integrated video editor, customizable profiles, and interactive elements including likes, comments, and sharing capabilities. Moreover, community curators can design tailored content feeds for their followers, encouraging finding beyond algorithm-driven suggestions.
User Engagement Soars Amid Uncertainty Around TikTok
Currently hosting upwards of 150,000 native videos while streaming additional content via Bluesky integration through AT Protocol, Skylight has witnessed remarkable engagement growth. Recent analytics show daily video views hitting 1.4 million-a threefold increase within just one day-alongside signups surging by over 150%. Returning visitor rates climbed above 50%, average plays per video rose by more than 40%, and new posts doubled during this timeframe.
The Driving Forces Behind Rapid Expansion
This surge aligns closely with concerns about TikTok’s transition into American ownership under the newly established TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC-a response to ongoing U.S.-China geopolitical tensions focused on data privacy risks and algorithmic influence. As part of this restructuring effort,ByteDance’s stake was reduced below 20%.
User Privacy Issues Prompt Platform Migration Trends
TikTok’s revised privacy policy stirred unease among many users due to permissions involving GPS tracking and clauses referencing immigration status monitoring-though these align primarily with existing state regulations rather than introducing new practices. These developments have encouraged some creators and viewers alike to explore alternatives like Skylight.
This January alone saw approximately 95,000 monthly active users on Skylight-with nearly 20,000 joining during a single weekend following increased media scrutiny around TikTok’s policy changes.
A Commitment Centered on Transparency and Creator Control
The team behind Skylight credits their growth largely to prioritizing openness alongside customization options that mainstream apps often lack. Unlike centralized algorithms that dictate what appears in feeds-possibly weakening creator-audience bonds-Skylight emphasizes technology designed so creators retain control as an essential right rather than just a feature offering.
“Centralized control has repeatedly shown it can damage both creator relationships with audiences and overall platform vitality,” stated CEO Tori white.”By building upon open standards through AT protocol technology we ensure power stays firmly in the hands of creators and users alike.”
Navigating Competition While Building Unique Appeal
Although still far behind TikTok’s dominant footprint-which boasts roughly 200 million monthly active U.S.-based accounts-Skylight is gaining tens of thousands of new members weekly during its early growth phase. The founders remain confident that emphasizing openness combined with community-driven curation will attract those disenchanted by opaque algorithms or corporate-controlled social media environments.
