**The Rise of Skylight Social: A TikTok Alternative Soars to 380,000 Users**
You’ve probably heard the buzz around TikTok’s new ownership and the controversy that’s been swirling around it. Well, it’s not just the usual drama – there’s a real alternative in town, and it’s making some serious waves. Meet Skylight Social, a short-form video app that’s been flying under the radar while TikTok’s been making headlines.
According to reports, Skylight has just reached an impressive 380,000 users, with a significant spike in sign-ups, video views, and engagement. Launched last year, Skylight is built on the AT Protocol, the same tech behind the decentralized social network, Bluesky. Think of it as a more transparent, user-friendly version of TikTok with a focus on community and control.
Skylight’s co-founders, Tori White and Reed Harmeyer, credit the app’s open and customizable nature for its growth. Users can curate their own feeds, interact with creators directly, and even have a say in what content they see. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the algorithm-driven feeds of TikTok, where users are often left feeling like they’re at the mercy of the algorithm.
“We’ve seen what happens when one person decides what gets pushed into people’s feeds,” White told TechCrunch. “It’s not just bad for creators, it’s bad for the entire health of the platform. That’s why we built Skylight on open standards. We wanted creators and users to have real power, not just empty promises.”
So, what does this mean for Skylight? Well, it’s likely that users are seeking out alternatives to TikTok, which has faced backlash over its updated privacy policy and the concerns surrounding its new American ownership. While we don’t know exactly how many users have made the switch, one thing’s for sure – Skylight’s growth is undeniable.
The question is, will Skylight be able to keep up the momentum? Only time will tell, but with its focus on transparency, community, and user control, it’s definitely an option worth considering if you’re looking for a TikTok alternative.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story, and keep an eye out for our upcoming event in San Francisco, where we’ll be discussing the future of social media and innovation.
**What do you think about Skylight Social? Have you given it a try? Let us know in the comments below!**
**Source:** [https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/tiktok-alternative-skylight-soars-to-380k-users-after-tiktok-u-s-deal-finalized/](https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/tiktok-alternative-skylight-soars-to-380k-users-after-tiktok-u-s-deal-finalized/)
