We analyzed engagement patterns on X, Threads, and Bluesky

Hey there 👋

I have a couple of articles coming out in the next few weeks (I’ll share with you, of course) that have a common throughline: consistency is most effective when paired with intention.

We’ve been thinking about how to encourage consistency with social media here at Buffer with features like streaks and data on the best times to post.

But there’s more to consistency than tracking a streak — it’s about showing up with purpose and a clear goal.

That’s why we’re rolling out more ways to help you master consistency, including our new Posting Goals feature (which should be live in your account by now). We want to make it easier than ever to pair consistency with intention so you can create meaningful impact for your personal brand or business.

We also have upcoming features to encourage intentional consistency. I’ll be working on some of them using the lessons I’ve learned on my own creator journey, so keep an eye out for those in Buffer.

Let’s get into it.

Have a lovely weekend, and we’ll see you next Friday!

Warmly, 

Tami & the Buffer team

💌 What’s in this issue – 6 minute read

• 💻 The latest content on the blog

• 📰 Social media news and features to note

• 🪂 Dive into the engagement patterns on X, Threads and Bluesky

• 🎬 Our latest YouTube video

👇 The latest from the blog

• Find out the best time to post on Facebook

   

• Check out our step-by-step guide to running Instagram ads

   

• Learn how to reset your Instagram feed

🪂 Deep dive 

What 1.7 Million Posts Tell Us About X, Threads, and Bluesky in 2025

We analyzed 1.7 million posts from 56,000 users across X, Threads, and Bluesky and discovered something unexpected: the median engagement on all three platforms is exactly the same — 4 interactions per post.

But that’s not the full story — there’s ✨nuance✨.

When we looked deeper, these platforms couldn't be more different in how they distribute engagement. Let me walk you through what this means for your social strategy.

First, here's the headline finding: While the median post gets just 4 engagements across all three platforms, the averages tell a completely different story:

• X: 328 average engagements
• Threads: 58 average engagements
• Bluesky: 21 average engagements

Why such a huge difference between median and average? It's all about how engagement scales on each platform.

Think of these platforms on a spectrum from "wildly unpredictable" to "consistently reliable." Here's what our data reveals about each:

X: The high-risk, high-reward platform

When a post goes viral on X, it really goes viral in a way that's nearly impossible elsewhere. It's like playing the lottery - most tickets don't win, but when they do, the payoff can be enormous. Try these tips:

• Post consistently to increase your chances of hitting that viral jackpot
• Experiment with highly shareable content formats
• Prepare for inconsistent results - that's just how the platform works

Threads: The middle ground of predictable growth

Threads bumped up to a median of 5 engagements in February 2025 (while X stayed at 4 and Bluesky dropped to 3), suggesting it's becoming more reliable for baseline engagement. Try these tips:

• Focus on conversation-starters that encourage replies
• Build community through regular engagement
• Expect more predictable growth over time

Bluesky: The niche community builder

Bluesky won't likely deliver explosive growth, but it offers something valuable: consistency and a space for meaningful interaction. Try these tips:

• Create content for specific, targeted audiences
• Use it for deeper, more thoughtful conversations
• Don't expect explosive growth, but do expect reliable engagement

As we move through 2025, the platforms will continue to diverge in how they distribute engagement. The winners will be those who understand and lean into each platform's unique culture rather than treating them all the same.

🤳 What's happening in social?

• Instagram is testing a new Blend feature for reels

   

• … Discord-style community chats

   

• … and captions on stories

   

• Threads adds the ability to share custom feeds

   

• Bluesky gets 3-minute videos

   

• Google is testing Creator Partnerships for YouTube Shorts ads

📈 "I doubled my follower count with Buffer"

We pride ourselves on being an excellent tool for creators and business owners to grow on social media — and our users are more than happy to back us up. 

 Reid says: “Doubled [my] follower count and engagement has gone up 4x”

Want to skyrocket your growth? Get started with Buffer today!

📹 Buffer on YouTube

The Best Time to Post on Facebook in 2025: 1 Million+ Posts Analyzed

Want to maximize engagement on Facebook? Kirsti analyzed 1 million Facebook posts to uncover the best (and worst) times to post.

One last thing before you go 💟 

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