A Record-Breaking Spike in Downloads
The news that former Fox News TV host Tucker Carlson would be interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin on X, the rebranded social media platform formerly known as Twitter, sent shockwaves through the tech world. According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, downloads of the X app jumped significantly overnight, propelling it to the top of the U.S. App Store charts.
Carlson’s Interview with Putin
On Tuesday afternoon, Carlson announced on X that he would be interviewing Putin in a video posted on the platform. In the video, Carlson explained why he believed it was essential for Americans to hear Putin’s perspective on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He stated that "most Americans have no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine, or what his goals are now," implying that he alone was willing to ask Putin for an interview.
A Sympathetic Ear?
Critics have called out Carlson previously for appearing to sympathize with Russia’s position on the conflict. The TV host has directed his Fox News audience to question themselves why they hate Putin so much, sparking controversy and accusations of promoting pro-Russian propaganda.
Musk’s X: A Platform for Controversy?
Under Elon Musk’s ownership, X has become a platform for creators to express their views without adhering to the traditional rules of journalism. While some creators like MrBeast have used X to generate significant revenue through sponsored content, others have faced criticism for promoting divisive or hate-filled ideologies.
Bluesky Opens Its Doors
The timing of X’s surge to the top of the U.S. App Store charts coincided with the launch of Bluesky, a decentralized alternative to Twitter/X developed by Jack Dorsey and his team. Although Bluesky gained over 800,000 new users on its first day, it does not currently rank in the top 100 free apps on the U.S. App Store.
A Viral Moment?
Some have suggested that anotherviral moment involving Drake could have contributed to the surge in X installs. However, The Verge points out that posts with millions of views had circulated for days on the platform, making it unlikely that this was a significant factor in the spike.
Update
As of February 8th, 9 am ET, The Verge has noted that while the exact reason for the surge in X installs is unclear, it is evident that Carlson’s announcement played a significant role.
Related Stories
- Tucker Carlson’s Interview with Putin Sparks Controversy
- Elon Musk’s X: A Platform for Controversy?
- Bluesky Opens Its Doors: A Decentralized Alternative to Twitter/X
- A Record-Breaking Spike in Downloads: The Rise of X
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As the situation continues to unfold, TechCrunch will provide updates and analysis on this developing story.
