Bluesky's New Leadership: Can Social Media Start Over?

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Bluesky's new CEO Toni Schneider and COO Rose Wang discussed the future of social media and how their platform aims to reshape online communities. With a fresh leadership team, Bluesky is betting on openness, user choice, and new technology to differentiate itself from established platforms. The conversation explored the challenges of competing in a crowded social media landscape and what it takes to build the next generation of consumer technology. Schneider and Wang shared their vision for a social media ecosystem that prioritizes user control and interoperability. They highlighted how Bluesky's underlying technology, the AT Protocol, enables a more open and customizable experience. The discussion also touched on the importance of community building and the role of moderation in fostering healthy online spaces. This session is essential viewing for anyone interested in the future of social media, from entrepreneurs to investors. It offers a rare glimpse into the strategies and philosophies driving one of the most talked-about alternatives to mainstream platforms. Follow TechCrunch for more coverage from Disrupt 2026 and beyond.