Bluesky to Introduce Paid Subscription Option

Bluesky has announced that it is developing a paid subscription option, while pledging to remain free for all users. Currently boasting over 13 million users and backed by a new $15 million funding round, Bluesky has quickly grown, largely due to users’ discontent with changes at X, including the shift toward paid prioritization for enhanced visibility.

The new subscription model aims to offer additional features without impacting the user experience for non-paying members. Bluesky’s subscription option will allow users to upload longer videos and customize their profiles with themes and avatar frames. Notably, it will not include algorithmic boosts, priority in replies, or verification badges – features that X Premium provides its subscribers, but which many users have criticized.

Bluesky COO Rose Wang emphasized that paying users will not receive special treatment in the app’s algorithms or visibility. The platform’s steady rise in popularity can be attributed in part to its focus on user-centric policies, which contrast with X’s approach that many users find off-putting. Bluesky has not yet disclosed additional subscription features or pricing details – and whether there are other monetisation features on the table – but seems poised to capitalize on its sudden growth.