Janice R. Andrews
The emerging social media platform Bluesky has revealed its premium subscription plans, emphasizing that paid users won’t receive special visibility benefits. Unlike other social networks, the platform’s paid tier won’t boost subscribers’ content or provide exclusive verification badges. COO Rose Wang emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining equal exposure for all users regardless of subscription status.
Instead of algorithmic advantages, premium members will gain access to enhanced customization options, including expanded profile personalization and higher video quality settings. This strategy evokes memories of earlier social platforms like Myspace, which offered similar customization features at no cost. However, Bluesky sees paid customization as a path toward financial stability.
The platform is also introducing a tipping mechanism to support content creators, enabling audience members to directly contribute to their favorite artists and writers. While the exact revenue-sharing details remain unannounced, Bluesky emphasizes its goal of supporting creators without implementing intrusive advertising.
This development follows Bluesky’s successful $15 million Series A funding round, spearheaded by Web3 investor Blockchain Capital. Despite the blockchain connection, the company has explicitly ruled out incorporating cryptocurrency features or NFTs, stating these would overly complicate the platform’s financial dynamics.
The platform has experienced significant growth, reaching 13 million active users. This expansion was partly driven by Brazilian users migrating from X (formerly Twitter) due to regulatory challenges, along with others seeking alternatives following X’s policy modifications, particularly regarding blocking capabilities.
Operating with just 20 employees, Bluesky’s financial approach combines subscription revenue with creator-focused monetization, exemplifying a shift away from advertising-dependent business models in social media. The company aims to achieve sustainable growth while maintaining user satisfaction.
