Bluesky is testing paid subscription features, may introduce paid tier like Elon Musk's X

Bluesky, the social media platform that originated as a research initiative at Twitter (now X), is testing a range of paid subscription features, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk’s platform. The new features, still in development, would offer additional perks for users willing to pay a monthly subscription.

According to Bluesky’s GitHub page, the team is experimenting with several paid add-ons, which could include a profile badge, enhanced analytics, longer video uploads, and more profile customisation options. However, Bluesky has cautioned that these features are still in the early stages, and the final offering might differ when they are officially launched.

The proposed subscription, Bluesky+, is priced at $8 per month (€7.50) or $72 per year (€68), although the pricing is also subject to change.

Bluesky’s shift toward paid features

Launched in 2021 as an independent company, Bluesky began as part of Twitter’s efforts to explore a new way of operating without relying on advertising. The platform aims to remain free for users while avoiding the sale of user data for ad revenue. As the app has grown rapidly—especially in the US, where usage has surged by over 500% in recent months—Bluesky is now looking at paid subscriptions as a potential revenue stream.

The platform recently reached 20 million global users, a significant leap from the 9 million it had just a few months ago, further cementing its growing influence in the social media landscape.

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Challenges of monetising social media

Bluesky’s CEO, Jay Graber, acknowledged in a recent interview that subscriptions are just the first step in its monetisation strategy. However, paid subscription models have faced mixed results in the social media industry. X (formerly Twitter) has tried to boost its revenue with X Premium, but data suggests it has struggled to generate significant income. A report from Appfigures found that X made about $200 million in in-app purchases across iOS and Android since launching its Twitter Blue subscription in 2021.

Bluesky is also considering alternative revenue sources. In a recent TechCrunch appearance, Graber hinted at plans to sell domain names, create a marketplace for algorithms, and even introduce advertising in the future. With these potential additions, Bluesky is hoping to carve out a sustainable revenue model while continuing to grow its user base.