Bluesky says it won't sell your data if you're a paid subscriber
Bluesky, one of X's big competitors, has really taken off recently, especially after X was banned in Brazil—reportedly gaining over 3 million users in the process. To keep everyone interested, it even added video support to the platform.
Now, with over 13 million users, the social platform is introducing a paid subscription service.
In a recent update, Bluesky’s CEO shared that this subscription will be pretty different from what you might find on platforms like X. Instead of offering perks like boosted posts or blue checkmarks to paying users, Bluesky plans to keep things fair.
Paid subscribers won’t get special treatment elsewhere in the app, like upranking premium accounts or blue checks next to their names. We won’t sell your data. And we won’t hyperfinancialize the social experience (through tokens, NFTs, etc.).
— Rose 🌹 (@rose.bsky.team) 2024-10-24T16:45:09.559Z
Premium subscribers will enjoy some neat features, like customizable profile options and higher-quality video uploads. But, no one will get preferential treatment like a blue checkmark or boosted posts or replies that other platforms like X offer.
Bluesky also announced plans to extend beyond just providing a platform, as it is actively working to empower creators and foster a vibrant ecosystem. The company is also rolling out payment options so users can directly support their favourite creators, helping keep them on the platform instead of jumping ship to X's new engagement revenue-based system.
Since its last funding round, Bluesky has launched some cool features like direct messaging and custom feeds. It has also invested in Trust and Safety tools to make the platform a better place for everyone. Plus, it now supports over 1,000 personal data servers (PDS) outside the main app, giving users even more control.
Recently, it received $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Blockchain Capital. With this funding, Bluesky's goal is to keep the platform free and open, so everyone can join the conversation.
In the long run, if Bluesky can pull this off, it could shake up the social media scene, offering a fresh, community-focused alternative to the usual players.
As Bluesky continues to grow and innovate, it could soon emerge as a significant player in the social media landscape, rivalling platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.