How to Make Money on Bluesky: The Complete Creator’s Guide

While everyone debates which social media platforms will survive the next algorithm shift, a quiet revolution is unfolding on Bluesky Social, that decentralized social network everyone’s been whispering about across the social internet.

Creators are already figuring out how to make money on Bluesky, even without the use of fancy monetization tools or creator funds. They’re not waiting around for the app to hand them revenue streams. They’re building them, driven by a platform that prioritizes creators’ independence, freedom, and genuine connection over aggressive advertising.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth jumping on the Bluesky train, or you’re already one of the new users scratching your head about monetization, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just another “10 ways to make money online” blog post. We’re talking real strategies, actual examples, and a roadmap that works today, not someday. Keep reading to capitalize on the emerging social media platform

What Makes Bluesky Different (and Why It Matters for Creators)

Before we get into how to make money on Bluesky, it’s important to understand what sets Bluesky apart. That’s the foundation of real success here. First off, Bluesky isn’t trying to be the next Twitter; it’s trying to be better than Twitter ever was. Because it’s decentralized, your content and audience aren’t controlled by any one company. No more waking up to find your reach mysteriously tanked because of some algorithm update.

The platform runs on something called the AT Protocol (think of it as the internet’s backbone, but for web-based social media). This means your content, your followers, your reputation, it’s all portable. If Bluesky suddenly decides to change direction, you can pack up and move to another platform that uses the same protocol. Try doing that with Instagram or TikTok.

But here’s where it gets interesting for creators: Bluesky has custom domains and open-source custom feeds. You can have your own branded handle (like @yourname.com instead of @yourname.bsky.social), and you can create or follow feeds that are laser-focused on specific topics, allowing users to take control of their experience online.

Bluesky offers a unique kind of freedom that many creators have longed for—no shadow bans, no algorithmic punishments, and no overbearing moderation. Plus, developers are free to build their tools, and creators can even display verified identities, though the platform doesn’t rely on a traditional blue check system.

Use Bluesky feeds as targeted micro-niche channels to establish authority and drive focused engagement. The platform doesn’t have built-in monetization tools yet, but that’s an opportunity. You’re not competing with a million other creators for scraps from a creator fund. You’re building something sustainable on your terms, where every original post can directly lead to income, value, or community growth.

Is It Possible to Make Money on Bluesky?

Short answer: absolutely.

While success on Bluesky requires a tailored strategic approach, the platform currently lacks built-in monetization features, such as AdSense or TikTok’s Creator Fund. However, creators are already earning, just in a more traditional way: by building genuine relationships and consistently delivering value.

Early movers build trust and audience equity. When you’re one of the first voices people discover in your niche, you become their go-to resource. That’s worth more than any algorithm boost.

Think about it this way: would you rather be one of ten million lifestyle bloggers on Instagram, or one of a hundred on Bluesky? The math is pretty clear, and the advantage of being early is real.

Bluesky is still an emerging platform, but with over 35 million users already and growing by hundreds of thousands daily, the earlier you capitalize on the opportunity, the greater your chances you have to make money and build something meaningful in the world of decentralized creation.

Once the platform is flooded with users and creators, which is happening fast, you’ll be like a single grain of sand on an overcrowded beach, losing visibility and popularity.

Prep Work: Set Up Your Bluesky Social for Monetization

Before you start posting about your products or services, you need to set up your profile like a professional. This isn’t “fake it till you make it” territory; this is about making it easy for people to find you, trust you, and ultimately buy from you.

Your Profile Is Your Storefront

Craft a clear, value-driven bio that highlights your expertise and what followers will gain from your content. Skip the generic “passionate about helping people” stuff. Be specific. “I help solopreneurs automate their email marketing in 30 minutes a week” is infinitely better than “marketing enthusiast.”

Get a custom domain handle if possible. It’s like having your xyz.com email address versus a Gmail one; both work, but one looks more professional. You can link your existing domain through your DNS settings, and suddenly you’re @yourname.com instead of @yourname.bsky.social.

The Link Game

Here’s where most people go wrong: they try to cram everything into their bio. Don’t do that. Choose one primary link, ideally a landing page that houses all your key content or your most important offer. You can always share other links in your posts later

Understanding Content Distribution

Bluesky’s feed system is different from other platforms. Content gets distributed through various feeds—some algorithmic, some chronological, and some curated by community members. Learning how to post in relevant feeds for your niche is key if you want to make money on Bluesky. It’s like choosing the right subreddit, but for every post. This system empowers organizations and creators to share ideas freely and contribute in ways that feel authentic and community-led.

Think of your Bluesky monetization as a funnel:

• Interesting Post → draws people in
• Profile Visit → They check you out
• Link Click → They visit your landing page
• Conversion → they buy, subscribe to, or tip

Every post should support your funnel in some way. Even a casual thought should reinforce your expertise, personality, or brand voice, ideally sparking messages, creativity, and maybe even a little fun along the way.

How to Create Effective Bluesky Posts

Creating posts that drive monetization isn’t about being sales; it’s about being valuable and authentic. Bluesky’s community appreciates genuine conversation over polished marketing speak.

The 3-2-1 Rule 

For every promotional post, share three value-driven posts and two personal/behind-the-scenes posts. This keeps your feed interesting while building the trust necessary for monetization.

Hook Formulas That Work 

Start with attention-grabbing openers:

• “Unpopular opinion about [your niche]…”
• “Just discovered why [common problem] happens…”
• “Three years ago, I made a $[amount] mistake…”
• “Quick question for [your audience]…”

Post Length Sweet Spot 

Bluesky allows longer posts than Twitter, but shorter posts often perform better. Aim for 150-250 characters for maximum engagement. If you need more space, thread your thoughts or direct people to your newsletter for the full story.

Visual Elements 

While Bluesky isn’t as visual as Instagram, adding relevant images or screenshots can boost engagement by 40-60%. Share workplace photos, tool screenshots, or simple graphics that illustrate your points.

Timing and Frequency 

Post when your audience is most active, typically early morning (7-9 AM) and evening (6-8 PM) in your timezone. Consistency matters more than frequency. Better to post once daily consistently than five times sporadically.

Call-to-Action Integration 

End posts with soft CTAs that feel natural:

• “What’s been your experience with this?”
• “Link in bio if you want the full breakdown.”
• “Anyone else dealing with this challenge?”
• “More details in my newsletter → [link]”

The goal is to create content that people want to engage with, not just scroll past.

11 Real Ways to Make Money on Bluesky Social Right Now

Let’s get into the meat of it. These aren’t theoretical strategies; they’re working for creators right now.

Share Affiliate Links

Affiliate marketing is a straightforward yet powerful way to monetize your presence on Bluesky. Once you’ve built an engaged following, you can share affiliate links to products or services that align with your audience’s interests. When someone clicks and makes a purchase, you earn a commission—no need to create a product of your own.

Let’s say you talk about tech or books. Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ConvertKit, or niche platforms in your field. Then, recommend tools, courses, or gear through your posts. Make your content helpful, not salesy, or even quick demo videos think product reviews, how-to threads, or personal tips with embedded links.

Because Bluesky doesn’t throttle reach like traditional platforms, your posts stay visible longer, giving affiliate links a longer shelf life. Just be upfront: a quick ‘affiliate link’ tag builds trust with your audience. When done right, affiliate sharing feels like a recommendation from a friend and earns like a pro.

Accept Tips & Donations

If your content educates, entertains, or inspires, tips and donations can become a steady income stream on Bluesky. Many creators earn by simply giving people the option to say “thank you” with money. It’s direct, honest, and works especially well when you post consistently and connect with your audience.

Set up accounts with platforms like Buy Me a Coffee, Ko-fi, or Patreon, then add your link to your Bluesky bio and posts. Let your followers know how their support helps, whether it funds your time, tools, or future content.

The key is to build trust first. When people feel you’re adding value, many are happy to tip without needing extra perks. But if you want to boost income, offer small bonuses like trending charity posts, starter packs for exclusive tips, or early access to content. On Bluesky, where creators have more control, even small donations can grow into meaningful earnings over time.

Sell Digital Products

Selling digital products is one of the most profitable ways to earn on Bluesky because you create once and sell forever. Whether it’s ebooks, templates, presets, guides, or courses, digital goods require no shipping, nand o inventory, and give you full control over pricing and delivery.

Start by identifying what your audience needs. Are they looking to grow their brand, learn a new skill, or save time? Build a product that solves that problem. Then, promote it through valuable posts, helpful threads, or community discussions that naturally lead to your offer.

Use platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, or Podia to host your products and share direct purchase links in your Bluesky posts or bio. Since Bluesky doesn’t limit visibility the way some other platforms do, your content and your product stay discoverable longer. Over time, one well-crafted product can turn into a reliable source of passive income. The Bluesky COO recently hinted that verification and identity tools are also coming soon, which could add trust to creators selling products.

Brand Collaborations & Sponsored Posts

Brands are already eyeing Bluesky for fresh voices, and that’s where creators like you come in. If your content consistently attracts attention, engagement, or niche interest, you’re ready for collaborations. With minimal sponsored content on Bluesky, early adopters benefit from greater visibility and less competition.

Start by keeping your profile clean and niche-specific. Post consistently on your chosen topic and engage with your followers. Once your engagement builds, reach out to brands that align with your content. Pitch what value you bring, your audience type, average reach, and how your tone matches the brand. Sponsored posts can be authentic shoutouts, tutorials, or unboxing of the product.

Bluesky’s transparency-focused culture makes influencer partnerships feel more genuine. Always disclose sponsored content and track your performance. Once you land a few deals, you’ll become a go-to creator for brands looking to stand out. Bluesky’s design also makes it less likely for creators to be blocked or buried by feed restrictions, giving collaborations a real chance to thrive.

Community Building for Long-Term Growth

A loyal community is your strongest asset at Bluesky. While viral posts can bring spikes in attention, it’s your dedicated followers who become long-term supporters, customers, and sharers of your content. This is where lasting income begins.

Build your community by choosing a niche and posting helpful, relatable content around it. Ask thoughtful questions, join relevant threads, repost valuable content, and reply with genuine intent. As trust grows, so does your influence. Your audience becomes more than followers; they become a network that supports your launches, subscribes to your updates, and shares your work with others.

Once you have an active base, you can monetize through tips, exclusive content, paid groups, or product promotions. Bluesky’s openness favors community-driven growth, so the more you invest in people, the more they’ll invest in you. The platform’s security standards and focus on protecting user data also help maintain a safe, trust-filled space for community interaction.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions on Bluesky are slated to launch in 2025. Subscriptions offer a way to earn predictable, recurring income. Your audience pays a small monthly fee in exchange for exclusive value, such as behind-the-scenes content, private updates, or early access to digital products. It’s personal and sustainable.

To start, choose a platform like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee. Clearly define your tiers, and ensure each one delivers meaningful value to your audience. Promote your subscription offer gently but regularly, mention it in relevant posts, pin it to your profile, and show sneak peeks of what subscribers get.

Even a small base can create a big impact. If just 100 fans pay $5 a month, that’s $500 in consistent, recurring income. Subscriptions build financial stability while rewarding your most loyal supporters and keeping you motivated to keep showing up. If you’re worried about exposure, just explore niche feeds where your most dedicated audience already hangs out.

Custom Domains

Using a custom domain as your Bluesky handle instantly adds professionalism. But beyond branding, it gives you control over your traffic, your audience, and your income. You’re no longer just a user on a platform; you’re a business with its own identity.

Platforms like Carrd, Notion, and Linktree let you build a one-page site in minutes. Link your domain to that page and use it to sell digital products, promote services, gather emails, or run affiliate offers. This turns every profile visit into a potential customer touchpoint.

When someone clicks your Bluesky handle and lands on your ecosystem, you’re no longer just visible, you’re monetizable. Custom domains set you apart and position you for long-term success beyond any one platform. It’s a strategy that any ambitious CEO or solo creator can use to future-proof their online presence.

Influencer Partnerships

Influencer partnerships on Bluesky are still emerging, which makes now the perfect time to establish yourself. You don’t need millions of followers, just a tight niche and real engagement. That’s what brands and collaborators care about most.

Reach out to brands, tools, or creators who align with your topic. Co-create threads, share product reviews or run mini-events like giveaways. You can even collaborate with newsletter writers or other content creators to cross-promote. Keep your pitches short and stats ready; your follower count, reach, and engagement rate all count.

Once you start landing partnerships, they snowball. You become known as a trusted voice in your space. Brands pay not for reach alone, but for the ability to connect with an audience that listens. That’s where your true earning power lies, and where long-term hope for creator independence becomes real.

Promote Services

If you’re a freelancer, coach, designer, or consultant, Bluesky is a high-potential platform to promote your services organically. Algorithm limits mean more reach and more chances to land clients.

Use your posts to show what you do. Share tips, mini-case studies, before-and-after results, or quick advice related to your services. Add a clear link in your bio, whether it’s a booking calendar, portfolio, or contact form. Avoid hard sales and instead start real conversations around the problems you solve.

Over time, you’ll attract people who need exactly what you offer. Your feed becomes proof of your skill. And when trust meets visibility, bookings follow, without ever needing to pay for ads.

Focus on a Niche

On Bluesky, being known for one thing pays off faster than trying to do everything. A niche helps you stand out, grow a loyal following, and attract targeted opportunities, from subscribers to sponsors.

Choose a focus that aligns with your strengths and passions, something you can post about consistently. Whether it’s parenting tips, digital art, tech reviews, or mental health, stay in your lane. Share insights, ask thoughtful questions, tell stories, and engage actively with others in your niche.

The more specific your niche, the easier it becomes to monetize. You’ll attract a highly relevant audience, sell products that truly resonate, and appeal to sponsors who want to reach your exact crowd. On Bluesky, depth consistently beats broad reach.

Toolbox: Best Monetization Tools That Work with Bluesky Social Internet

Having the right tools makes monetization so much easier. Here’s what’s working best for creators right now.

For Tips and Memberships:

• Ko-fi: Free to set up, easy to integrate, handles one-time and recurring payments
• Buy Me a Coffee: Similar features to Ko-fi, slightly better customization options
• Liberapay: Open-source, very creator-friendly, good for recurring donations

For Paid Content:

• Substack: Built-in audience, easy newsletter monetization, handles payments
• Beehiiv: Better analytics than Substack, more customization options
• Ghost: More control over your content, better for established creators

For Landing Pages:

• Cardd: Super simple, mobile-optimized, perfect for link-in-bio pages
• Notion: Free, highly customizable, great for portfolios and resource pages
• Linktree: Classic choice, lots of integrations, free tier available

For Analytics:

• Skygaze: Bluesky-specific analytics, tracks engagement and growth
• Recurpost: Social media management, works with Bluesky
• Google Analytics: For tracking website traffic from Bluesky

Tool Comparison: Free vs Paid

Bonus: 10 High-Converting Custom Feed Templates for Monetization

These posts work because they give value first, then gently point people to what you’re offering. Just copy, tweak, and post.

Download and start creating.

Pro Tips to Earn Faster and Stand Out On Bluesky Social Media

Want to accelerate your monetization timeline? Here are the strategies that separate successful creators from everyone else.

Don’t Just Post to Your Followers

Your audience is already hanging out in niche feeds. Find feeds related to your topic—like books, design, or fitness—and join the conversation. Share useful posts and reply to others. Showing up regularly in these places helps new people discover your work.

Talk to People Who Post Often

Find the big voices in your niche and helpfully reply to their posts. Ask questions, add your thoughts, or share a tip. This builds trust and brings attention to your profile without looking pushy.

Be Consistent With Your Style

Use the same kind of tone, link placement, and call to action (CTA) every time. When your posts have a “signature feel,” people remember you. Also, test when to post your links—your audience might click more in the morning than at night.

Lead With Value, Not a Pitch

Before asking people to click or buy, give them something helpful. For example:
“Here’s a tip that saved me hours today…”
Then say:
“If you want 10 more tips like this, check out my newsletter.”
This feels friendly, not salesy, and works better.

Important Things To Know About Bluesky

• Bluesky was developed as a reference implementation of the AT Protocol, an open communication protocol for distributed social networks.
• Bluesky operates on an open-source framework known as the AT Protocol, allowing transparency into how it is built and developed.
• Bluesky’s AT Protocol offers a domain-name–based handle system allowing users to self-verify an account’s legitimacy.

User Experience And Features Of Bluesky

To successfully monetize on Bluesky, it’s important to understand the platform’s core features and how they enhance the experience online for creators and users alike. Bluesky isn’t just another social app—it’s a decentralized social media network that’s reshaping how people connect and share content.

A Decentralized Future

Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol, a decentralized framework that gives users and developers more freedom than traditional social media platforms. This setup allows external developers to build entirely new networks using the same underlying protocol. For creators, this means more flexibility, portability of content, and the chance to grow without being restricted by centralized algorithms.

Bluesky was originally founded as a research initiative within Twitter in 2019 and became an independent organization in 2021. It officially launched as an invite-only app in February 2023 and opened to the public in February 2024. Since then, Bluesky has seen explosive growth, with usage surging by an estimated 500% in the U.S. alone, with the platform surpassing 20 million users.

Creator-Friendly Features

Bluesky offers several standout features designed to empower creators:

• Custom algorithmic feeds: Users can build and follow their curated feeds tailored to specific interests, helping creators target niche audiences more precisely.
• Starter Packs: These are curated bundles of recommended accounts and topics, ideal for new users looking to find their tribe quickly.
• Powerful moderation tools: Bluesky provides advanced filtering and moderation settings, giving creators more control over what appears in their feeds.
• Public conversations: The platform encourages open discussion while allowing users to engage meaningfully and manage their interactions.
• Content verification and security: With a focus on identity protection and security, Bluesky helps ensure that creators and users alike enjoy a trustworthy environment.

Bluesky is owned by Bluesky Social PBC, a public benefit company focused on building an open and safe internet. Its rapid growth, combined with a focus on decentralized tech and a commitment to user-first features, makes it a promising space for creators to thrive.

Whether you’re here to explore monetization options or simply find your voice in a growing digital ecosystem, Bluesky provides the tools, freedom, and reach needed to turn attention into income.

Final Thoughts: Should You Start Monetizing Bluesky Now?

Here’s my honest take: if you’re consistent and community-focused, absolutely yes.

Bluesky is in that sweet spot where it’s growing rapidly but isn’t oversaturated with creators trying to monetize. You can still build meaningful relationships with your audience and establish yourself as a go-to voice in your niche.

The platform might not have built-in creator funds or ad revenue yet, but the monetization tools that work with it are already robust. Ko-fi, Substack, Gumroad—these platforms have been helping creators earn money for years. Bluesky just gives you another place to connect with your audience.

The key is starting now, while the opportunity is still wide open. In two years, when Bluesky has 50 million users and built-in monetization tools, the competition will be fierce. Right now, you can build your audience and test your monetization strategies without fighting for attention.

Use the creator toolbox we’ve covered, implement the strategies that fit your style, and stay consistent. The creators who start monetizing Bluesky today will be the ones who dominate the platform tomorrow.

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FAQs: Making Money On Bluesky

Fenil Patel

Fenil Patel is a content writer specializing in social media marketing. He creates engaging, results-driven content that helps brands grow online, connect with audiences, and boost digital visibility. With a sharp eye for trends and strategy, he turns ideas into content that performs. Fenil is passionate about helping businesses stand out in the fast-paced world of digital marketing.