According to Bluesky's Chief Operating Officer Rose Wang, the decentralized social platform is prioritizing the development of its own payment system to enable creator monetization and transactions within its ecosystem. While the implementation is not expected for at least 12 months due to the complexity of payment systems, Bluesky aims to create a platform where creators can be paid directly, with the company taking a small percentage of transaction fees.
Bluesky is developing a creator monetization system that aims to empower content creators within its ecosystem. The platform plans to build a system where creators can get paid directly on Bluesky and other platforms built on their open AT Protocol1. This approach differs from traditional social media monetization models, as Bluesky intends to avoid relying on advertising revenue2. Instead, the company is exploring alternative avenues such as:
A tip jar-like feature for users to support their favorite creators and projects2
Voluntary monetization paths for artists, writers, developers, and other creators3
Potential integration with existing payment platforms like Patreon and Ko-fi, which some Bluesky creators already use1
A transaction fee model where Bluesky takes a small percentage as creators earn more1
While specific details are yet to be revealed, Bluesky's approach to creator monetization aligns with its philosophy of serving users rather than exploiting their data for advertising purposes3.
Bluesky is developing a premium subscription model, tentatively called "Bluesky+", which could cost $8 per month or $72 annually12. This subscription is expected to offer several exclusive features:
Longer video uploads and higher video quality
Custom app icons and profile badges
Enhanced profile customization tools (e.g., avatar frames, color themes)
Individual post analytics
Inline post translations
Importantly, Bluesky has emphasized that paid subscribers won't receive preferential treatment in terms of post visibility or verification status5. The platform aims to maintain a level playing field for all users while generating revenue to support its mission of building "an open, secure, and user-first internet"4.
The AT Protocol, which underpins Bluesky's decentralized social network, aims to create an interoperable ecosystem where users can manage a single federated online identity across various platforms1. This protocol could potentially extend to facilitate decentralized transactions, aligning with Bluesky's vision for creator monetization. By leveraging the principles of decentralized finance (DeFi), the AT Protocol could enable peer-to-peer value transfers without relying on traditional intermediaries2. This approach would not only support Bluesky's planned creator economy but also contribute to the broader "Internet of Value" concept, where digital assets can be exchanged as easily as information2. However, implementing such a system presents challenges, including ensuring transaction security, scalability, and compliance with evolving financial regulations.