Bluesky Content Guidelines: Media Sizes, Posting Limits & Best Practices

So, you’re ready to post on Bluesky but want to make sure your content looks sharp and fits within the platform’s limits? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re sharing text, images, GIFs, or videos, every social platform has its own set of guidelines – and Bluesky is no exception.

So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including media sizes, posting limits, and expert tips to optimize your posts.

Why You Should Start Building Your Presence on Bluesky

Bluesky is growing fast. More people are joining, and that means more chances to get noticed. With over 6 million users and growing, the platform presents a unique opportunity to establish an early presence before it becomes crowded.

Unlike other platforms, it doesn’t rely on complicated algorithms, so your posts have a better chance of being seen. You can also customize your feed to reach the right audience.

Right now, competition is low, making it the perfect time to build your presence early. Whether you’re a creator, a business, or just someone who loves sharing content, this is your chance to stand out.

What Types of Content Can You Post on Bluesky?

Bluesky gives you a few ways to share your thoughts, engage with others, and build your presence. The platform allows you to share various content types, including text, images, videos, GIFs, and links.

Each content type has its own guidelines. So, let’s consider each of these content types and their guidelines to make the best of them.

Text Posts: Short, Engaging, and Straight to the Point

Text posts are the backbone of Bluesky. They help you connect with your audience quickly whether this means sharing an update, sparking a discussion, or asking a thought-provoking question.

Since Bluesky thrives on concise and meaningful interactions, think of each post as a snapshot of your thoughts – no need for lengthy explanations.

Here are examples of text posts on Bluesky:

Bluesky’s Character Limit

Bluesky allows 300 characters per post, so every word counts. The key is to be direct and impactful without unnecessary fluff. If you need to say more, break your message into multiple posts.

Best Practices for Text Posts

• Make your main point clear – start strong to grab attention.
• Tag wisely – usernames include “.bsky.social,” which counts toward your character limit.
• Use link cards – when sharing links, tap “Add link card” for a clean preview. That way, you can save some characters as you can now delete the link itself if you want.
• Write in an active voice – say “We’re coming to the party” instead of “We will be there at the party.”
• Use common abbreviations – if your audience understands them, they help save space.
• Cut unnecessary words – get to the point quickly and clearly.

Text posts may seem simple, but choosing the right words makes all the difference.

Try out different tones – professional, casual, or witty – to see what gets the most engagement. Bluesky rewards authenticity, so let your personality shine through!

Image Posts

A picture is worth a thousand words – and on Bluesky, it can make all the difference. So, another type of content you can post on Bluesky are images.

Whether you’re sharing a stunning photo, an eye-catching graphic, or a simple visual update, images grab attention and boost engagement like nothing else.

Unlike text-only posts, visuals instantly communicate your message and make your content more memorable.

But if you want your images to look crisp and professional, you need to get the formatting right. Here’s everything you need to know about image posts, profile pictures, and banners on Bluesky.

Bluesky Image Post Specifications

Bluesky is pretty flexible with image sizes, but sticking to common aspect ratios ensures your visuals display properly across all devices. Here are the best options:

• Portrait (4:5) – Great for vertical images that stand out.
• Landscape (16:9) – Ideal for widescreen shots and graphics.
• Square (1:1) – A safe bet for profile-related posts.

While Bluesky supports high-resolution images, uploading clear, sharp visuals will keep your content looking polished. Avoid blurry or stretched images – quality matters!

Here is an example of an image post:

Profile Picture Guidelines

Your profile picture is your first impression, so make it count! Bluesky uses a circular crop, so keep your important elements centered to avoid unwanted cuts.

• Best size: 400 x 400 pixels (square).
• Logos & graphics: Keep them high-resolution for clarity.
• Personal photos: Use a well-lit, close-up image that represents you or your brand.

Since your profile picture is visible across all interactions, choose an image that’s recognizable and aligns with your identity.

Bluesky Banner (Cover Image) Guidelines

Your banner (profile cover image) is the largest visual on your profile, so make it work for you! This is prime real estate for showcasing your brand, aesthetic, or a bold message.

• Best size: 1500 x 500 pixels.
• Keep important details centered to avoid clipping.
• Choose a clean, high-quality image that reflects your style.

If you’re a brand or creator, use your banner to highlight your services, latest project, or brand personality. A well-designed banner makes your profile feel complete and professional.

Best Practices for Posting Images on Bluesky

Want your images to stand out? Follow these expert tips:

• Use text overlays to highlight key messages when character limits are tight.
• Choose a consistent color theme to create a strong visual identity.
• Stick with 4:5, 16:9, or 1:1 ratios to avoid awkward cropping.
• Experiment with bold typography and contrasting colors to capture attention.
• Keep profile pictures at 400 x 400 pixels for clear recognition.
• Use a 1500 x 500 pixel banner, and avoid placing text near the edges.
• Use templates for branded posts to keep your feed visually cohesive.

Pro Tip: Want to add extra impact? Pair images with compelling captions. Even a great image benefits from context, so tell a story, ask a question, or encourage interaction.

Video Posts

Perhaps you have also been wondering if it’s possible to post videos on Bluesky. Well, the answer is yes! Videos are a great way to grab attention, tell a story, and make your content more dynamic. And it’s one of the content types supported by Bluesky.

That being said, the platform, however has a few limitations when it comes to videos, so you’ll want to optimize your content for the best results. Let’s go over what you need to know!

Bluesky Video Format & Upload Limits

Unlike some platforms that allow longer clips, Bluesky keeps things short and snappy:

• Max video length: 60 seconds (short-form content is key!)
• Accepted formats: MP4 and MOV
• Max file size: 100 MB

Bluesky’s auto-play feature ensures that videos start rolling as users scroll, so the first few seconds matter most!

Best Practices for Posting Videos on Bluesky

Want to make sure your videos perform well? Here are some simple but effective tips:

• Keep it short and engaging – Aim for 30 to 60 seconds. Short videos hold attention and encourage replays.
• Grab attention immediately – Start with a bold statement, surprising fact, or visually striking moment.
• Use captions – Many users scroll with their sound off, so adding subtitles ensures your message is still clear.
• Loop your videos – A looping video increases watch time and reinforces your message without effort.
• Stay transparent – If your video contains sponsored content or collaborations, consider labeling it for credibility.

Pro Tip: Want your videos to blend naturally into feeds? Avoid overproduced, overly polished clips – casual, authentic content tends to perform better!

GIF Posts

Want to make your Bluesky posts more engaging, expressive, and fun? GIFs are your secret weapon!

Whether you’re reacting to a trending topic, emphasizing a point, or just adding some humor, GIFs bring instant energy to your content.

Unlike static images, GIFs grab attention and can make your posts more memorable. They help you connect with your audience in a way that plain text just can’t.

Supported GIF Formats & Bluesky’s Limitations

Bluesky fully supports GIFs, but there’s a small catch – you can’t upload custom GIFs just yet.

Instead, you can choose from Tenor’s massive GIF library directly in the app.

The good news? You’ll always have the perfect reaction GIF at your fingertips!

Best Practices for Using GIFs on Bluesky

• Make it purposeful – Don’t just throw in a GIF for the sake of it. Use it to emphasize a point, react to something, or enhance your message.
• Keep it on-brand – If you’re a business or creator, pick GIFs that align with your tone, style, and brand personality.
• Choose eye-catching frames – Bluesky users scroll fast, so a GIF with a bold or expressive first frame can help stop the scroll.
• Mix GIFs with text posts – A well-placed GIF makes your captions more engaging and can increase interaction.

Pro Tip: Want your GIF to be the main attraction? Pair it with a short, witty caption to drive engagement. Sometimes, less is more!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Posting on Bluesky

Even with the best content ideas, simple mistakes can keep your Bluesky posts from reaching their full potential.

If you’re struggling to gain traction, it might not be the algorithm – it could be how you’re posting. Here’s what to avoid and how to fix it.

#1: Posting Inconsistently

This is one of the biggest missteps when it comes to putting content up on Bluesky.

If you only post once in a while, don’t expect steady engagement. The more often you show up, the more visible you become.

That’s why scheduling Bluesky is a game-changer. Instead of relying on memory, plan your posts ahead of time. A consistent posting schedule keeps you on your audience’s radar without feeling like a chore.

#2: Scheduling Posts Too Far in Advance

Yes, scheduling is great – but over-scheduling can backfire. The internet moves fast, and a post written weeks ago might not be relevant anymore.

If a major trend or conversation pops up, your pre-planned content might feel out of place.

The best approach is to keep a mix of scheduled and real-time posts. That way, you’re prepared but still flexible enough to jump on timely topics when they matter.

#3: Overloading with Hashtags

Another common mistake is overloading your posts with hashtags. It’s tempting to stuff every trending hashtag into your caption, hoping for extra visibility, but that can make your content look spammy.

Less is more here. Stick to a handful of relevant hashtags that match your post’s theme. Thoughtfully chosen tags do a lot more for discoverability than a random pile of generic ones.

#4: Ignoring Bluesky Content Guidelines

Speaking of strategy, ignoring Bluesky’s content guidelines is a rookie move.

Every platform has its own rules, and Bluesky is no different. If you’re not paying attention, you could end up with limited reach – or worse, flagged content.

Keep things clean, engaging, and within the platform’s policies. This will not only protect your account but also help you establish credibility in the community.

#5: Ignoring Analytics

Posting and hoping for the best isn’t a strategy. If you’re not checking your analytics, you’re missing out on valuable insights.

How will you know what’s working if you’re not looking at the numbers? Pay attention to which posts get the most engagement, when your audience is most active, and which formats resonate best.

The data is there for a reason – use it to refine your content and improve your results.

#6: Skipping Proofreading

Then there’s the classic mistake of hitting “post” without proofreading. Typos, grammar errors, or broken links can make your content look sloppy and unprofessional.

It only takes a few seconds to double-check, but it makes all the difference. Before publishing, scan your post for errors, preview your images and videos, and make sure everything looks polished.

#7: Neglecting to Engage with Audience

Finally, don’t treat Bluesky as a one-way street. If you’re just posting but never engaging, you’re missing the point of social media.

People notice when you take the time to reply to comments, interact with their content, and start genuine conversations. The more you engage, the more your content will be seen. It’s that simple.

Final Note

Bluesky is growing, and with the right content strategy, you can carve out a strong presence on the platform.

Understanding media sizes, posting limits, and best practices helps you create content that stands out while staying within the platform’s guidelines.

But it’s not just about knowing the rules – it’s about showing up consistently, engaging with your audience, and making every post count.

So, take what you’ve learned here, fine-tune your approach, and start posting with confidence. The more effort you put in, the more visibility and engagement you’ll gain.

FAQs

What type of content can I post on Bluesky?

Bluesky allows a variety of content formats, including text posts, images, videos, and GIFs. Whether you’re sharing a quick thought, a striking visual, or a short video, there’s room to express yourself.

Does Bluesky allow video posts?

Yes! Bluesky supports video posts, allowing you to add dynamic and engaging content to your feed. However, there are some limitations – videos must be under one minute long and should be in common formats like MP4 or MOV.

If you want to make the most of video posts, keep them short, visually engaging, and include captions for accessibility.

Can I schedule posts on Bluesky?

Bluesky doesn’t currently offer a built-in post scheduling feature. However, third-party scheduling tools, like OnlySocial, make it possible to plan your content in advance and post at the best times without manually logging in each time.

Scheduling helps you stay consistent and maximize engagement without the stress of real-time posting. So, if you have not been using it, this is definitely the right time to start.

How often should I post on Bluesky?

Consistency is key. To grow your reach and keep your audience engaged, aim to post at least once a day or a few times per week.

The more regularly you show up, the more the algorithm recognizes your content. If daily posting isn’t feasible, find a posting frequency that works for you and stick to it.

What is the best content type to post on Bluesky?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but text posts, engaging images, and short videos tend to perform well.

Bluesky is all about genuine interactions, so content that sparks discussions, shares insights, or adds value will always have an edge. Try different content types and see what resonates most with your audience.