Introduction
After announcing its plans to develop a subscription-based revenue stream in October, social networking startup Bluesky has taken a significant step forward. The company has published mockups of its upcoming subscription model on its GitHub page, along with a list of possible features. While the company warns that this is just a user interface mockup and not the final product, there are indications that some of these features could be under consideration for Bluesky’s premium subscription.
Possible Features of Bluesky+
The user interface mockup includes several features that could be part of Bluesky+, including:
- Higher quality video uploads: This feature would allow users to upload higher resolution videos, making it ideal for content creators who want to share high-quality footage with their audience.
- Profile customizations: Users would have the option to customize their profile with colors and avatar frames, giving them more flexibility in terms of personalization.
- Custom app icons: This feature would allow users to personalize their app icon, making it stand out from others.
- Bluesky+ profile badge: A premium badge that indicates a user’s subscription status.
- Inline post translations: This feature would enable users to translate posts directly within the app, making it easier for people who don’t speak the same language as the original poster.
- Post analytics: Users could gain insights into their post performance, including engagement metrics and audience demographics.
- Bookmark folders: A feature that allows users to organize their bookmarks in a more structured way.
Verification and Pricing
One of the most interesting features listed is verification (profile badges). Bluesky has recently spoken about its plans for verification, indicating that it could work differently than paid verification on X and Meta’s platforms. However, it would be surprising if Bluesky decided to put its verification tools behind a paywall.
The mockup also includes pricing information, with $8 per month or $72 per year being the suggested rates for Bluesky+. It is essential to note that this is not final, and prices may change before launch.
User Reaction
The user interface mockup was spotted by Bluesky user @saeri.xyz, whose post about the finding ended up receiving hundreds of likes, quotes, and reposts on the emerging social network. Bluesky software engineer Dan Abramov responded to caution users that the list of features shown in the UI mockup "doesn’t necessarily match what will be released." Some of these are likely to make it, but please don’t take this as an actual list of planned features," he wrote.
Other Revenue Streams for Bluesky
Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber has pointed out other efforts that the company could consider to generate revenue. These include:
- Selling domain names: A marketplace where users can purchase and sell unique domain names.
- A marketplace of algorithms: A platform that would allow developers to share and sell their algorithms, potentially making it easier for users to access advanced features.
- Selling ads: Bluesky could generate revenue by displaying targeted advertisements within the app.
Conclusion
Bluesky’s subscription model is taking shape, with possible features that could rival X. While some of these features may not make it into the final product, there are indications that the company is considering a robust offering for its premium users. With a growing user base and increasing competition in the social media space, Bluesky will need to differentiate itself and offer unique value to its subscribers.
