Content Writer at SocialBee
Thinking about posting on Bluesky but don’t want to get tangled up in the fine print? I’ve got you.
In this material, I’ll walk you through all the content types one can post on Bluesky: photos, videos, GIFs, or text. I’ll cover the essentials, like character limits, ideal image sizes, and how to make your profile cover photo look just right.
Ready to make your Bluesky posts stand out? Let’s dive in!
Streamline your marketing with an efficient social media strategy template.
Short Summary
- Text posts on Bluesky have a 300-character limit, so it’s all about keeping your messages short and impactful. Stick to one main idea per post to make the most of your words.
- For a clean and professional look, use a 400 x 400 pixel image for your profile picture and a 1500 x 500 pixel image for your profile banner.
- Yes, you can post videos and GIFs on Bluesky. Accepted video formats are MP4 and MOV, and GIFs should ideally be under 5 MB for smooth loading. Both options are great for adding movement to your feed.
- High-resolution, clear images, and videos make your content look polished. Use standard ratios (like 4:5 for portrait images or 16:9 for landscape) and keep file sizes reasonable for faster loading.
- While Bluesky doesn’t offer native post scheduling, you can use a tool like SocialBee to schedule your images and videos in advance. This way, you can post at optimal times without needing to be online.
What types of posts can you share on Bluesky?
Bluesky offers a few ways to share your ideas and connect with others. Each format, however, comes with its own guidelines, so let’s explore them separately.
Here are the four types of content you can share on Bluesky:
- Text content
- Images
- Videos
- GIFs
1. Posting text content on Bluesky
Text posts are the main way to get your ideas out there on Bluesky. Sharing a quick update, sparking a conversation, or asking a thought-provoking question? Text posts make it easy to connect with your audience.
Here’s a quick post example from Bluesky themselves:
Bluesky leans toward short, impactful messages, so think of each post as a quick snapshot of your thoughts—no need for lengthy explanations.
Bluesky’s community appreciates genuine, straightforward voices. Try different styles—whether it’s professional, casual, or a little witty—to see what feels right and what your followers respond to best. You might be surprised at what clicks.
Keep it tight: Bluesky character limit
Bluesky has a 300-character limit per post, so being concise is a must. Think of this limit as a way to make your message punchier.
Start with your main point, and if there’s room, add a bit more. Skip the fluff, and if you need to say more, break it up into multiple posts. The character limit may feel tight, but it actually helps you stay focused. Before posting, give the entire content a quick read to make sure every word counts and your message is clear.
Best practices for posting text content on Bluesky
Here are some tips for writing better concise posts:
- Focus your message on the one key takeaway you want your audience to remember.
- Remember that when tagging someone in your post, the domain (i.e. “.bsky.social”) will be part of the character count.
- When you paste a link into Bluesky, there should be an option that pops up at the bottom of the post window that says “Add link card”. Hit that and it’ll put that preview option at the bottom, and you can delete the link itself from your text if you want.
- Using active voice makes your message shorter and clearer. For example, say “We’re hosting a webinar” instead of “A webinar will be hosted by us.”
- To save character space in your Bluesky post, use abbreviations and acronyms familiar to your audience, like “IT” for “Information Technology.”
- Eliminate filler words that don’t add value. Instead of “I think it’s important to note that…,” go straight to the point.
2. Posting images on Bluesky
Images are a great way to make your Bluesky profile more engaging. Whether it’s a photo, a graphic, or something eye-catching, well-chosen visuals can really elevate your posts.
Here’s a quick guide to getting the right look for image posts, profile pictures, and banners:
Image posts specifications
While Bluesky doesn’t have strict size requirements, sticking to common ratios like 4:5 (portrait) or 16:9 (landscape) ensures your images display well across different devices. For image posts, focus on clear, high-quality visuals. Bluesky supports high-resolution images, so go for sharp, clean photos or graphics.
Here’s a quick image from The Onion:
It has a landscape format, a clear font, and an even more clear call-to-action. You surely know what to do next.
PRO TIP
Ever find yourself scrambling to post at the right time on Bluesky, or maybe missing peak hours altogether? Timing can make or break engagement, but constantly being online to post isn’t always realistic. And Bluesky doesn’t make things easier, as you can’t schedule your posts ahead natively.
You can solve this by scheduling your Bluesky images with SocialBee. With SocialBee, you can plan out your content in advance, set it, and forget it—letting you stay consistent without the stress.
You can focus on creating quality posts, while SocialBee handles the publishing for you!
Bluesky profile picture specifications
For a clear and polished look on Bluesky, use a 400 x 400 pixels square image as your profile picture. Choose something that truly represents you, as this image is a big part of how others will see you on the platform.
If you’re using a logo or graphic, keep it high-res and centered so nothing important gets cut off. Since your profile picture is the first thing people notice, pick something brand-related.
Bluesky profile banner specifications
For a standout banner, use a 1500 x 500 pixels image. This size gives you ample space to showcase a landscape, product shot, or creative graphic that reflects who you are.
For your banner to look good on any device, keep the main part centered and avoid placing key details near the edges—they could get clipped. A clean, high-quality banner makes your profile look polished and welcoming, encouraging people to check it out.
Best practices for posting images on Bluesky
Here are some tips to optimize your Bluesky images:
- Add text overlays to visuals as a way to convey key messages, especially when character limits are a concern.
- Stick with popular image ratios like 4:5 (portrait) or 16:9 (landscape) to ensure your images display well across devices.
- Choose a consistent color theme that aligns with your brand to create a unified look.
- For profile pictures, a 400 x 400 pixel square image is ideal for clear recognition.
- For banners, go for a 1500 x 500 pixel image, centering key details to maximize visibility.
- Focus on eye-catching design elements that capture attention, like bold typography or contrasting colors.
- Use consistent templates for your visuals to maintain a cohesive style.
PRO TIP
Creating a unified look can be challenging, especially when managing multiple visuals. Thanks to SocialBee‘s Canva integration, you can easily create and use templates, making it simple to maintain a consistent style across all your Bluesky posts. This way, you’ll spend less time designing and more time engaging with your audience.
Design your Bluesky posts with SocialBee and Canva!
3. Posting videos on Bluesky
Breaking news! If you were wondering “can you post videos on Bluesky?”, the answer’s simple: yes, you can!
Videos are a great way to add some flair to your Bluesky profile. Sharing one video with a quick tip, showing off a product or new features, or adding a bit of fun and pop culture in your content can grab attention in a way photos and text can’t.
While news-focused, here’s an example of video posted by The Washington Post:
To keep your videos looking sharp, here’s a quick guide on formats, file sizes, and some easy tips to make your content pop.
Accepted video formats and file size limits on Bluesky
When it comes to video restrictions, you can only upload videos under a minute on Bluesky. The platform accepts common formats like MP4 and MOV, so most videos should upload without a hitch. To keep things running smoothly, aim for a file size under 100 MB.
Best practices for posting video content on Bluesky
When it comes to videos on Bluesky, a few small tweaks can make a big difference in how they’re received.
Here are some quick tips to help your Bluesky videos look and perform their best:
- Keep it short. Upload videos under a minute long (ideally 30 to 60 seconds). Short, engaging clips keep your followers interested after auto play, without dragging on.
- Hook viewers right away. When you share videos, start them with a surprising fact, question, or eye-catching moment in the first few seconds to capture attention.
- Add captions. Since many Bluesky users watch videos without sound, captions help ensure everyone can follow along. When you attach subtitles, you also make your content more accessible.
- Stay transparent. You can apply labels to your own videos, for example, for adult content.
- Loop your videos. For continuous viewing, consider looping your video. It’s an easy way to reinforce your message and increase watch time.
4. Posting GIFs on Bluesky
So, can you post GIFs on Bluesky? Yes, and they’re a great way to bring some energy to your posts. GIFs can add humor, express reactions, or just make your content a little more dynamic.
If you’re looking to add some movement to your feed, here’s what you need to know about posting GIFs on Bluesky.
Supported GIF formats and size restrictions on Bluesky
Bluesky supports standard GIF files (.gif). While you can’t upload GIFs of your own, you have a huge gallery from Tenor to choose from for your next Bluesky post.
How to effectively use GIFs in your Bluesky posts
To use GIFs to their fullest, follow these steps:
- GIFs can do a lot more than just look cool. Post GIFs to emphasize a point, react to something, or add a bit of humor that supports your message.
- Make sure your GIFs align with the vibe of your profile. A well-chosen GIF that matches your brand can reinforce your message and make your content feel cohesive.
- Bluesky users scroll fast, so choose a GIF with an eye-catching first frame to stop them in their tracks.
Common mistakes to avoid when posting content on Bluesky
Bluesky is a great platform to share your thoughts, connect with others, and build your online presence, but like any social network, there are a few common missteps to avoid. To help you make the most out of your posts, we’ve rounded up some simple tips on what not to do.
Here are some common Bluesky pitfalls to avoid:
- Using the wrong image sizes
- Overloading with hashtags
- Skipping proofreading
- Neglecting to engage with your audience
- Ignoring Bluesky’s content guidelines
1. Using the wrong image sizes
Posting visuals on Bluesky? Make sure they’re the right size. Bluesky has specific dimensions for profile banners, images, and videos, and sticking to these guidelines keeps your visuals looking sharp and professional.
Oversized or poorly cropped images can look clunky and disrupt the flow of your feed. A well-sized image, on the other hand, instantly catches the eye and invites people to pause as they scroll.
Remember, visuals are often the first thing followers notice. So, if you’re sharing photos or graphics, take a moment to double-check their quality and dimensions. When in doubt, use simple tools to resize or crop images before posting. Trust me—those extra seconds of effort make a big difference in how polished your profile looks.
2. Overloading with hashtags
Hashtags can definitely help more people find your posts, but going overboard? That can make your content look spammy fast.
Bluesky as a platform is about keeping things simple and uncluttered. Stick to 2-3 hashtags that actually add something to your post instead of adding in every keyword you can think of.
For example, if you’re posting tips on remote work, you might use:
- #RemoteWork — Keeps your post relevant to the topic.
- #ProductivityTips — Reaches people interested in working smarter.
- #BusinessGrowth — Connects with those focused on scaling their business.
Avoid overloading with tags like #RemoteWork #Productivity #WorkFromHome #DigitalNomad #FreelanceLife #BusinessTips. It starts to look cluttered, and your message can get lost.
Here’s a quick example of good hashtag use:
The goal is simple: reach the right people without overdoing it. Choose hashtags that help, not hinder.
3. Skipping proofreading
Bluesky currently doesn’t have an edit button—once your post is live, it’s set in stone. This makes proofreading extra important.
Typos, grammar slips, or awkward wording can make your posts seem rushed or unpolished. A bit of attention to detail can make your content look much more professional. If your post is longer or more complex, try drafting it in a notes app first—this helps catch any mistakes and lets you polish your wording.
You can always delete and repost if needed, but a quick proofread can save you from the extra unnecessary work.
4. Neglecting to engage with your audience
One of the great things about Bluesky’s community is the chance to interact. It’s a smaller, more connected platform, so if you’re just posting and leaving, you’re missing out.
Take a few minutes to like, comment, quote posts and reply to mentions and direct messages—building connections keeps your profile active and interesting. Bluesky additionally shared that it’s still working on adding images via messaging and group chats, so there’ll be even more options for you to engage at your best.
Engagement doesn’t have to be a big commitment. A quick comment or like shows your followers you’re here to connect, not just broadcast. When you join conversations (both publicly and via direct messaging), your posts get more visibility, and your profile feels like part of the Bluesky community.
5. Ignoring Bluesky’s content guidelines
Like most social media networks, Bluesky has basic content and community guidelines to keep the space respectful. Avoid posting anything that could be seen as harmful, offensive, or explicit.
Bluesky says they have created “an ecosystem of moderation and open-source safety tools that gives communities power to create their own spaces, with their own norms and preferences”.
Staying within these rules isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about helping create a community people actually want to be a part of. If you see any illegal content or simply something that doesn’t belong to the platform, Bluesky lets you submit reports, so you’re part of keeping the vibe positive and safe.
Think of Bluesky’s community guidelines as setting the tone for how you interact with others. They’re there to help you—and everyone else—have a smooth experience. By following these simple rules, you’re not only keeping your profile in good standing, but you’re also contributing to a platform where people feel welcomed and respected.
If you repeatedly violate the guidelines by posting illegal content, however, please understand that your account might get disabled.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to make the most out of Bluesky as a social media platform?
In a nutshell, Bluesky gives you plenty of ways to share your thoughts and connect with others—whether through text, images, videos, or GIFs.
By following these simple guidelines for character limits, media sizes, and best practices, you can make sure your posts look polished and grab attention.
And if you’re looking to stay consistent without the stress of manual posting, you’re in luck! With SocialBee, you can schedule all your Bluesky content ahead of time. Start your 14-day free SocialBee trial!
