Bluesky Character Limit 2026: Posts, Bio & Alt Text Guide

Bluesky has become a serious contender in the social media space, built on the decentralized AT Protocol. I've been using it since the invite-only days, and what I appreciate most is its simplicity — 300 characters per post, same for everyone, no premium tiers to unlock more.

Here's everything you need to know about Bluesky character limits, plus what I've learned about making the most of them.

Character Limit Overview

Complete reference for all Bluesky limits:

Post Limits: 300 Characters

Bluesky posts are 300 characters max. That's 20 more than Twitter's free tier (280), but the real difference is that this limit applies to everyone equally. No premium tier buys you more characters.

What Counts Toward the Limit

• Text: Letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation
• Emojis: Usually 1-2 characters each (Unicode length)
• Mentions: The full @handle including domain
• Line breaks: Each counts as a character

What Doesn't Count

• Links: URLs display as cards, don't eat your characters
• Images: Attached media is separate
• Quote posts: The quoted content is separate from your 300

The 300-Character Philosophy

I actually like the constraint. It forces clarity:

• Get to the point: No room for fluff
• Encourage engagement: Short posts get read and shared
• Drive conversation: Replies and threads extend the discussion

Profile & Bio Limits

Bio (256 Characters)

256 characters is more generous than most platforms. Use it well:

• What you post about
• Location or timezone if relevant
• Pronouns if you want
• Other handles or your website
• Line breaks for readability

Display Name (64 Characters)

64 characters for your display name. You can use:

• Unicode characters and emojis
• Spaces and special characters
• Non-Latin alphabets

Many people add emojis or indicators to their names for visibility. It's a common way to signal interests or affiliations on Bluesky.

Handle (253 Characters)

Technically 253 characters, but most handles are much shorter. The default format is @username.bsky.social.

Custom domains: Bluesky lets you verify your identity with a custom domain. Instead of @yourname.bsky.social, you can be @yourdomain.com. This adds credibility and is unique to the platform.

Media & Alt Text Limits

Images

• Per post: Up to 4 images
• Formats: JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF
• File size: Up to 1MB per image
• Dimensions: Flexible, auto-resized

Alt Text (2,000 Characters)

This is where Bluesky really stands out. 2,000 characters for alt text per image — double what most platforms offer. This lets you:

• Write detailed descriptions for screen reader users
• Describe visual elements, text, and context thoroughly
• Include info that enhances the post for everyone
• Add relevant context not visible in the image

Always add alt text. Even brief descriptions help. Bluesky's generous limit makes this easy.

Videos

• Per post: 1 video
• Length: Up to 60 seconds
• File size: Up to 50MB
• Formats: MP4, MOV

Link Cards

When you share a link, Bluesky generates a preview card with:

• Page title
• Description/excerpt
• Thumbnail (if available)
• Domain name

Links don't count against your 300 characters, so share freely.

Threading for Longer Content

300 characters not enough? Thread it. Bluesky supports threads by replying to your own posts.

Creating a Thread

1. Post your first message
2. Reply to it with the next part
3. Continue replying to build the thread
4. Each post can have its own images/links

Thread Best Practices

• Number your posts: 1/, 2/, 3/ helps readers follow
• Make each standalone: Someone might see post 3 first
• Hook with the opener: Make people want to read more
• Keep it reasonable: Very long threads lose readers
• End with a summary: Wrap up effectively

When to Thread vs Single Post

• Single post: Quick thoughts, reactions, simple shares
• Thread: Stories, tutorials, explanations, detailed takes

Bluesky vs Twitter vs Threads

How does Bluesky compare to the competition?

Bluesky's post limit is shorter, but the 2,000-character alt text and decentralized architecture appeal to users who prioritize accessibility and open protocols. For more comparisons, see our guides on Twitter/X limits and Threads limits.

Tips for Effective Bluesky Posts

Maximize Your 300 Characters

1. Start strong: Lead with your main point or hook
2. Use abbreviations wisely: Common ones are fine, obscure ones confuse
3. Embrace brevity: Short, punchy posts often perform best
4. Edit ruthlessly: Cut unnecessary words

Engagement Strategies

• Ask questions: Encourage replies and discussion
• Share opinions: Takes drive engagement
• Use custom feeds: Find and join relevant communities
• Quote thoughtfully: Add value when amplifying others

Accessibility Best Practices

• Always add alt text: Use the generous 2,000-character limit
• Describe thoroughly: Include text, context, and mood
• Avoid text in images: Or describe it in alt text
• CamelCase hashtags: #LikeThis improves screen reader pronunciation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bluesky character limit?

300 characters per post. This applies to all users — there's no premium tier with higher limits. For longer content, create threads by replying to yourself.

What is the Bluesky bio character limit?

256 characters, which is more than Twitter's 160. Plenty of room to describe yourself, share interests, and tell people what you post about.

How long can Bluesky alt text be?

2,000 characters per image — the most generous of any major platform. This makes Bluesky excellent for accessibility. Take advantage of it.

Can I create threads on Bluesky?

Yes. Reply to your own posts to chain them together. Number your posts (1/, 2/, 3/) to help readers follow. There's no built-in thread composer, but replying works well.

How does Bluesky compare to Twitter character limits?

Bluesky: 300 characters for everyone. Twitter: 280 free, 25,000 for Premium. Bluesky doesn't charge for features, but you need threading for longer content.

Will Bluesky increase the character limit?

They've discussed it. The 300-character limit is intentional to encourage concise communication. Threading handles longer content. Check their official announcements for updates.