Can Bluesky be the next big thing for photographers?

Platforms like Instagram, that used to be photographer’s heaven, are now ad-saturated chaos driven solely by algorithm. Enter Bluesky—a microblogging platform that’s gaining traction as people look for alternatives to Twitter (or Threads, depending on which sinking ship you prefer).

Can it be a new safe space for photographers, too? In his recent video, Andy Hutchinson explores it, giving you six major reasons why you should consider sharing your photos on this relatively new platform.

What is Bluesky, anyway?

Bluesky started under Twitter’s wing in 2019, when its then-CEO Jack Dorsey first the initiative on Twitter (now X) to explore the possibility of decentralizing the platform. His goal was to find or developing an open and decentralized standard for social media that would give users more control over their data and experience.

By early 2021, Bluesky entered a research phase with 50 members from the decentralized technology community assessing options and assembling proposals, ultimately leading to the hiring of Jay Graber in August 2021 to lead the project and develop the “Authenticated Data Experiment” (ADX), a custom-built protocol for decentralization.

Fast forward to 2024, it seems to me that everyone’s talking about Bluesky, at least in my little bubble. However, it’s still gaining momentum, so now is the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon if you want to promote your work there and engage in the community.

1. A friendlier, supportive community

Andy describes Bluesky as having a similar feel to “pre-Nazi early Twitter” (his words, not mine). The vibe is relaxed and supportive, and you’re more likely to stumble upon photographers sharing inspiring work rather than sharing one-second reels because that’s what algorithm likes today.

As I mentioned, Bluesky is still growing, which means you have a chance to get in early and help shape the culture. Commenting on other photographers’ posts, sharing insights, and actually engaging with people can build genuine connections here—not just empty likes. It’s social media as it should be: a place to discover, connect, and grow.

2. Custom domains = personal branding

Here’s a tip straight from Andy: on Bluesky, you can use your own domain name as your handle. For example, instead of looking like “@andyhutchinson.bsky.social,” it can be something like “@andyhutchinson.com.” It’s a simple but powerful way to promote your brand and personal website.

3. It’s built for photographers

Bluesky handles images well—and this matters when your art is visual. Andy points out a few quirks to note:

• Metadata gets stripped: When you upload photos, Bluesky removes EXIF data (like location or camera settings). That’s great for privacy but annoying if you want to share the technical details. A quick workaround? Include settings or stories in your captions instead.
• Multiple images per post: This feature is fantastic for photographers. Use it for photo series, different angles, or themed collections. Andy emphasizes starting strong: your first image acts as a hook, so choose wisely to grab attention.
• Automated posting: If you’re not one for daily uploads, Bluesky integrates with scheduling tools like Buffer, allowing you to stack up posts and keep your feed active while you’re out shooting.

4. Chronological feeds = more visibility

Another great news is that Bluesky actually has chronological feed. You see posts from people you follow in the order they posted it — simple as that.

There are also custom feeds, which Andy describes as “curated channels.” Imagine feeds focused on street photography, landscapes, portraits—you name it. You can follow pre-made photography feeds or even create your own if you’re tech-savvy. It’s a great way to target your ideal audience without fighting a mysterious algorithm no one seems to understand.

5. A focus on authentic engagement

Bluesky rewards real interaction over empty “likes” or gaming the system. Photos that spark conversations tend to get more visibility, and the growing community appreciates meaningful engagement. If you take the time to comment thoughtfully on others’ work, they’ll likely return the favor.

One heads-up from Andy: keep an eye out for the usual “aggregating accounts” that repost content without credit. You know the ones that rack up followers with stolen photos and videos. Bluesky gives you control to block them early, which Andy recommends doing to keep your experience positive.

6. Starter packs for instant communities

Bluesky introduces a cool feature called starter packs. Think of these as curated galleries of accounts under a common theme, like “Australian photographers” or “urban explorers.” The best part? Anyone can make one.

Starter packs make it easier to find your tribe and get discovered by others. If you see one that aligns with your style, you can follow every photographer listed with a single click. It’s a fast, effective way to build a like-minded community around your niche.

Final thoughts: It’s social media, but civilized (almost)

Andy doesn’t mince words when he talks about the flaws of traditional social platforms, but he sees something refreshing in Bluesky. With a clean interface, chronological feeds, and a photography-friendly vibe, it feels like a step toward a better social media experience—one where you don’t have to sacrifice your sanity to share your art. At least for now.

So, is Bluesky the next big thing or another flash in the pan like Vero? Andy doesn’t know, and honestly, neither do I. But if you’re fed up with the chaos of other platforms, it’s worth a shot. Bring your best images, engage with the community, and give it a try. You might just find the supportive, inspiring space you’ve been searching for. And if you’re already on Bluesky, drop your handle in the comments and connect with each other.

[Bluesky for Photographers via FStoppers]