Bluesky & VTubers: A Guide to Growth, Long-Term

Please note: Given my background as an 18+ ASMRist, certain images may discuss adult material or show characters in suggestive poses. There is also discussion on shadowbanning and algorithmic suppression of NSFW material on other social media platforms. While no explicit imagery is shown, this article is intended for a mature audience. (BG artwork by Ravine Lux )

It's a common problem. Many VTubers try to make the jump to Bluesky and struggle to grow their accounts. I can't entirely blame them for becoming discouraged, as Bluesky works very differently from Twitter and other social media platforms; algorithm-centric growth strategies tend to underperform on Bluesky. Yet there are very few guides, signposts, and tutorials provided to Bluesky newcomers, explaining how the platform's microblogging experience differs from Twitter's.

I understand many Twitter-to-Bluesky transplants feel immense frustration getting started on Bluesky. Your follower count may stay low for your first couple weeks, or engagement may feel dead for far too long. This article will help VTubers get out of the early Bluesky account doldrums, providing advice for larger, overarching strategies that will lead to long-term growth on the site.

Why should you post on Bluesky?

Statistics via SimilarWeb, as reported Jan. 24th, 2026

You do not have to solely use Bluesky. However, there are many reasons why investing in Bluesky is a good idea in 2026:

Bluesky's monthly traffic for December 2025 was 133.4 million , making it equivalent to Tumblr (133.3 million) and Patreon (131.5 million) in terms of visits. It is a huge site

Compared to Twitter, engagement rates are proportionally stronger for smaller creators on Bluesky — once they are established within the site's content ecosystem

Links are not suppressed, granting content creators the ability to easily promote their off-site pages without facing algorithmic punishment

Combined with higher engagement rates, this creates a strong revenue stream for small creators

AT Protocol, which hosts Bluesky, will likely play home to other apps and services in the 2020s. Already, there is a Twitch alternative and a Spaces alternative . Now is a good time to learn more about the open network

How, exactly, does Bluesky work?

A technical depiction of AT Protocol, which Bluesky is a part of. You do not need to understand all of the above, just know that AT Protocol is a unique open network structure compared to the functioning behind your traditional social media network

Like Twitter, Bluesky is a microblogging website. Users can post photos, videos, and short form text. There are likes, RTs, and QRTs. The platform offers an algorithmic discovery feed, hashtags, intense political discourse, and a knack for drama. But Bluesky is less a "Twitter alternative" and more a "Twitter reimagining." This is where Bluesky's underlying technical design philosophy comes into play.

Bluesky operates on the Authenticated Transfer Protocol, a decentralized network protocol developed by Bluesky Social PBC. AT Protocol allows for the creation of various distributed platforms and services operating via the network's framework. One account can be used for many services on AT Proto (you're reading this article from an AT Proto blogging service called Leaflet), as a given account holder's user data repository is hosted on a Personal Data Server within the network. This data is then shared with other parts of the network. AT Proto is built to offer a social media experience that puts more control in users' hands. For example, users can take their user data repository and transfer it to a Personal Data Server separate from Bluesky Social PBC ownership.

Just as user-oriented control is key to AT Protocol's technical back-end, this is also true of Bluesky's UX design. A blocked user cannot see any content from those they've blocked and vice-versa. Users can turn off QRTs on their posts or detach their post from any QRT. Posters can create their own label systems for identifying different accounts, and they can develop "Starter Packs" for recommending users that post content around a specific hobby or genre. Users can even set their Bluesky handle to a domain they own through DNS verification.

While Bluesky's leadership often finds itself at odds with the site's userbase, the platform does not algorithmically penalize accounts that post content abiding by its ToS. Instead of Twitter's three content warning flags ("nudity," "violence," and "sensitive"), which are often algorithmic death sentences leading to shadowbanning, Bluesky does not implement an NSFW-based shadowbanning system. Rather, moderation labels are primarily intended to help filter out content on a specific user's side, not the larger network. Moderation labels are more granular in nature, with user-chosen tags like "suggestive" material, "nudity," "adult" content, or "graphic content." Again, there is no punishment for creating adult content on Bluesky, though new users must turn on NSFW content visibility in their settings.

A demonstration of the content warning tagging system on Bluesky

It's often said that Bluesky does not use an algorithm to show content, but this is not entirely true. Every new Bluesky account starts with a "Discover," "Following," and "Video" feed. The Discover feed is an algorithmic prediction of content you may enjoy based on your account activity, while the Following section is a chronological order of posts by accounts you follow. However, Bluesky's Discover feed carries much less influence with users than Twitter's "For you." Instead, Bluesky leadership encourages posters to create and subscribe to their own user-generated feeds. In 2023, Bluesky described this feature as "an open marketplace" that rejects a "black box algorithm that leaves users guessing how posts are ranked or how to get to the 'top' of an algorithm." Popular Feeds include "For You," a "personalized algorithmic feed based on your likes," and "Popular With Friends," which features "a mix of popular content from accounts you follow and content that your follows like."

In short, AT Protocol is an open network design that includes Bluesky, and the goals of the former have led to a quasi-decentralized social media platform that encourages users to actively curate and customize their social media experience. Therefore, a lot about Bluesky is DIY. You, as a user, are expected to fill in the blanks. You must seek out the feeds that work best for you, look for the users that fit your style, and curate the content that appears on your timeline.

What does this mean for VTubers new to Bluesky?

For smaller creators, promotional material may perform better on Bluesky. This is only the case after a small creator has established themselves in the Bluesky content ecosystem

Bluesky is several years old now, which means there is an established culture on the platform. And that culture decidedly rejects algorithmic social media. Bluesky users prefer a return to more traditional microblogging experiences, celebrating the friends and artists they meet within their own community or subculture. This is where most new users fail. They move into the neighborhood, unaware that they need to meet the neighbors. Then they wonder why no one has shown up to their housewarming.

In other words, the chronological Following feed is one of the most popular — and important — parts of day-to-day life on Bluesky.

On Twitter, people will stumble across you and follow you algorithmically. You do not need to "meet the neighbors." You just need to post, reply, QRT, and create content fine-tuned for engagement within your field (from memes to "engagement baiting" questions). The best way to grow on Twitter is to create content that increases your likelihood of ending up in someone's For you section.

This is antithetical to Bluesky's appeal.

While Bluesky does have content algorithms, it is NOT built on algorithmic discoverability. Unless you are already a popular content creator, journalist, game developer, or so on, no one will come looking for you just because you have posted on Bluesky. If you want to grow on Bluesky, you have to join the subcultures and communities on Bluesky. The algorithm will not take you to the finish line. Only you can do that.

If you want to successfully integrate with others on Bluesky, you need to meet other Bluesky users. That's it. For smaller creators who are already struggling on Twitter, you will begin to see a higher engagement rate on Bluesky as your posts show up in users' Following feeds. However, you should not expect early returns on Bluesky. You need to be an active participant on Bluesky for three to six months, treating the site like one of your daily social media hubs. Only then will you begin to actually gain follows, influence, traffic, and revenue from Bluesky.

Bluesky is primarily a networking site

Memes and cool art are always welcome. But if you want to grow on Bluesky, you need to be sociable. You need to reply to other VTubers and let people know that you like their work. You need to show up to Bluesky VTubers' streams and comment on their YouTube videos. You need to be an active community presence that posts regularly. Not just to promote yourself, but to uplift others.

In short, if you want integrate into the pre-existing VTuber community on Bluesky, you have to show an interest in other VTubers, VTuber artists, and VTuber fans on Bluesky.

Let me be clear. Genuity is king on Bluesky. You should be reaching out to other users based on a legitimate interest in what they are doing and creating. You should be engaging with Bluesky's VTubers, creators, and fans because you want to get to know the neighborhood, not because the neighborhood is a stepping stone to financial mobility. If you come to Bluesky with a growth-only mindset, you will likely fail to grow on Bluesky. You will not maintain consistency long-term.

But if you are interested in treating Bluesky as a place to meet new people and learn from them? You will grow. In the end, people will follow you if they find you to be a legitimately interesting, insightful, and kind-hearted individual. You do not have to be an extrovert, but you do have to be curious about other users on the site.

I understand Bluesky has a reputation for political content and strong opinions (something I address in the final section). I also understand that a lot of VTubers struggle with social anxiety. If you feel particularly intimidated moving to Bluesky on your own, I recommend inviting several other VTubers to join you for the journey, as this will provide exponential benefits to your entire group.

For example, let's say six ASMR VTubers ("VTuber A - F") create Bluesky accounts and RT each others' work. VTuber A meets a long-time Bluesky VTuber and the two become fast friends, regularly RTing one another. This gains VTuber A new followers and new collab opportunities. However, because VTuber A is already promoting and interacting with VTubers B through F, the other five VTubers will benefit from VTuber A's success — some of A's new followers will also check out B through F.

In short, if you create a mini promo group with other new Bluesky VTubers, you're likely to share the fruits of your hard work with each other if one of you quickly integrates into Bluesky's larger VTubing scene.

Post regularly and engage with community discussions

Whenever Twitter VTubers report that their engagement rate is very low on Bluesky, the same exact pattern emerges: Their "Replies" section has gone to waste. These VTubers are posting memes, artwork, or stream announcements, but they aren't actively engaging with discussions happening on the platform. To continue our metaphor, this is like moving into the neighborhood, introducing yourself, and avoiding any opportunities for small talk with your neighbors. No wonder why you aren't getting any party invites!

Bluesky is a very conversation-heavy site. Its users want to learn what other people think. If you want to increase engagement on Bluesky, you need to tap into your niche's conversation topics and share your opinions.

This DOES NOT MEAN you have to create political content, comment on drama, or become a newstuber. However, you should be on the look out for opportunities to weigh in on low-stakes or relatively inoffensive topics of conversation and share your thoughts. Repeatedly replying to users discussing subculture topics can create a snowball effect over time, increasing your visibility and brand recognition. In some cases, a take may be retweeted, gain you new follows, or you may even go viral within your niche. As long as you engage with genuine interest, you're set for success.

Again, you do not need to serve up "hot takes" to grow on Bluesky. You can just generally comment on things happening in VTubing or your specific content niche. For example, 2wintails turned to Bluesky to promote her new Live2D customizable model, so I offered some analysis of the affordability and accessibility of customizable VTubers . In another instance, I commented that some VTubers should advertise to individuals that are not traditional VTuber viewers . A simple, straightforward take is all that's needed to turn a head or two.

Please note, new Bluesky users need to maximize their chances for visibility on the platform. If you want to gain some love, you're going to have to work for it. Alongside your standard promotional material and artwork, you should aim to post commentary or a QRT at least once a day. This will significantly increase your likelihood of being retweeted, QRTed, and/or replied to, three major ways that can lead to an increase in followers.

Remember, you do not have to engage in political discussions to benefit from posting "takes." As I demonstrated above, saying an inoffensive opinion like "customizable VTubers are great for affordability" or "you should advertise to your niche" can earn you a follow or two.

Hashtags mean something on Bluesky

Via BlueFacts, the top 12 hashtags on Bluesky over the past 30 days. Data taken Jan. 24th, 2026

Bluesky isn't an algorithm-centric site, but hashtags do play an important role in discoverability. Yes, not every post uses a hashtag, nor are hashtags the only way to snag new followers. But using them can increase your visibility, and regularly checking relevant hashtags can introduce you to new accounts to follow.

BlueFacts tracks a list of popular Bluesky hashtags , and as of this article's writing (Jan. 24th, 2026) you'll be pleasantly surprised to note that "#vtuber" is listed as Bluesky's 11th most popular hashtag in the past 30 days. BlueFacts' associated hashtag list is a great place to start for further VTuber tags, but don't let this limit you. Use tags within your specific content niche as well. For example, if your VTubing career involves themes like "#furry," "#dnd," "#ttrpg," "#GenshinImpact," and "#deltarune" , then you're in luck: Each of these hashtags are some of the most popular on the site. I recommend using BlueFacts' tag page for additional research.

Do be mindful that suggestive, nude, and adult content should be tagged whenever posted, especially if you're posting in a tag that may feature a mix of SFW and NSFW posts.

Like Twitter, Bluesky also hosts a post search system. Alongside hashtags, don't forget to use relevant search terms to allow your content to be seen by users eager for "yandere ASMR" or a "yuri VTuber." A little SEO goes a long way on Bluesky.

"I don't know who to follow and I don't know where to start?"

Starter Packs are a fantastic way to follow a wide assortment of users in your given niche. For general VTuber starter packs, Kusakave's Twitch VTuber Creator Club is really good, as is Melody's ENVTuber packs . If you're looking for creators and users in your subgenre, like ASMR or gaming, I recommend visiting the Bluesky Starter Packs website and searching for keywords to find more accounts. Typing in "ASMR" sent me to Yuzuki Yuu's ASMR VTubers starter pack , for example. Keep in mind that some accounts may be more active than others, and some lists may feature VTubers that are dormant on Bluesky.

The aforementioned use of hashtags is vital to Bluesky. Using these tags can introduce you to VTubers actively posting on the platform. You can also try search terms like "VTuber," "VTubing," and "ENVTubing" to find more creators.

When in doubt, you should also check and see if some of your favorite VTubers are on Bluesky. Some popular VTubers crosspost to Bluesky or run a separate and distinct account. At the very least, you may receive the same updates and announcements as you would on Twitter. For example, here's Podgekinn on Bluesky!

SVA's Yomi Quinnley is also pretty active on the platform as well.

Quality of life notes and addressing some Bluesky myths

Some final points to address for those interested in making the most out of their Bluesky experience. First, I'll start with general posting advice:

Three to six months is a rough estimate for significant long-term growth on Bluesky. It is important to stress that you should not expect major returns within your first few weeks. The most important thing, as with all things in VTubing, is consistency. You will grow faster on Bluesky if you network with more people, post more frequently, and are generally engaged with Bluesky's various communities

Links are never suppressed on Bluesky. You do not need to post links in replies. Videos are not suppressed based on performance either. Be warned, at this time, there is a 100MB video upload limit and a max limit of three minutes

Bluesky has now implemented the "Go live" feature for Twitch. To access, head to your Bluesky account page, click the "..." button next to "Edit Profile," then select "Go live." This feature works similarly to Twitter's Live border on your PFP, except it allows users to link out to Twitch directly. This is a huge way to increase engagement to your Twitch directly from Bluesky

Likes are publicly visible on Bluesky. Be careful what you like, as others may see it

Because nuclear blocks intensely limit visibility, some users are offended if they are blocked out of the blue. Please consider whether muting a user may be more appropriate to avoid drama

Remember to use alt text when posting images and videos. This is a core part of Bluesky's culture. It may feel awkward at first, but it takes just a few seconds to fill in

Adult content is not algorithmically suppressed on Bluesky. Nor are links. This makes Bluesky extremely friendly to small, growing content creators

Next, let me address some common myths and misconceptions about Bluesky:

"Censorship is a major problem on Bluesky, a lot of adult material available on Twitter is banned on Bluesky"

In fall 2025, there were significant concerns about changes to the Community Guidelines . At first blush, new language appeared to limit adult artwork that depicted fictional noncon material. The current Community Guidelines state: "We do not allow sexual content involving non-consensual activity including synthetic, simulated, illustrated, or animated versions."

This verbiage remains in Bluesky's guidelines, although noncon artists, erotica writers, and audio performers have not been impacted by the change — staff has stressed that the new language was an update in phrasing to pre-existing moderation patterns. In other words, fictional depictions of dubcon and noncon are de facto allowed on Bluesky at this time.

"Users are commonly censored and labeled 'Rude' for using curse words or having strong opinions"

This is not true. The Rude label is given to accounts that commonly post "crude language and disrespectful comments, without constructive purpose." Yes, accounts can be slapped with "Rude" unfairly (the label is admittedly silly). However, getting into an argument with someone on Bluesky will not lead to an automatic Rude label. Generally users are labeled Rude if they show a repeated pattern of impolite and hostile behavior.

Under default moderation settings on the Bluesky app, users are warned that a user is labeled "Rude" before their post is shown, but Rude users' posts can still be seen (though their replies may be hidden to posts). You can turn off the Rude moderation option in settings.

"Porn on Bluesky is pretty bad, there isn't much of it"

Bluesky has a bustling NSFW scene complete with adult models, NSFW artists, erotica writers, ASMRists, and lewdtubers. Algorithmic censorship does not impact adult creators on Bluesky, although users are asked to manually label material considered "suggestive," "adult," or featuring "nudity." Otherwise, Bluesky is well known for hosting a lot of pornography, although account-level moderation settings allow users to (mostly) avoid it if they'd prefer not to see it.

Many adult creators rely on Bluesky financially.

"Bluesky is primarily a political site with a left-leaning audience, only political content does well on Bluesky. You are expected to post certain political content"

It is absolutely true that Bluesky has a left-leaning audience. It's also true that political hashtags are some of the most popular on Bluesky. However, the site has a wide assortment of content creators that do not create political content or engage in political discussion. Although many popular users are politically-oriented, you do not have to be an expert in Keir Starmer, NATO, and the U.S. Constitution in order to gain a following on Bluesky.

You are never expected to post about political issues on Bluesky. No one will knock on your door and demand a politics post tax. You can be a successful Bluesky content creator without ever liking, RTing, or creating posts about political issues.

"AI content scraping is an issue on Bluesky, it is worse than Twitter"

Demonstrably false. Twitter is owned by xAI, and Grok engages in content scraping of the entire site. Bluesky has no Grok equivalent and runs no AI scraper directly connected to AT Protocol. In other words, the risk of AI content scraping is lower than Twitter's but on par with any other site on the web.

Users can opt in to logged out visibility, which means an AI scraper without immediate access to Bluesky or AT Protocol would not necessarily see your content. Note that this does not protect you from AI scraping entirely.

"It is difficult to make an income off Bluesky"

The goal of this article is to teach users how to raise their follower count and their engagement rate. Links are not suppressed on Bluesky, which means smaller content creators are more likely to convert their Bluesky followers into paying customers off-site. Proportionally, Bluesky has a superior engagement rate for followers thanks to the Following feed.

As your engagement rate grows, you will have an easier time gaining sales, subscriptions, and commissions from Bluesky alone. However, this will take time. Allow your account to grow at its own pace. Otherwise, Bluesky users are just as generous as Twitter users.

Lastly, for the nitty gritty of improving your follower count and engagement rate

This article focused on a more macro, bird's-eye view perspective on Bluesky social media strategy. For digging into specific decisions that should be made on a day-to-day level, I highly recommend Blake's growth guide . While aimed at artists, her leaflet article includes a wide assortment of suggestions, tips, and tools perfect for VTubers as well.

How to grow your Bluesky art account - The Sea, You See?

There's plenty of fish in the sea...

Blake's guide unpacks a lot of specific strategies that can help boost engagement. These include sharing content in an accessible manner, using quote reposts for resharing artwork, reaching out to Starter Pack creators for inclusion, setting up your Bluesky profile for optimal advertising, and improving links on Bluesky posts for better readability.