Social network Bluesky announced on Tuesday that it is increasing its Bluesky video limits to 10 minutes, a significant jump from the previous 3-minute maximum it raised last year. This update on Bluesky video limits brings the platform closer to competitors like TikTok, which also allows 10-minute videos recorded directly within the app. With these expanded Bluesky video limits, the company aims to create a more competitive video experience for its users and encourage greater content creation across its growing network.
The company detailed the new Bluesky video limits in a social media post, noting that users can now upload video files up to a maximum size of 300MB. This represents a substantial increase from the previous file size allowances, giving creators more flexibility to share higher-resolution content. Additionally, Bluesky has improved its upload speeds, claiming they are now 2x to 3x faster than before. These technical upgrades to Bluesky video limits are designed to make sharing longer, higher-quality content smoother and more efficient for creators and everyday users alike. The combination of longer duration, larger file capacity, and faster uploads makes this update one of the most significant changes to the platform’s video capabilities since its launch.
How the New Bluesky Video Limits Compare to Competitors
The new Bluesky video limits of 10 minutes put the platform ahead of some competitors while still trailing others in specific areas. Meta-owned rival Threads currently permits 5-minute videos on its site, making Bluesky’s offering twice as long for standard users. This gives Bluesky a clear advantage over Threads when it comes to video content creation and sharing.
Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) takes a different approach to Bluesky video limits by restricting free users to 140-second videos. However, X allows paying subscribers to upload 3- to 4-hour videos with file sizes up to 16GB. This tiered system means that while Bluesky’s free Bluesky video limits are more generous than X’s free offering, they do not match the extended capabilities available to X’s premium subscribers. X has also launched a new video editor to encourage users to upload original content on its platform, further intensifying competition in the social video space.
When comparing Bluesky video limits to TikTok, the two platforms are now on par, as TikTok also allows 10-minute videos recorded directly within its app. This parity is significant because it positions Bluesky as a viable alternative for creators who want to share longer-form video content without switching to a dedicated video platform. The updated Bluesky video limits effectively remove a major barrier that may have previously discouraged creators from choosing Bluesky as their primary sharing platform.
Benefits for the AT Protocol Ecosystem
These expanded Bluesky video limits extend beyond the main Bluesky app, creating opportunities across the entire AT Protocol ecosystem. Because the platform is built on the AT Protocol, an open-source framework, other applications running on this network will also inherit the new capabilities. Apps like Bluescreen, Reelo, and Skylight will now be able to serve longer videos to their users, benefiting from the improved Bluesky video limits without needing to develop their own video infrastructure.
This interoperability is one of the key advantages of the AT Protocol and demonstrates how changes to Bluesky video limits can have a multiplier effect across the decentralized social web. Developers building on the AT Protocol can now offer their users the same video capabilities found on the main Bluesky app, creating a more consistent experience across the ecosystem. The improved Bluesky video limits strengthen the entire open-source network, making it more attractive for developers to build video-centric experiences and for users to explore alternative apps within the ecosystem.
Strategic Move to Boost User Engagement and Retention
Bluesky’s decision to raise its Bluesky video limits appears to be a calculated effort to attract and retain users, especially as data indicates a need for renewed growth. According to Similarweb data, the platform’s active user base dropped by over 25% year-over-year as of July. This decline highlights the challenges Bluesky faces in maintaining momentum in an increasingly crowded social media landscape.
By enhancing Bluesky video limits, the company is attempting to reverse this trend and encourage more content creation and video consumption on its network. Longer videos naturally lead to increased time spent on the platform, which can boost engagement metrics and make the service more attractive to both users and potential advertisers. The updated Bluesky video limits also give existing users a reason to return to the platform and explore new content from their favorite creators.
The increased Bluesky video limits make the platform more competitive with other text-based services that have shorter default uploads. This update reflects a broader industry trend where social platforms are increasingly prioritizing video to boost engagement and retain users. With faster upload speeds and larger file sizes now part of the new Bluesky video limits, creators have more reasons to choose Bluesky for sharing their content. The ability to upload 10-minute videos opens up new possibilities for tutorials, vlogs, interviews, and other content formats that require more time to develop fully.
What This Means for Content Creators
For content creators, the updated Bluesky video limits represent a meaningful expansion of their creative options. A 10-minute video allows for more nuanced storytelling, deeper explanations, and richer visual experiences compared to the previous 3-minute restriction. Creators who previously had to split longer content into multiple parts can now share their work in a single, uninterrupted video.
The increased file size limit of 300MB also means creators can upload higher-quality videos with better resolution and detail. This is particularly important for creators producing professional-grade content who want to maintain visual quality when sharing their work on social platforms. Combined with faster upload speeds, the new Bluesky video limits reduce the friction associated with sharing video content, making the process more seamless and enjoyable.
Bluesky’s decision to expand its Bluesky video limits to 10 minutes marks an important milestone in the platform’s evolution. By matching TikTok’s limit and surpassing Threads’ offering, Bluesky is positioning itself as a serious contender in the social video space. The improvements to upload speeds and file size further enhance the user experience, while the benefits extend across the entire AT Protocol ecosystem. As Bluesky works to reverse its user decline and attract new creators, these expanded Bluesky video limits could prove to be a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.
