Bluesky allows you to label your posts with a content warning before publishing. This feature hides the text and images behind a clickable notice. It helps followers avoid sensitive material such as violence, nudity, or strong language. The warning appears as a banner that says “Content warning” followed by your custom label. This article explains how to add a content warning on the Bluesky web app and mobile app.
Key Takeaways: Adding a Content Warning on Bluesky
- Compose box > Content Warning toggle: Turns on the warning banner for the current post.
- Custom label field: You can write a short reason such as “nsfw” or “spoiler” that appears on the warning banner.
- Mobile app > Three-dot menu on image: You can add a content warning to an individual image before posting.
What the Content Warning Feature Does in Bluesky
The content warning feature in Bluesky lets you mark a post as sensitive before anyone sees it. When you enable the toggle, the post text and any attached images are blurred or hidden. A reader must tap or click the warning banner to reveal the content. This is different from a label applied after posting by a moderator. You choose the warning at the moment you compose the post.
The feature works for text-only posts, image posts, and posts with embedded links. You can also apply a content warning to a single image inside a post that contains multiple images. This gives you fine control over what your audience sees first.
No special account settings are required. The option is available in every compose window. You do not need to enable anything in your account preferences first.
Steps to Add a Content Warning on the Bluesky Web App
The web interface at bsky.app includes a toggle in the post composer. Follow these steps to add a warning to a new post.
- Open the compose box
Click the blue “New Post” button at the top of the left sidebar. The compose box opens in the center of the screen. - Enable the Content Warning toggle
Click the toggle switch labeled “Content warning” directly above the text area. The switch turns blue to indicate it is on. - Type a custom label
In the text field that appears next to the toggle, type a short label. Common labels include “nsfw,” “spoiler,” “politics,” or “graphic violence.” This label appears on the warning banner. - Write your post text
Type your message in the text area as usual. The text will remain hidden behind the warning until a viewer clicks through. - Add images if needed
Click the image icon to attach one or more photos. Each image will be blurred behind the content warning banner. - Post the message
Click the blue “Post” button. Your post is published with the content warning banner visible to all followers.
Steps to Add a Content Warning on the Bluesky Mobile App (iOS and Android)
The mobile app uses the same toggle but in a slightly different layout. The process works identically on iPhone and Android devices.
- Tap the compose icon
Tap the blue pencil icon at the bottom center of the screen. The post composer opens. - Tap the Content Warning toggle
Tap the toggle switch labeled “Content warning” above the keyboard area. The switch turns blue. - Enter your label
Type a short reason in the label field. The label appears on the warning banner. - Write the post
Type your text. Attach images by tapping the photo icon at the bottom left of the composer. - Tap Post
Tap the blue “Post” button at the top right. The post is sent with the content warning.
How to Add a Content Warning to a Single Image in a Multi-Image Post
Bluesky lets you mark individual images as sensitive even when other images in the same post are not marked. This is useful when only one photo among several contains sensitive material.
- Attach all images to the post
In the compose box, attach all the images you want to include. They appear as thumbnails in the composer. - Tap the three-dot menu on the target image
On the web app, hover over the image and click the three-dot icon that appears in the top right corner. On mobile, tap and hold the image thumbnail until the menu appears. - Select “Add content warning”
From the menu, choose “Add content warning.” A small warning badge appears on that thumbnail. - Post the message
Click or tap Post. Only the marked image is blurred. The other images remain visible.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
Content Warning Does Not Appear on the Post
If the toggle is not blue before you post, the warning is not applied. You cannot add a content warning to an already published post. You must delete the post and repost it with the toggle enabled.
The Label Is Too Long
Bluesky limits the label to about 50 characters. If you type a very long label, the text may be cut off on the warning banner. Keep labels short, ideally under 30 characters.
Content Warning Does Not Hide Replies
The content warning applies only to the main post text and attached images. Replies to that post are not hidden behind the warning. Readers see reply text normally after they click through the warning on the parent post.
Content Warning on a Post with a Link
When you include a link in a post with a content warning, the link preview card is also hidden behind the warning. The reader must click through to see the link preview and the post text.
Content Warning Options: Manual vs Labeler-Based Warnings
| Item | Manual Content Warning | Labeler-Based Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies it | You, before posting | A third-party labeler service or moderator |
| When it appears | Immediately on publish | After the labeler processes the post |
| Can you remove it | Only by deleting and reposting | You can appeal or delete the post |
| Custom label text | You write your own label | Fixed by the labeler policy |
Manual content warnings are controlled entirely by you. Labeler-based warnings are added by external services that scan posts and apply labels automatically. Both types hide the post behind a warning banner, but only manual warnings let you choose the exact label text.
Conclusion
You can now add a content warning to any Bluesky post using the toggle in the compose box. The feature works on both the web app and mobile app. You can also apply a warning to a single image inside a multi-image post. For posts that need a warning after publishing, you must delete and repost with the toggle enabled. Try using label text such as “nsfw” or “spoiler” to make the warning clear to your audience.