On Bluesky, replying to a public post creates a public thread that anyone can see. If you want to send a private message instead, you must use the direct message feature. Unlike replies, DMs are not visible to anyone except you and the recipient. This article explains how to send a private message on Bluesky and why it works differently from a standard reply.
Key Takeaways: How to Send a Private Message on Bluesky
- Chat icon in the bottom navigation bar: Opens the direct message inbox where you can start a new conversation.
- New Chat button in the DM inbox: Lets you select a recipient by searching their display name or handle.
- Message requests folder: Stores DMs from users you do not follow; you must accept the request before reading the message.
Why a Reply on Bluesky Is Not a Private Message
Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol, which treats most content as public by default. When you reply to a post, the reply is attached to the original post and appears in the thread for everyone to see. This design keeps conversations open and searchable.
Direct messages work on a separate channel. They are not attached to any public post and are stored only in the sender and recipient inboxes. Bluesky does not encrypt DMs end-to-end, but the service does not display them publicly. The DM feature is intended for private conversations that do not belong in a public thread.
A common mistake is to type a reply in the composer and expect it to be private. The composer always creates a public post unless you specifically switch to the DM interface. Bluesky does not have a “reply privately” button on a post. You must manually open the chat feature and start a new message.
Steps to Send a Private Message on Bluesky
- Open the Chat Inbox
Tap the chat bubble icon in the bottom navigation bar on mobile. On the web version, click the chat icon in the left sidebar. This opens your direct message inbox. - Start a New Conversation
Click or tap the New Chat button. It is usually a pencil icon or a plus icon near the top of the inbox. - Search for the Recipient
Type the display name or handle of the person you want to message. Select the correct profile from the search results. - Write and Send Your Message
Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window. Press Enter or tap the send icon to deliver the message. The recipient will see it in their DM inbox.
If you want to reply to a specific post privately, copy the link to that post first. Then paste the link into the DM composer so the recipient knows which post you are referencing. This is the only way to privately discuss a public post without creating a public reply.
If Someone Sends You a Private Message From Someone You Do Not Follow
Bluesky places DMs from users you do not follow into a Message Requests folder. You must open this folder and accept the request before you can read the message. This prevents spam and unwanted messages from appearing in your main inbox.
- Open the Chat Inbox
Tap the chat icon in the bottom navigation bar. - Tap Message Requests
Look for the Message Requests button or link near the top of the inbox. It may be labeled “Requests” or “Pending.” - Review and Accept
Tap the request to see the sender name and message preview. Tap Accept to move the conversation to your main inbox. Tap Delete to remove the request.
Common Mistakes and Limitations When Using DMs on Bluesky
Replying to a Public Post From the Composer
The reply box under a post always creates a public reply. There is no option to make that reply private. To send a private message, you must leave the post and start a new DM conversation.
No End-to-End Encryption
Bluesky DMs are not end-to-end encrypted. Bluesky servers can read the content of your messages. Do not share sensitive personal data like passwords or financial information in DMs.
Cannot Send Images or Files in DMs
As of this writing, Bluesky DMs support only text. You cannot attach images, videos, or documents. To share media privately, you must use a different service and paste a link into the DM.
No Group Chats
Bluesky DMs are one-on-one only. You cannot create a group chat with multiple participants. For group conversations, use a dedicated messaging app.
Bluesky Public Reply vs. Private Message
| Item | Public Reply | Private Message |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible to everyone on the platform | Visible only to sender and recipient |
| Accessed from | Reply box below a post | Chat icon in the navigation bar |
| Encryption | Not applicable | Not end-to-end encrypted |
| Media support | Images, video, links | Text only |
| Group support | Threaded replies visible to all | One-on-one only |
Now you know that replying privately on Bluesky is not a feature of the reply button. You must use the separate DM system to send a private message. To quickly reference a public post in a DM, copy the post link and paste it into the chat composer. This method keeps your conversation private while still giving context to the recipient.