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BLUESKY QUICK START AND COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Designed to help get users up and running quickly and painlessly
Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol, an open-source technology that other people can use as a framework to build their own social media projects. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, social networks built on the same open protocol can interact with one another and users own their identities outside of any singular network.
Your account is essentially its own webpage. You own your identity, not the platform.
“Bluesky is not owned by a billionaire sucking up to Trump. And it's built on an open protocol so a billionaire can't just take it over.” - Mike Masnick Bluesky board member
QUICK START
This is a great introduction article
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ready-to-join-bluesky-heres-how-to-get-started/
Getting started on BLUESKY is much-easier than other SM platforms There are STARTER PACKS, FEEDS and LISTS that are all designed to help you make connections and curate the content you see (some recommended ones are posted below)
STARTER PACKS are lists of recommended follows and are a great way to get connected quickly
Here’s a searchable directory of all STARTER PACKS to help find users who share your interests
FEEDS are generally focused on one topic or group with common interests (News, Sports, Blacksky ect), a user curated group of people, or a way to see content and connect with your people (Following, Mutuals, Followers, Popular With Friends) there's even a Timeline Cleanse feed for those days when you need some puppies, kittens, and rainbows in your life
Pin this feed for a steady stream of helpful tips and links
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:pmyqirafcp3jqdhrl7crpq7t/feed/aaahasu4x7n42
Search Feeds and sort by top 50, newest
https://goodfeeds.co/all
To search for Feeds on Bluesky HOME>FEEDS>scroll past your added Feeds SEARCH. To move or remove your Feeds HOME>FEEDS>EDIT
LISTS are user-created collection of accts that can be pinned to anyone’s home page as a FEED
To create your own LIST and add or remove HOME>LISTS>+ name then click on any profile … and add to list
You can grow the FEEDS and accounts you follow by checking any account’s profile for STARTER PACKS and LISTS
Comment, interact, repost to build relationships with interesting accounts and your experience will be much-richer. Be sure to set up a full profile as lots of people won’t follow you if you don’t.
Here’s a good article on how to connect and engage on BSKY
New To Bluesky? Here’s How To Find More Community Engagements On Bluesky | OnlySocial
For Twitter refugees. Here’s a Chrome extension to find your Twitter connections on BSKY
It’s common, even encouraged in BSKY culture to repost your own posts, as there is the possibility not many people saw it the first time
ACCOUNT SETTINGS
In SETTINGS you control Appearance, Moderation, Following Feed (see Feeds section), Threads, Chat (DMs), Media, etc.
Here are a few recommended settings to adjust
MODERATION/ALGO
There is app-wide, base-level moderation, the rest is handled in the MODERATION section, including - choosing to hide or warn NSFW content, mute/hide word/phrases, block all DMs or only allow from accts you follow. Unlike Twitter or Threads, no words or external links are blocked app-wide or downranked by algos
BLUESKY MODERATION SERVICES (BMS) is located in the advanced moderation section.There users can set moderation preferences for a wide list of content, such-as Threats, Unsafe Link, Misinformation, Extremist, Intolerance, Sensitive, Scam, Misleading, Engagement Farming ect
This blog post is a brilliant description of BKSY’s moderation tools and how it’s different from other platforms
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/06/how-clean-your-bluesky-feed
BLOCKING
BLOCK MUTE and HIDE FOR EVERYONE both work essentially the same as most platforms
However, block is what's known as the "nuclear block". It wipes out all interactions, so it kills nonsense *fast*. Do not be afraid to block. Use it early. Use it often. It will greatly improve your experience
Most BSKY users have left other platforms because they became toxic and are fed up. They have a low tolerance, they block and mute quickly and do not engage with trolls. You should block immediately or risk getting blocked yourself for increasing troll visibility
A unique feature on BKSY called MODERATION LISTS allows users to create Block and Mute lists where other users can subscribe and BLOCK or MUTE an entire, regularly updated list (see a more-detailed description and recommended LISTS in the FEEDS post)
Here is a searchable directory of all Moderation Lists
https://blueskydirectory.com/lists/all?type=modlist
To create a MODERATION LIST go to SETTINGS>MODERATION>MODERATION LIST
As a result of the robust blocking tools and culture, there are far-less clout chasers and engagement baiters than on other platforms
BLOCK all of a user’s followers and users who like FEEDS created by that user with this tool
https://a-block-them-all-tool-for-bluesky-6040df.gitlab.io/
BLOCK or MUTE users who have liked or reposted any post
MUTED WORDS AND TAGS
Are a great way to control the content you see on any social media platform. On BSKY you can control how long the mute is in effect and exclude users you follow, which is a great feature. To mute MODERATION>MUTED WORDS & TAGS
TAGS are used to sort/curate content. Long press a tag to see more posts tagged on BSKY or by the user or to MUTE the tag
LABELLING LISTS
Subscribe to LABELING LISTS to avoid topics you don’t want in your FEEDS. For example,
https://bsky.app/profile/skywatch.blue
https://bsky.app/profile/aimod.social
https://bsky.app/profile/uspol.bluesky.bot
https://bsky.app/profile/xblock.aendra.dev
Posting
Control interaction settings on your posts. Press … in the bottom right of your posts.
You can also detach your post if someone quote posts it by going to their quote press … and DETACH QUOTE
Clean up old Posts, Likes and Reposts with this tool
https://bsky.jazco.dev/cleanup
Oh, a lot of early BSKY users call a Tweet a Skeet. (I know…) But CEO Jay Graber says:
THREADS
You can sort replies by oldest, newest, most-liked and random, prioritize your follows and set to Threaded Mode (recommended)
CHAT SETTINGS
Allow DMs from Everyone, Only your follows or No-one
ALT TEXT
Please consider turning on a feature that promotes inclusivity by helping make images accessible to all BSKY users. Go to ACCESSIBILITY>REQUIRE ALT TEXT BEFORE POSTING. When posting click on ALT+ in the top left of the image to write the description. Alt text also gives your posts with images more searchability and visibility
EXTERNAL MEDIA
Control if a media site such as, Youtube, Apple Music, Twitch, plays in-app or not.
MISC
Protect Your Account: ENABLE "Require email code to log into your account". The next time you log in, you will need to enter a code emailed to you.
Customize your domain to match a webpage you own. SETTINGS>CHANGE HANDLE>I have my own webpage
MORE INFO
@joshuajfriedman has a good thread that covers a lot of the basics
https://bsky.app/profile/joshuajfriedman.com/post/3l6ojlzv2xo2a
@datadrivenmd.social has an absolutely brilliant post about how to start up here (need to be logged in to see it)
https://bsky.app/profile/datadrivenmd.social/post/3lafpl5dk5v23
They also posted an amazing breakdown of some setting preferences and features like how to add a list that auto-blocks MAGA profiles, moderation services, thread preferences, following feed preferences and how to see content from GIPHY, Spotify and YouTube right in BLUESKY
https://bsky.app/profile/datadrivenmd.social/post/3lafbq2b6ld2n
As well, they have a grest explainer about how BLUESKY uses labels as part of its moderation services (BMS) and other uses for labels that are constantly being developed, like users can apply labels to their own profiles to see more content they’re interested in and to add content to feeds and more and more all the time
https://bsky.app/profile/datadrivenmd.social/post/3lahiv3havs2b
@young.me with four quick tips for setting up
https://bsky.app/profile/young.me/post/3laulr2d26s2q
SCRAPING - BSKY does not scrape content to train AI, which is big for artists of all stripes
Great discussion with CEO Jay Graber about BSKY and decentralized platforms
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s5t427SRkvk
STARTER PACKS
Recommended follow list of accounts/feeds/posts from people. Make sure to check both the PEOPLE and FEEDS tab in the Packs that have them.
To create a STARTER PACK go to your profile, click STARTER PACK>CREATE ANOTHER
Searchable directory of all STARTER PACKS here:
Convert a STARTER PACK into a LIST with this tool built by @wandrme.paxex.aero
https://nws-bot.us/bskyStarterPack.php
Here’s a STARTER PACK FEED to keep up on new packs being created
Here’s a few packs I’ve found helpful. The first recommended STARTER PACK is by one of the Blue Sky board members
https://go.bsky.app/HPQsZAu
https://go.bsky.app/CDHXQCY
This person has made 4 filmsky starter packs
FEEDS/LISTS
FEEDS Topic-driven lists of posts you pin to your home page
A more-detailed breakdown of FEEDS here
https://goodfeeds.co/the-guide
A LIST is a collection of accounts that can be pinned to your home page become a feed or a list of LABELS to help you avoid certain content
Make a list by going to SETTINGS>LISTS>NEW+, name it, start adding accounts
To find FEEDS go to HOME>FEEDS>scroll past your pinned feeds SEARCH
CUSTOM FEEDS contain much-more than just a list of accounts. PRO HOOPS (below) has a solid description of what a feed could contain
Also, here is a detailed explanation of CUSTOM FEEDS
Algorithmic Choice with Custom Feeds - Bluesky
To create your own CUSTOM FEED You can use a 3rd party app or template
CUSTOM FEED creator
https://blueskyfeedcreator.com
CUSTOM FEED creator and Tweet Deck style FEED viewer
CUSTOM FEED template from BSKY
https://docs.bsky.app/docs/starter-templates/custom-feeds
FOLLOWING FEED is automatically added when you sign up. It has some great preferences you can find in SETTINGS - I recommend turning on Show Posts From My Feeds, which adds samples from FEEDS you follow
“You decide what your algorithmic intake is, not Bluesky That's why feeds make follower counts insignificant, people look at feeds and what you say matters most, not how many followers you have” - @0x0.boo
RECOMMENDED FEEDS
DISCOVER is customized for what you like to see, while giving you a view of what’s trending in the network. It’s a combo of Threads, “For You” and Twitter’s trending. Tune your Discover feed by interacting with posts and by pressing … on any post to bring up this context menu and then select “Show More” or “Show Less”. It only takes a moment and really helps make your Discover a preferred feed
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z72i7hdynmk6r22z27h6tvur/feed/whats-hot
WHAT’S HOT CLASSIC is a trending feed
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z72i7hdynmk6r22z27h6tvur/feed/hot-classic
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rgopnvhlbnrpeq4p4jp4qgnt/feed/aaahbtkwwelj6
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tenurhgjptubkk5zf5qhi3og/feed/feed-of-feeds
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:pmyqirafcp3jqdhrl7crpq7t/feed/aaad2ijpo7dfw
FEED that posts a top 10 list of the trending topics around the world
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ifeda2auw5iicswhcdtgelai/lists/3l536ngn5w22e
PUSH PIN is a SAVE workaround. Subscribe and any post you use the push pin emoji shows up in the feed.
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:q6gjnaw2blty4crticxkmujt/feed/my-pins
An alt to the PUSH PIN is an app called PLINKY (IOS). Let’s you save any link
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:w4xbfzo7kqfes5zb7r6qv3rw/feed/blacksky
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:qrllvid7s54k4hnwtqxwetrf/feed/aaamkgeqo2jay
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:evlngincxz7yf6mjnegh5565/lists/3l64r3ybpng2q
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z3fyjnvf2xtxbb4hrowzkema/lists/3l6vewypkfa2j
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:yhwyp5hu4xna5vvz5b6ahtya/lists/3l6hxi736op2c
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tofd2yb5syc5avm7gg5orb2e/feed/aaaiddm6kuv4w
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mj5mge44c6qgihkszdbs6sdw/lists/3kkr253g52s2c
MODERATION LISTS
Bsky feature where you simply subscribe and choose to block or mute all accounts listed. Lists can be updated by their creators, so it’s a good idea to mute first and check back to make sure the creator is listing ethically and you’re happy with their methodology
To create your own SETTINGS> MODERATION>MODERATION LISTS
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:e4elbtctnfqocyfcml6h2lf7/lists/3l53cjwlt4o2s
“Blacksky Moderation (@blacksky.app) is a great service that uses Labels to create safe spaces for the Black community. I have these set to "Warn" so that I'm able to unfollow, mute and/or block anyone posting anti-Black content” -@datadrivenmd.social
https://bsky.app/profile/blacksky.app
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:d2mkddsbmnrgr3domzg5qexf/lists/3kaaqcnnxi72w
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hzlrd6vbu4cxg4cnjzofzpul/lists/3l2lyvtks442a
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lblhu3jj5d2p
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:jagldyome3h27twtp46nxen7/lists/3kc6umbcl452c
I recommend taking a close look at this list as you may not agree that all users on it should be blocked or muted
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lblifk2bf32f
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dup4qyn4abnokoubdvqfzdbu/lists/3lb6sytl4s526
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:e4elbtctnfqocyfcml6h2lf7/lists/3l6vdudxgeb2z
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lblhk24wkc2m
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lblgs57oei26
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:nveriwcateviqiophvrdxyul/lists/3kbblcsinjk23
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:e4elbtctnfqocyfcml6h2lf7/lists/3l72tte74wa2m
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7clbywj3lmesv6utxqocmzdy/lists/3lbqvvdsz7p2y
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:j2yup65n5fmvbpyruwg5dszj/lists/3lbkij3kqnl2z
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lblhqcys7h2k
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lbli6wdryl2k
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mml7iyrgii3zxyvlf43a7to3/lists/3lbli2oiex62h
RESOURCES
Bsky FAQ
Great article breaking down Bsky and it’s list of features, with comparisons to Threads
All of Bluesky’s Features and How to Use Them
Article detailing how to connect
New To Bluesky? Here’s How To Find More Community Engagements On Bluesky | OnlySocial
A more-detailed breakdown of FEEDS here
https://goodfeeds.co/the-guide
Also, here is a detailed explanation of CUSTOM FEEDS
Algorithmic Choice with Custom Feeds - Bluesky
Full explanation of advanced search functions including date range, phrase, user mention etc
Tips and Tricks for Bluesky Search
This blog post is a brilliant description of BKSY’s moderation tools and how it’s different from other platforms
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/06/how-clean-your-bluesky-feed
Remind me of this. Reminds you about posts you want to check back in on
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:nzc7t5zwuvfjbst363b7izq5
How to set up your BSKY domain as a handle
https://bsky.social/about/blog/4-28-2023-domain-handle-tutorial
WVFRM Podcast episode about the Fediverse and how Bluesky is different from other platforms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R9CWq5CBlk
Links to TOOLS/APPS directories plus links to some of the most-useful
Well organized directory of all TOOLS/APPS
https://github.com/notjuliet/awesome-bluesky
Another huge list
GitHub - fishttp/awesome-bluesky: A list of all known tools available for the Bluesky platform
Thumbnail directory of tools/apps
Searchable directory of all STARTER PACKS here:
Enter an acct to see it’s blocked list, who’s blocked them and what STARTER PACKS they’re in
BLOCKING tool that lets you block all of a user’s followers and users who like FEEDS created by that user
https://a-block-them-all-tool-for-bluesky-6040df.gitlab.io/
BLOCK or MUTE users who have liked or reposted any given post
For Twitter refugees. Here’s a Chrome extension to find your Twitter connections on BSKY
This is a great tool for finding people to follow. Enter your handle to find people who are followed by lots of people you follow, but not you
Convert a STARTER PACK into a LIST with this tool built by @wandrme.paxex.aero
https://nws-bot.us/bskyStarterPack.php
List Copier - Make a new LIST from a current one
https://unfollow.cam.fyi/lists
You will need an app password from BSKY to sign into many of these apps. This isn’t your login pasword, it’s separately generated on BSKY SETTINGS>APP PASSWORDS>GENERATE then copy and paste into the app
Great CUSTOM FEED creator
https://blueskyfeedcreator.com
CUSTOM FEED creator and TWEET DECK style feed viewer
CUSTOM FEED template from BSKY
https://docs.bsky.app/docs/starter-templates/custom-feeds
Clean up your following list by removing blocked or inactive accounts
https://cleanfollow-bsky.pages.dev/
Clean up your following list
Sort followers by least active
https://mary-ext.codeberg.page/bluesky-quiet-posters/
Like TWEETDECK
https://bsky.app/profile/deck.blue/
Here’s a tool to clean up old Posts, Likes and Reposts
https://bsky.jazco.dev/cleanup
FOLLOW @ap.brid.gy, and it will automatically mirror your Bluesky posts to Mastodon and other ActivityPub apps.
It connects the fediverse web and Bluesky If you’re on one of those networks, you can use Bridgy Fed to follow people on other networks, see their posts, and reply and like and repost them., they’ll be able to see you and your posts, too
More info here: https://fed.brid.gy/docs
CROSSPOSTING app . See and create posts from (Threads, Bsky, Mastodon, Nostr etc)
CROSSPOSTING app (Threads, Bsky, Mastodon)
Croissant - Cross-Posting on the App Store
GRAYSKY (mobile) - Feature-rich way to use BSKY instead of the native app
“firehose” app that shows you all of Bsky. Use filters (by language, key words, replies, posts etc) to narrow down the feed
FAQ
What is a LIST? - Simple, user-created collection of accts that can be pinned to anyone’s home page as a FEED. LISTS can be sorted by in any way a user wants, eg, subject, (news, basketball etc), or type of acct, (ex Threaders, funny people etc)
What is a STARTER PACK? - User created collection of accts and lists for other users to pick through and follow
What is a CUSTOM FEED? - User or BSKY created collection of LISTS, accounts, keywords, hashtags etc.
Users can set preferences for algorithmic choice (popular, chronological etc). Currently CUSTOM FEEDS require some developer expertise, but there are 3rd party tools available to simplify this
What is a SKEET? - A post (Portmanteau of SKY+TWEET)
How is a LIST different than a STARTER PACK? - A LIST is a collection of accounts that can be pinned to a user’s home and a STARTER PACK is a collection of accounts that can be followed as well as LISTS that can be pinned