Introduction to Bluesky

Making the most of Bluesky after coming from whatever Twitter (𝕏) has become involves exploring the platform's unique features, adapting to its smaller, community-driven culture, and taking advantage of its focus on user-centred design and decentralized social media.

Here are some effective strategies to maximise your experience on Bluesky:

Build your network slowly and intentionally

Since Bluesky is still growing, many communities are niche, tight-knit, and interactive. Start by finding and following accounts that align with your interests to establish genuine connections. Look for active users and influencers in your areas of interest who are shaping conversations.

Engage thoughtfully with posts by leaving comments or resharing content with additional insights. Meaningful engagement will help you stand out and connect with others.

Explore decentralisation and custom algorithms

One of Bluesky’s standout features is its focus on decentralisation and user-controlled algorithms. Try experimenting with different algorithmic “feeds” based on your interests. This gives you control over how you see content and what content you prioritise.

As the protocol (AT Protocol) develops, you’ll have more control over the visibility of your content and data, making it a more personalised experience than Twitter.

Experiment with “custom feeds”

Bluesky offers customizable feeds that let users personalise their timelines based on specific interests or themes. This feature is in contrast to Twitter’s recommendation-based feed.

Create custom feeds for particular topics you’re interested in (e.g., news, specific hobbies, or niche topics). These feeds give you flexibility, helping you avoid the one-size-fits-all feed of traditional platforms.

Here are a few useful feeds:

• Popular with friends – posts popular amongst your followers
• Followers – posts from followers you don’t follow
• The ‘Gram – Just posts with pictures from by people you follow

Participate in conversations

Bluesky users tend to enjoy discussions and debates that are more relaxed compared to Twitter’s fast-paced style. Instead of quick quips or hot takes, you’ll find more extended discussions and collaborative threads. Engage with posts using thoughtful, conversational comments.

Make use of reposting, quoting, and replying—think of it more as a discussion forum or small community than a broadcasting platform.

Be active in the Bluesky community and feedback channels

Bluesky is a user-driven platform that actively incorporates feedback from its community, so make the most of this by sharing your ideas or participating in Bluesky’s development conversations.

Many Bluesky developers and moderators interact directly with users and encourage feedback to improve the platform, so you’ll have the chance to influence platform decisions early on.

Optimise your profile and posting style for Bluesky

Since Bluesky is still smaller, profiles feel more personal, and users are more likely to explore one another’s content. Craft your profile bio and pinned posts to reflect your unique interests and experiences.

Experiment with post formats to see what resonates, as engagement here may look different from what you’re used to on Twitter. This may mean a balance between short updates and long-form threads depending on what works for your followers.

Engage with Bluesky’s open source aspects

If you have a technical background, Bluesky’s open-source AT Protocol lets you explore the backend, experiment with building custom tools, and even contribute to the development of the platform itself.

You can also keep up with updates on Bluesky’s GitHub page or other development forums, giving you insight into the platform’s direction and allowing you to build alongside it.

Collaborate with creators and niche communities

Many early adopters on Bluesky are creators, developers, and professionals eager to network and share ideas. Reach out to people in creative or professional niches to collaborate on projects or share knowledge.

You can join interest-based groups or threads and contribute to discussions to build a reputation within your niche, as these communities are still forming and often open to new participants.

Stay updated on new features and updates

Bluesky is actively evolving, with new features being tested and rolled out frequently. Follow announcements from Bluesky’s official accounts or join Bluesky-related channels to stay updated on features like custom feeds, algorithm options, and new privacy tools.

Learning and adapting to these changes will help you make the most of the platform as it grows and differentiates from traditional social media.

Embrace the “experimental” mindset

Bluesky is an experimental space for both social media norms and the technology behind it. Approach it with a spirit of experimentation, trying new forms of content, interaction styles, or even networking tactics. It’s also a great place to adapt to decentralised social media norms, like respecting user-owned data and content portability.

Bluesky offers a unique opportunity to be part of a social media platform from its early stages, and the experience can be richer and more community-focused than Twitter.

If you got this far you can follow me at @keithgreer.dev, for development related posts, or @keithology.me for everything else.

With its focus on decentralisation, open algorithms, and user-centred design, Bluesky encourages a more intentional, thoughtful approach to social media that may ultimately offer a refreshing alternative.