How to Use Bluesky Social

Jumping into a new social media platform can feel like the first day at a new school, but Bluesky Social offers a refreshing change of pace from the networks you're used to. It's a space built on conversation and user control, creating a vibe that's reminiscent of the early, exciting days of Twitter. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, find your footing, and build a genuine presence on Bluesky today.

What Exactly is Bluesky? (And Why Should You Care?)

Think of Bluesky as a decentralized take on a familiar microblogging experience. It originated from a project at Twitter (now X), backed by Jack Dorsey, with the goal of creating a more open and transparent social protocol. The "decentralized" part simply means it's not controlled by a single company. Instead, it’s built on the AT Protocol, which allows for more user control and interoperability down the line - imagine being able to move your followers from one app to another.

For now, what that means for you is a cleaner, more chronological experience that YOU get to customize. People are flocking to it because it feels less cluttered, less driven by rage-baiting algorithms, and more focused on authentic community-building. For creators and brands, it represents a ground-floor opportunity to connect with an engaged audience without the noise of more established platforms.

Getting Started: Your First Steps on the Platform

Bluesky is now open to the public, so you no longer need a coveted invite code to join. Getting your account set up is straightforward, but taking a few minutes to do it right will make a huge difference in how people discover and connect with you.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Simply download the Bluesky app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or head to bsky.app on your desktop. Click "Create a new account," choose your hosting provider (stick with the default Bluesky option for now), and walk through the sign-up process.

Step 2: Craft a Winning Profile

Your profile is your digital handshake. Don't skip these steps:

• Profile Picture & Header Image: Use clear, high-quality images. For a personal brand, a friendly photo of your face works best. For a business, use your logo for the profile picture and a lifestyle image, product shot, or brand graphic for the header.
• Display Name: This is the name people will see most often. It can be your real name, your brand name, or a creative nickname. You can change this anytime, so don't stress over it.
• Handle (@username.bsky.social): This is your unique identifier and how people will tag you. Choose something memorable and professional that reflects you or your brand. Unlike your display name, this can't be changed as easily, so pick wisely. Hot tip: If you own a domain name, you can set it as your handle for a super-custom, verified look!
• Bio (Up to 256 characters): This is your elevator pitch. Clearly state who you are, what you do, and what you talk about. Use keywords relevant to your niche. You can include a non-clickable link here, but save the clickable one for the dedicated link field.

Navigating the Bluesky Feed: It's All About Customization

At first glance, the Bluesky interface looks clean and familiar. You have your main feed, notifications, and your profile - but the real magic lies in how you can control what you see.

The "Following" Timeline

Your main timeline, labeled "Following," is a beautifully simple, chronological feed of posts (called "skeets") from only the people you follow. There are no "you might also like" posts or algorithmic suggestions injected into it. It's a pure, unadulterated feed, making it easy to keep up with the accounts you care about most.

Custom Feeds: The True Superpower of Bluesky

This is where Bluesky truly sets itself apart. Custom Feeds are curated timelines created by other users that you can subscribe to. Think of them as user-built algorithms based on specific topics, keywords, or communities. This is your primary tool for discovery and finding relevant conversations.

How to Find and Use Custom Feeds:

1. Go to the "Feeds" Section: In the app, you can find this under the search icon. Here you'll see feeds you've already saved and the option to discover new ones.
2. Discover New Feeds: You can browse popular feeds, search for them by name, or find them when other people share them.
3. Pin Your Favorites: Once you find a feed you like, you can add it to your main navigation. Pinning a few key feeds (e.g., a "Cats" feed, a "Social Media Marketing" feed, a "What's Hot" feed) lets you easily tap into different communities without them cluttering your main "Following" timeline.

For example, if you're a graphic designer, you could join feeds dedicated to design trends, certain software, or even visual art. Participating in these feeds puts your content and replies directly in front of people already interested in your niche.

Creating Awesome "Skeets": How to Post and Engage

"Skeets" are the posts that make up the Bluesky universe. While you might be tempted to just copy-paste what you post on X or Threads, the Bluesky culture values a more personal and conversational approach.

The Anatomy of a Skeet

• Character Count: You have 300 characters to get your message across.
• Photos: You can add up to four photos per skeet. Don't forget to add alt text! This is crucial for accessibility and is a widely respected practice on the platform.
• Link Cards: When you post a link, Bluesky will generate a preview card with a title, description, and image.
• Threads: To create a thread for a longer thought, simply post your first skeet, then reply to it to continue the conversation.

Best Practices for Posting and Engagement

• Be Authentic, Not Salesy: The fastest way to get ignored on Bluesky is to post like a corporate robot. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and show the human side of your brand. Share behind-the-scenes content or works in progress.
• Add to the Conversation: Don't just broadcast. The most successful accounts on Bluesky are the ones that actively reply to others. Find conversations in your custom feeds and add a valuable or interesting thought. A great reply can earn you more followers than a standalone post.
• Use Hashtags Sparingly: Hashtags on Bluesky are primarily for categorization, making posts discoverable via search. They don't drive an algorithmic discovery loop like they do on Instagram. Use one or two relevant hashtags for context if you like, but don't rely on them. Your engagement in custom feeds is far more impactful for visibility.

Thinking Like a Marketer: A Gentle Approach to Brand Building

Because there are no ads and the algorithm is user-controlled, you cannot buy your way into someone's feed. This makes Bluesky an amazing place for organic brand building if you’re willing to put in the work.

Find Your Niche and Participate

Your brand’s home base isn’t your profile - it’s the custom feeds where your target audience hangs out. Search for and join feeds relevant to your industry. Engage like an interested peer, not a salesperson. If you sell hiking gear, join feeds about national parks, trail running, and outdoor photography. Offer tips, answer questions, and share beautiful photos. Be the helpful expert, and people will naturally become curious about what you do.

Connect With People, Not Just Accounts

Bluesky is about connections. Take the time to read people’s profiles before you follow or reply. Mention something specific from their bio or a recent post when you engage. It shows you’re paying attention and aren't just spam-following to get a follow back. Small gestures like this go a long way in building a loyal community that trusts you.

Experiment and Have Fun

The rules on Bluesky aren't set in stone. The platform is still evolving, and its users appreciate creativity and personality. Try different formats: a text-only question, a multi-image post sharing a project, a single stunning photo, or a thread that tells a story. See what resonates with your audience and double down on that. Treat it as a creative sandbox where you can build genuine relationships and let your brand's voice shine.

Final Thoughts

Bluesky offers a unique opportunity to build a social media presence from the ground up in a space that prioritizes user experience and authentic conversation. By crafting a solid profile, mastering custom feeds, and engaging generously, you can carve out a meaningful space for yourself or your brand. So go ahead, find your feeds, and start skeeting.

Adding another platform to your social media strategy can feel like juggling one more thing, but it doesn't have to be chaotic. At Postbase, we designed our visual planning calendar specifically to give you a clear, bird's-eye view of your content across all your networks. It helps you see where a new platform like Bluesky fits into your schedule, ensuring you can manage everything from Instagram Reels to your latest Skeet without the overwhelming feeling of switching between a dozen tabs and apps.