All Bluesky’s Features to Date and How to Use Them
Bluesky is one of the newest social media platforms. But since it was launched in 2021, the platform has quickly carved out its own corner in the social media world.
The platform has grown to over 3.5 million daily active users. Many people jumped across from Twitter/X back in 2022, drawn by Bluesky’s attractive interface, small community, and its promise of a more decentralized network.
Since its launch, the platform has consistently added new and exciting features that attract and keep its users. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every feature Bluesky offers today – and show you how to use them.
We’ll break down each tool by category and share easy-to-follow examples. So, keep reading to discover how to make the most of Bluesky’s unique features and connect more meaningfully with your community.
Table of Contents [show]
#1: Moderation System Features
Bluesky takes moderation seriously, blending community input with both automated checks and human oversight. By inviting users to flag problematic content and then having a dedicated review process, the platform aims to keep conversations respectful and safe without stifling free expression.
Report-and-Review Feedback Loop
Anyone on Bluesky can play a part in moderation by reporting posts or accounts that break the rules. To do this, simply click the three‑dot menu on a post, choose Report, and select the appropriate reason.
From there, an automated system gives the report an initial review, flagging anything that looks clearly harmful. After that, real people step in – human moderators examine each case to ensure a fair outcome.
Once the review is complete, Bluesky updates the report’s status, creating a transparent feedback loop. This approach – automated filtering followed by human judgment – strikes a balance between efficiency and care.
While no system is flawless, Bluesky’s evolving moderation model shows a strong commitment to building a trustworthy, user‑focused community.
#2: Customization Features
Bluesky gives you more control over your profile and feed than most social platforms. From hand-picked account bundles to hosting your own instance, these customization tools help you shape your experience exactly how you want it.
Starter Packs
Think of Starter Packs as curated mini‑communities. Each pack groups accounts around a shared interest – like photography or indie music – so you can follow (or block) them all in one click. It’s a fast way to jump into new topics without hunting for individual users.
You can always create your own starter pack – it’s easy and quick. You can also take inspirations from some of the starter packs on the platform. Check here for a directory of all the packs on Bluesky.
Custom Domains
Make your handle truly yours by linking a personal domain. This is a unique way Bluesky allows its users to personalize their handles.
To set up a custom domain, head to your account settings, choose Change Handle, select I have my own domain, and follow the prompts. Soon, yourprofile@yourdomain.com will replace the default Bluesky name, giving you a memorable, branded identity.
Self‑Hosted Servers (PDS)
If you value full data ownership, Bluesky lets you run your own Personal Data Server (PDS). Instead of relying on Bluesky’s hosted instance, you can host Threads on your own server. This is just like having a personal website instead of using a free blogging platform.
Think about this as the difference between hosting your website on another site, e.g., yourname.wordpress.com , instead of hosting it yourself and having your website on your own domain. This option offers greater privacy and control over your data.
Advanced Feed & Thread Preferences
His feature allows you to tailor what you see and how you see it. Just tap the # icon or head to your settings to choose custom feeds, sort by most recent or most popular, and adjust thread‑view options. This hands‑on approach ensures your timeline always reflects your priorities.
Hide Post
Not every post will be for you, and that’s okay. When you spot something you’d rather skip, click the three‑dot menu and hit Hide Post. The item will vanish from your feed, and Bluesky will learn to show you less of that style of content in the future.
#3: Interaction Control Features
Just as moderation keeps the wider community safe, interaction control tools put you in the driver’s seat – letting you decide exactly whose posts you see and how content appears in your feed.
Moderation Lists
Instead of blanket blocking, Bluesky lets you build custom lists to mute or block specific accounts and topics. You can even subscribe to community-curated lists for shared filtering.
To get started, click on the ‘Settings’ tab on the sidebar, click Moderation, then choose Moderation Lists. From there, add the users or keywords you want to mute, and manage your existing blocks in one clear view.
Self‑Labeling & Labelers
Bluesky empowers you to add context to your own posts with labels. This is perfect for sensitive content or simply for sharing your interests.
When you compose a post, hit Label to tag it appropriately. You can also explore third-party “Labelers” to decorate your profile with pronouns, fandom badges, or topic tags, enriching conversations and helping readers know what to expect.
Check out this directory of different user-created labels.
Reply Controls
With Reply Controls, you decide who can join the conversation under your posts. When drafting a post, tap Reply Controls and choose from two options: Everybody or Nobody.
You can also explore the advanced options to further customize who can interact with your post, such as your followers, tagged users, users you follow, mentioned users, etc.
This lets you filter out unwanted replies, protect your space from trolls, and keep discussions focused on the people you want to hear from.
#4: User Experience Features
Bluesky continually adds tools to make your time on the platform smoother and more enjoyable. There are plenty of features designed to fit your modern social habits.
In‑App Video & Music Player
No more hopping between apps. There is a feature that allows you to simply click on YouTube or Spotify links in your feed. And Bluesky plays them right there. It keeps you in the conversation while you watch or listen.
Emoji Picker
On the web version of the platform, an emoji icon now sits beside your draft box. When composing your post, just click it to browse and insert emojis. This gives your posts extra personality and flair.
“Likes” Tab
Want to revisit a post you’ve loved? Head to your profile’s Likes tab to see everything you’ve liked in one place. It’s a quick way to find articles, images, or threads you saved for later.
Suggested Mentions
Typing @ to mention someone? Bluesky will pop up suggestions as you type, so you can tag friends or fellow creators in seconds – no hunting for exact handles required.
Notifications Support
Turn on notifications in your mobile settings to get real‑time alerts for new follows, mentions, likes, and replies. You’ll never miss a chance to join the conversation or respond to your community.
Direct Messages (DMs)
Need to chat privately? Use Bluesky’s DM feature for one‑on‑one conversations. You can choose who’s allowed to message you and even report any unwanted or inappropriate messages right from your inbox.
Rate Limits for Stability
To keep everything running smoothly, Bluesky quietly enforces rate limits on actions like posting or following. You’ll rarely notice them, but they help prevent overloads and downtime.
How to Grow on Bluesky
Bluesky’s user base is booming, and there’s never been a better moment to stake your claim on this up‑and‑coming platform. To stand out and build a loyal following, you’ll need smart strategies that help you grow and solidify your presence.
Here are six simple strategies you can explore:
Optimize Your Profile for Discovery
Choose a clear profile photo, write a concise bio that highlights who you are and what you share, and consider linking a custom domain. A well‑crafted profile makes it easy for new followers to understand your niche and remember you.
Create Consistent, Value‑Driven Content
Stick to your content pillars and focus on topics that educate, entertain, or inspire your audience. When you consistently deliver posts they care about, people learn to look forward to your updates and engage more naturally.
Post at the Right Time
Timing can make or break your post’s performance. Use a scheduling tool like OnlySocial to analyze when your followers are most active and automatically publish at those peak moments.
OnlySocial also lets you batch‑schedule multiple posts, get data-driven recommendations on best days and times, and even recycle top-performing content across platforms – so you never miss an opportunity to connect.
Join Trending Topics and Starter Packs
Jump into the conversation by following Trending Topics or Starter Packs that match your interests. Contributing timely insights or fun takes will get you noticed by people already discussing those themes, helping you gain new followers.
Assign 3-5 relevant hashtags to each post – mix core, rotating, and niche tags – to increase discoverability. Tag users thoughtfully (using suggested mentions when typing @) to bring them into the discussion and encourage shares.
Engage Authentically with Others
Reply to comments, like posts you admire, and send thoughtful DMs when appropriate. Genuine interaction builds trust, boosts your visibility in Bluesky’s AI-driven feed, and encourages your growing community to stick around.
Final Note
Bluesky offers a rich set of tools that let you shape your social experience exactly the way you want. By exploring features like Starter Packs, reply controls, and in-app media players, you can build a presence that’s both secure and uniquely yours.
Now it’s your turn: dive into these features, experiment with what works best for you, and watch your community flourish.
As Bluesky continues to evolve, you need to learn how to easily adapt so you can stay ahead of the curve and at the heart of meaningful conversations.
FAQs
How does Bluesky differ from Twitter/X?
Bluesky operates on a decentralized network, giving users more control over their data and moderation. Its smaller, curated community and customizable features create a tighter, more flexible experience compared to the broader, centrally managed environment of Twitter/X.
Why should my brand consider incorporating Bluesky into its marketing strategy?
As Bluesky’s community grows, it offers an opportunity to reach engaged early adopters on a fresh platform. Its customization tools and smaller noise floor make it easier for brands to stand out, test new content formats, and build authentic connections before competition intensifies.
Is it worth investing in Bluesky?
If your target audience values innovation, privacy, and tight‑knit communities, Bluesky can be a valuable addition. Starting now lets you learn its unique features, establish your voice, and grow a dedicated following ahead of the curve.
Bluesky combines user‑driven reporting with automated flagging and human review, creating a transparent feedback loop. This layered approach lets the community actively participate in moderation while ensuring fair, thoughtful oversight. This helps strike a balance between safety and free expression.