Bluesky Account Setup Visual Guide Step-by-Step

Bluesky is gaining momentum as a new kind of social media platform built on an open, decentralized foundation, giving users more control over what they see and how they connect. So here’s the Bluesky account setup guide to get you going!

With Bluesky, you have full ownership of your experience and algorithms, making it key to people who want to never lose their community that takes a long time to build.

If you’re just starting out on Bluesky, we’ll cover some basics:

  1. Setting up an account,
  2. Connecting scheduling apps like Fedica
  3. How Feeds work (to control the content you see)
  4. What the vibe is like!

#Bluesky users talking to their friends on #Twitter:

Stein Makes Games (@steinmakesgames.bsky.social) 2024-11-14T18:00:32.461Z

Table of Contents

Getting Started: Bluesky Account Setup

Setting up an account on Bluesky is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive steps.

Here’s a quick overview:

Visit bsky.app to explore the platform itself. No sign-up needed.

Sign Up: Create an account using your email, a chosen password, and your date of birth.

Select a Username: This becomes your Bluesky handle, appearing as:
@[username].bsky.social.

You can also create a unique handle based on your domain, like:
@[username].yourwebsite.com, if self-hosting appeals to you. Learn more here!

Add a Profile Picture and Bio: Upload an avatar or photo and write a short description to complete your profile.

Pick Your Interests: Choose topics that match your interests to start personalizing your feed.

Following People and Content on Bluesky

Since Bluesky is less controlled-algorithm-driven than other social media platforms, connecting with others works a bit differently. Here’s how to explore and follow content using Feeds:

Click “Feeds” from the left hand menu, or on mobile, the hamburger menu “≡” in the top left corner.
  • Explore Suggested Feeds similarly to hashtags. You can follow feeds by using relevant keywords and adding to existing ones.
  • Follow Accounts or topics you’re interested in. Bluesky’s search function lets you explore specific accounts or topics.
  • Discover Content by Category to explore trending content and find new accounts to follow based on your interests.

By following feeds and using keywords, you actively shape your Bluesky experience—without the influence of a typical forced algorithm.

Note: On your Home page, you can scroll your added feeds! If you like a feed, the algorithm will provide more similar content across similar feeds. If you Pin a feed, then you will get that stream of content in your home feed.

Creating Your First Post

Creating posts on Bluesky is simple and open to a variety of formats. Whether it’s text, photos, videos, or links, you have options to add content that feels natural to you. If you need help with Bluesky image dimensions, we keep you up to date. Our Bluesky scheduler lets you automatically add link previews and include alt text for images which is also recommended by the Bluesky community for accessibility. This helps build a thoughtful and inclusive feed that others feel good about sharing.

Note: the Bluesky community is passionate about having a social media platform that is accessible and does the right things for society. So use Alt-Text as much as you can!

Managing Your Account on Bluesky

To make the most of your Bluesky experience, there are several built-in features that can help you stay organized:

  • Notifications on your posts and activity on your profile.
  • Feeds let you organize the content you want to see on Bluesky. You’re in control here.
  • Content Moderation to manage what you see and don’t see. You can mute or report objectionable content and accounts.
  • Settings: Adjust appearance, feed preferences, language, and other app settings.

Bluesky Account Set Up App Password with Scheduling Tools

Using apps with Bluesky is easy, like if you want to schedule Bluesky posts! Just connect the app with the Bluesky following these steps:

  1. Go to settings from the left menu or by tapping the left top hamburger icon in the mobile app
  2. Scroll down to “App Passwords” and tap “Add App Password”
  3. Name it, like something to remind you what app it is, and click “Create App Password” and copy that code.
  4. In your app, like Fedica, add an account from your post composer by clicking “+ Networks” in the top left
  5. Select Bluesky, add your full username “[username].bsky.social” and use your *App* Password you created, not your account password.
  6. Enjoy Fedica’s scheduling abilities for Bluesky!

Using Fedica’s Scheduling Tools to Grow on Bluesky

While Bluesky offers an open, decentralized platform, there are limits to how you can organically grow and manage a presence if you want to share content regularly.

Fedica’s free scheduling tools allow you to plan posts on Bluesky, enabling consistent engagement without the need to log in daily. With Fedica, you have:

  • Scheduling Flexibility to plan out content in advance to post at optimal times, keeping your profile active even when you’re offline.
  • Analytics and Insights designed to provide you with data that helps inform your posting strategy, so you can build a community based on insights rather than guesswork.
  • Centralized Management alongside other platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and Threads within Fedica, saving time and streamlining your approach.

Fedica’s tools are all about giving you control over your data and helping you build a sustainable and engaging presence on Bluesky.

Enabling NSFW and Other Hidden Content Settings on Bluesky

Bluesky provides options to manage content visibility for topics like politics, spoilers, or NSFW art, giving users even more control over their browsing experience:

  • Enable Hidden Content: Navigate to your account settings and customize what you’d like to see.
  • Moderation Tools: Bluesky’s adult content policy settings make it easy to manage visibility of this kind of content on your feed.

Does Bluesky allow NSFW content?

Yes! And you can schedule NSFW content ahead of time. Below is how to enable it in Bsky.app:

Step 1: enter the settings page no desktop with the Gear icon “⚙”, or the Hamburger icon “≡” on mobile and click Moderation.

Step 2: under “Content filters” click enable, and choose if you want content to show automatically, warn you, or be hidden with a message telling you to change your moderation settings.

By fine-tuning your account settings, you can tailor Bluesky to your interests, creating a browsing experience unique to your preferences.

New Bluesky Account? Here’s How Bluesky Works

Bluesky offers a social experience rooted in authenticity and meaningful connections.

Unlike other platforms, it values genuine engagement over follower counts. To thrive, focus on building a community around shared interests, contribute thoughtfully, and engage actively.

Avoid traditional brand strategies—memes, real conversations, and art take center stage.

Use Fedica to schedule posts, and connect with the right people and see how does Bluesky work!

Bluesky Account Setup and Platform Common Questions

Is Bluesky open for anyone to join?

Yes, Bluesky is now fully open to the public. You no longer need an invite—just sign up, set up your profile, and start building a community where you have full control over your feed, data, and interaction settings.

Does Bluesky still require an invite?

No, Bluesky has moved beyond the invite-only stage. Anyone can sign up and begin using Bluesky right away, making it accessible to everyone interested in a decentralized social media experience.

How do I connect to Bluesky?

To get started, go to bsky.app and sign up for a new account. If you want to link your Bluesky account to your website domain, self hosting instructions are available here. This lets you create a handle like @[username].yourwebsite.com, providing an even more personalized account name.

How do I enter a Bluesky code?

Bluesky no longer requires entry codes for access, as it’s open to all. If you’re interested in scheduling posts with Fedica, you’ll need to generate an “app password” from your Bluesky account settings. This password lets Fedica connect to your Bluesky account securely and enables you to schedule content without manually posting each time.

Can you have multiple Bluesky accounts?

Yes, you can create multiple Bluesky accounts if needed. This is helpful if you want to manage separate accounts for personal use and for your business or organization.

Why is everyone switching to Bluesky?

People are making the switch to Bluesky for its unique user-centered design. Bluesky offers greater control over data, algorithm customization, and community interaction, making it a popular choice for those seeking more autonomy and transparency in their social media experience, especially those who have spent years building a community and want to maintain control of that investment.

Is Bluesky a good alternative to Twitter?

Bluesky is an excellent alternative for users who want more control over their social media experience. Unlike traditional platforms, Bluesky allows users to choose or modify their algorithm, ensuring that content visibility is more in line with individual preferences. Bluesky also places high importance on transparency, user accountability, and the ability to manage content visibility, making it a compelling option for many.

How do I enable NSFW settings?

To allow sensitive content on your Bluesky feed, go to the “Moderation” section in your account settings. Here, you’ll find options under “Content Filters” that let you enable or disable content marked as sensitive, such as political posts, spoilers, and NSFW art.

Does Bluesky allow NSFW?

Yes Bluesky allows adult content! Just label your media when you post, or when you schedule it ahead of time in Fedica. Never worry about mis-labeling your content when you schedule it because Fedica uses the official Bluesky API and gives you all the options.