How to Take Back Control of Social Media

This blog post has been a long time coming, so hydrate and get comfy, because we're diving into custom feeds today. Custom feeds give users the power to take back their algorithm and regain control over their social media experience. In this post, you'll learn what feeds are, how to create and use them, and why they're essential to getting the most out of Bluesky.

⟢ What are custom feeds?

Custom feeds are algorithms curated by community members and presented to users through the AT Protocol. By default, when you join Bluesky, you see Discover and Following, two feeds built by Bluesky. On Instagram, TikTok, and other legacy platforms, your options end there. The algorithm decides what you see. Bluesky differs fundamentally: you're not locked in, you can subscribe to community built feeds or build your own. Instead of letting bros and CEOs decide what content you see, you get to choose.

⟢ How are custom feeds made?

Custom feeds can be created using a few different methods. Self-hosting is the most involved method but also offers the most control and flexibility (see Bluesky's Custom Feeds Starter Template for instructions). Alternatively, feed generator services such as Graze, Skyfeed, Bluesky Feed Creator, Attie, make the process beginner-friendly.

⟢ How to appear in custom feeds?

Custom feed creators typically specify in the description or pinned post what qualifies an account or post for a feed. Funky Foragers, for example, uses hashtags like #FantasticFungi, #foraging, and #herbalism. Other feeds might require users to be on a user list, followed by a specific account, or include keywords in a post or alt text.

⟢ Why are custom feeds significant?

Custom feeds are an integral part of the Bluesky experience that let users decide what they want to see. Other popular social media apps often employ confusing and sometimes (intentionally) polarizing algorithms, which keep their users tucked away in echo chambers or thrown out into constant discourse, negativity, and intolerance.

Some may enjoy feeds like "Quiet Posters", "Following", and "Mutuals" to keep up with close friends and connections, creating genuinely social experiences without the algorithm.

Alternatively, custom feeds are great for building and maintaining communities on Bluesky, whether for popular topics or niche special interests. For those with an affinity for burying their nose in a good book? Booksky awaits. Got the gift of gab? Join the Yapsky community.

For content creators, feeds offer real growth potential. Use feeds to find your niche, connect with creators in your industry, and contribute meaningful content to the feeds you enjoy.

For everyone else, feeds help you find your community! Like and pin feeds on topics you enjoy. If you enjoy looking at pretty art, you can peruse Art: What's Hot. If you enjoy looking at pretty (scandalous) people, Discover Real NSFW is at your service. Find new feeds via Bluesky's Feeds page, Bluesky Directory, Goodfeeds, or in your favorite creator's profile.

~ xoxo, soul