Bluesky Algorithm Explained: How to Get More Reach (2026)
How does the Bluesky algorithm work? Learn how posts get distributed, what boosts reach, and how to grow your audience on Bluesky in 2026.
"How does the Bluesky algorithm work?"
It's the question every creator asks when joining a new platform. Understanding how content gets distributed is the key to growing your audience.
Here's the thing about Bluesky: it doesn't have one algorithm. It has a fundamentally different approach to content distribution that gives you more control than any other major platform.
This guide explains exactly how Bluesky distributes content, what affects your reach, and how to get your posts seen by more people.
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Get started for free→The Big Difference: Bluesky vs Traditional Algorithms
Before we dive in, you need to understand what makes Bluesky different.
Traditional Social Media Algorithms
On Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, a central algorithm decides what you see. The platform analyzes:
- Your past behavior
- Engagement patterns
- Content characteristics
- Advertiser interests
Then it serves you a feed optimized for engagement (and ad revenue). You have limited control over what appears.
Bluesky's Approach: Choose Your Own Algorithm
Bluesky flips this model. Instead of one algorithm controlling everything, Bluesky offers:
- A default chronological feed — posts from people you follow, in order
- Custom feeds — algorithmic or curated feeds you can subscribe to
- User choice — you pick which feeds to use and can switch anytime
How Content Gets Distributed on Bluesky
Your posts can reach people through several channels:
1. The Following Feed (Chronological)
When you post, your content immediately appears in the Following feed of everyone who follows you. This feed shows posts in reverse chronological order — newest first.
- No algorithmic filtering
- All posts from followed accounts appear
- Recency matters most
- No suppression based on engagement
This is Bluesky's default feed and how most users browse the platform.
2. The Discover Feed
Bluesky's Discover feed surfaces content from accounts you don't follow. It uses signals like:
- What accounts similar to you engage with
- Trending content
- Posts getting high engagement
- Content related to topics you've shown interest in
3. Custom Feeds
This is Bluesky's secret weapon. Custom feeds are algorithmic or curated feeds created by users or developers.
- Topic feeds: Posts about specific subjects (tech, art, sports)
- Engagement feeds: Posts with high like/reply counts
- Quiet feeds: Posts only (no reposts)
- Mutuals feeds: Posts from accounts who follow you back
Hundreds of custom feeds exist, and users subscribe to the ones they want.
4. Reposts and Quote Posts
When someone reposts or quotes your content, it appears in their followers' feeds. This is organic amplification.
Shareable content extends your reach. Quote posts often perform better than simple reposts.
5. Search
Bluesky's search indexes all public posts. Users searching for topics can find your content.
Use relevant keywords naturally in your posts. Searchable content has a longer shelf life.
What Affects Your Reach on Bluesky
Now that you understand distribution channels, here's what actually impacts how far your content travels.
Factors That INCREASE Reach
1. Engagement Velocity
Posts that get quick engagement (likes, replies, reposts) in the first hour are more likely to appear in Discover feeds, surface in engagement-based custom feeds, and get additional organic sharing.
Actionable tip: Post when your audience is active. Early engagement compounds. See our guide on the best time to post on Bluesky.
2. Replies and Conversations
Bluesky's culture values conversation. Posts that generate replies signal to the platform (and custom feeds) that content is engaging.
Actionable tip: Ask questions. Share opinions that invite discussion. Reply to your own posts to add context.
3. Follower Engagement Rate
If your followers consistently engage with your content, you build a reputation for quality. This can influence how your content surfaces in algorithmic features.
Actionable tip: Focus on your existing audience first. High engagement from followers signals quality to the broader platform.
4. Content Relevance to Custom Feeds
Many popular custom feeds are topic-specific. If your content matches a feed's criteria, it gets distributed there.
Actionable tip: Know which feeds your target audience uses. Create content that fits those topics.
5. Reposts from High-Engagement Accounts
When accounts with engaged followings share your content, you get exposed to new audiences who are likely to engage.
Actionable tip: Build relationships with active accounts in your niche. Create content worth sharing.
6. Consistency
Regular posting keeps you visible to followers and signals active participation. Accounts that post consistently tend to grow faster.
Actionable tip: Maintain a regular posting schedule. Use a scheduling tool to stay consistent.
Factors That DON'T Affect Reach
Paid Status: Bluesky has no paid verification or premium tier that boosts reach. Everyone plays by the same rules.
Follower Count (Directly): Having more followers means more potential reach in Following feeds, but the algorithm doesn't inherently boost content from big accounts.
Post Format (Mostly): Unlike Instagram (which pushes Reels) or Twitter (which sometimes boosts certain formats), Bluesky doesn't heavily favor specific content types.
Hashtags: Bluesky doesn't use hashtags for distribution.
Factors That DECREASE Reach
- Posting When Audience Is Offline: In chronological feeds, timing is everything
- Low-Quality or Spammy Content: Content that gets reported will perform poorly
- Inconsistent Posting: Long gaps mean followers forget about you
- Engagement Bait: Tactics like "Like if you agree!" feel out of place on Bluesky
How Custom Feeds Really Work
Custom feeds deserve deeper explanation because they're unique to Bluesky.
What Are Custom Feeds?
Custom feeds are alternative timelines created using Bluesky's open feed generator system. Anyone can create a feed with specific rules for what content appears.
Types of Custom Feeds
- Algorithmic feeds: Use engagement signals, keywords, or user behavior to surface content
- Topic feeds: Filter for specific subjects (tech, art, sports)
- Curation feeds: Manually or semi-manually curated lists
- Utility feeds: Filter your existing following (no reposts, mutuals only)
How to Get Your Content in Custom Feeds
For topic feeds: Post about relevant topics, use keywords naturally.
For engagement feeds: Create high-quality content, post at optimal times.
For curated feeds: Become known in your niche, engage with feed curators.
10 Strategies to Increase Your Bluesky Reach
Based on how the platform works, here are actionable strategies:
1. Optimize for the First Hour
Early engagement matters. Post when your audience is active and be ready to engage with responses quickly.
2. Create Conversation Starters
Posts that invite replies get more engagement. Ask questions, share opinions worth discussing, or request feedback.
3. Build Genuine Relationships
Engage with others' content authentically. The accounts who support you will amplify your reach through reposts and engagement.
4. Be Consistent
Regular posting keeps you visible. Schedule posts on Bluesky to maintain consistency without daily effort.
5. Create Shareable Content
Make content people want to repost or quote. Useful tips, original insights, and thought-provoking takes get shared.
6. Engage in Your Niche
Find and participate in conversations in your topic area. This builds visibility with relevant audiences.
7. Use Threads for Depth
Multi-post threads let you go deep on topics. They often perform well because they provide substantial value. Learn how to create Bluesky threads with our step-by-step guide.
8. Cross-Promote Strategically
Let your audience on other platforms know you're on Bluesky. Import engaged followers from elsewhere.
9. Respond to Replies
Engaging with people who reply to you builds relationships and signals to the platform that your content sparks conversation.
10. Provide Unique Value
The best growth strategy is being genuinely useful or interesting. Content that provides real value gets engaged with and shared.
Algorithm Myths (Debunked)
Some things people believe about Bluesky's algorithm aren't true:
Myth: "Bluesky Has No Algorithm"
Reality: Bluesky's Following feed is chronological, but Discover and custom feeds use algorithmic elements. The difference is user choice — you decide which algorithms to use.
Myth: "Hashtags Help Distribution"
Reality: Hashtags don't function on Bluesky like on Instagram. The platform doesn't use them for discovery. Some users include them, but they don't boost reach.
Myth: "You Need to Post Multiple Times Daily"
Reality: Quality beats quantity. 1-2 strong posts per day typically outperform 5+ mediocre ones.
Myth: "Big Accounts Get Algorithmic Preference"
Reality: Follower count doesn't give you algorithmic advantages. Big accounts have more reach simply because they have more followers — not because the platform boosts them.
Myth: "Certain Post Formats Are Boosted"
Reality: Unlike Instagram pushing Reels, Bluesky doesn't heavily favor specific formats. Create what works for your content.
Myth: "The Algorithm Is Trying to Suppress You"
Reality: If your posts aren't getting reach, it's more likely timing, content quality, or audience fit — not algorithmic suppression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Bluesky algorithm work?
Bluesky doesn't have one central algorithm. The Following feed is chronological, the Discover feed uses engagement signals to recommend content, and custom feeds use various criteria set by their creators. Users choose which feeds to use.
Does Bluesky suppress reach like Instagram?
No. Your followers see your posts in their Following feed — there's no algorithmic filtering of who sees content from accounts they follow. Reach to non-followers depends on engagement and custom feed distribution.
Do hashtags work on Bluesky?
Not like on Instagram or Twitter. Bluesky doesn't use hashtags for content discovery. Including them doesn't hurt, but they don't boost reach.
How do I get on the Discover feed?
Posts with high engagement, especially quick engagement after posting, are more likely to surface in Discover. Creating quality content that gets likes, replies, and reposts increases your chances.
What's the best way to grow on Bluesky?
Consistent posting, genuine engagement with others, creating valuable content, and building relationships in your niche. There's no growth hack — the platform rewards authentic participation.
How important is timing on Bluesky?
Very important for the Following feed, which is chronological. Post when your audience is online for maximum visibility. See our best posting times guide.
Can I game the Bluesky algorithm?
Not really. Engagement bait and manipulation tactics that work elsewhere often backfire on Bluesky. The community values authenticity, and there's no single algorithm to exploit.
The Bottom Line
- Your followers actually see your posts — no algorithmic suppression of organic reach
- You choose your algorithms — subscribe to feeds that match how you want to browse
- Engagement still matters — for reaching new audiences through Discover and custom feeds
- Authenticity wins — the platform and culture reward genuine participation
To maximize your Bluesky reach: post consistently at optimal times, create content worth engaging with, build genuine relationships, and participate in your niche community.
There's no magic algorithm hack. Just show up, provide value, and engage authentically.
Try Schedulala for free
Schedule posts to Bluesky, Twitter, and 8 other platforms from one dashboard.
Get started for free→Schedule for Consistent Reach
Consistency is key to Bluesky growth. A scheduling tool helps you post regularly without being online constantly.
Schedulala lets you schedule Bluesky posts in advance, so you can maintain consistent presence while focusing on engagement and content quality.
