Bluesky allows users to create and share moderation lists that can block multiple accounts at once. These public block lists help you and others filter out spam, harassment, or unwanted interactions without manually blocking each account. The feature is built into Bluesky’s moderation tools and works across the entire network. This article explains how to create your own public block list, add accounts to it, and share it so other users can subscribe.
Key Takeaways: Creating a Public Block List on Bluesky
- Settings > Moderation > Moderation Lists: The starting point to create a new list.
- List visibility set to Public: Required for others to find and subscribe to your block list.
- Share the list URL: After creation, copy the list’s direct link to share with other Bluesky users.
How Bluesky Moderation Lists Work
Bluesky moderation lists are collections of accounts that you group together based on a purpose. Each list can be set to block, mute, or simply follow the accounts you add. When you create a block list, every account on that list is blocked from interacting with you. If you make the list public, other Bluesky users can subscribe to it. Subscribing applies the same blocks to their own account, saving them the effort of individually blocking each account.
A public block list is useful for community-driven moderation. For example, you can create a list of known spam accounts, trolls, or bots. Once published, anyone can subscribe and instantly block the entire group. You control the list: you can add or remove accounts at any time. Subscribers see updates automatically.
Before you start, make sure you have a Bluesky account. You need the official Bluesky app or the web version at bsky.app. The feature is available to all users — no special permissions are required.
Steps to Create a Public Block List on Bluesky
- Open the Moderation Lists panel
Go to Settings > Moderation > Moderation Lists. On the web, click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, then Moderation, then Moderation Lists. On the mobile app, tap the hamburger menu icon, tap Settings, tap Moderation, then tap Moderation Lists. - Create a new list
Tap or click the New List button. A dialog box appears asking for a name and description. Choose a clear name that explains the list’s purpose, for example “Spam Accounts to Block.” The description is optional but helpful for subscribers. Set the visibility to Public. If you set it to Private, only you can see the list. - Set the list type to Block
Below the visibility setting, you see a dropdown labeled List Type. Select Block from the options. This tells Bluesky that the list is meant for blocking accounts, not muting or following them. Confirm by tapping or clicking Create. - Add accounts to the block list
After creation, the list opens. Tap or click the Add People button. You can search for Bluesky usernames or paste handles directly. Select the accounts you want to block. Each added account is immediately blocked on your account and added to the list. You can add as many accounts as needed. - Share the block list URL
Return to the Moderation Lists panel. Your new list appears with a share icon or a link. On the web, right-click the list name and copy the link address. On mobile, tap the three-dot menu next to the list and select Copy Link. The URL looks likehttps://bsky.app/starter-pack/username/3XXXXXX. Send this link to other Bluesky users so they can subscribe.
Common Mistakes, Limitations, and Things to Avoid
Setting the list to Private after creation
Once a list is created as Private, you cannot change it to Public. You must delete the private list and create a new one with the Public setting. Double-check the visibility before clicking Create.
Adding accounts that already block you
If an account has already blocked you, you cannot add it to your block list. Bluesky prevents this because the block is already in effect from the other side. Remove the account from your block list if you later unblock it — the list does not automatically sync changes from the other user.
Subscribers see only the block, not the list’s full contents
When someone subscribes to your public block list, they see a notification that the list has been applied. They cannot view the individual accounts in the list unless you share the list page. The block action happens silently in the background.
Accidentally blocking yourself
You cannot add your own account to a block list. Bluesky prevents this. If you try, the app shows an error message. No action is needed to avoid this — the system handles it.
Public Block List vs Private Block List: Key Differences
| Item | Public Block List | Private Block List |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Anyone with the link can view and subscribe | Only you can see the list |
| Sharing | You can share the URL on social media or in messages | No sharing possible |
| Subscribers | Unlimited users can subscribe | No subscribers |
| Use case | Community moderation, spam filtering | Personal blocking only |
Now you know how to create a public block list on Bluesky. Start by naming your list clearly and setting it to Public with the Block type. Add accounts that you and others want to block. Share the list link in relevant Bluesky posts or communities. For advanced use, combine multiple block lists — Bluesky allows you to subscribe to several lists simultaneously. This gives you layered protection against different types of unwanted accounts.