Bluesky lets you filter your timeline by topic using custom feeds. These feeds show only posts matching specific keywords, hashtags, or user lists. You do not need to write any code to build one. The built-in Feed Builder tool handles all the logic for you. This article walks you through creating a custom feed from start to finish.
Key Takeaways: Creating a Custom Bluesky Feed Without Coding
- Bluesky Feed Builder at skyfeed.app: A free web tool to create feeds with keyword, user, and date filters.
- Feed name and avatar: Required to publish a feed; choose a descriptive name and upload a square image.
- Publishing the feed: After creation, click Publish and then Save to Your Feeds in the Bluesky app to add it to your home tab.
What the Bluesky Feed Builder Does and What You Need
The Bluesky Feed Builder is a web application hosted at skyfeed.app. It lets you define a set of rules that filter posts from the entire Bluesky network. Rules can include specific words, hashtags, user handles, or date ranges. The tool combines these rules into a single feed URL that you can save in your Bluesky app. You need a Bluesky account and a web browser. No programming experience is required. The interface uses dropdown menus, text fields, and checkboxes.
Steps to Create a Custom Bluesky Feed
Follow these steps to build and publish your first custom feed.
- Open the Feed Builder
Go to skyfeed.app in your web browser. Click the Create Feed button on the top right of the page. - Sign in with Bluesky
Click the Sign in with Bluesky button. A popup window appears. Enter your Bluesky handle or email address and your app password. If you do not have an app password, create one in Bluesky Settings > App Passwords. Click Sign in. - Name your feed
In the Feed Builder, type a name in the Feed Name field. Use something descriptive like “Tech News” or “Photography Picks”. Optionally, add a description in the Feed Description field. - Add a filter rule
Click Add Filter. A filter row appears with a dropdown and a text field. Choose a filter type from the dropdown. The most common types are:
– Content contains: Shows posts that include a specific word or phrase.
– Hashtag: Shows posts with a specific hashtag (do not include the # symbol).
– Posted by: Shows posts from a specific user. Enter the user’s handle.
– Posted after: Shows posts created after a specific date. Use the date picker. - Combine multiple filters
To narrow results, click Add Filter again. By default, all filters must match for a post to appear. To change this, click the AND dropdown next to a filter and select OR. For example, to show posts about cats OR dogs, add two Content Contains filters and set both to OR. - Preview the feed
Click the Preview button at the bottom of the page. The tool shows the most recent matching posts. If the results are too broad or too narrow, adjust your filters and preview again. - Upload a feed avatar
Click the avatar placeholder at the top of the Feed Builder. Select a square image file from your computer. The image should be at least 200 by 200 pixels. This avatar appears next to your feed in the Bluesky app. - Publish the feed
Click the Publish button. A confirmation message appears. Your feed is now live on the Bluesky network. - Save the feed in your Bluesky app
Open the Bluesky app on your phone or computer. Go to your home tab. Click the Feeds icon at the top of the column. Click Saved Feeds. Click Add Feed. Paste the feed URL from the Feed Builder or search for your feed name. Click Save. Your custom feed now appears under Saved Feeds in your home tab.
Common Issues When Creating a Custom Feed
No posts appear in the preview
Your filter rules may be too restrictive. Remove one filter at a time and preview again. Check that you spelled keywords correctly. For hashtag filters, omit the # symbol. For user filters, ensure the handle is exact, including the @ symbol.
The feed shows irrelevant posts
A single keyword can match posts about unrelated topics. Add more filters and set them to AND to require all conditions. For example, if you want posts about apples the fruit, use Content Contains “apple” AND Content Does Not Contain “iPhone”.
Cannot sign in to skyfeed.app
Make sure you are using an app password, not your main Bluesky password. Generate a new app password in Bluesky Settings > App Passwords. Copy it exactly, including any spaces. If you still cannot sign in, clear your browser cache and try again.
Feed appears offline after publishing
The Feed Builder may take a few minutes to index new posts. Wait 10 minutes and refresh the feed in your Bluesky app. If the problem persists, delete the feed from Saved Feeds and add it again using the same URL.
Skyfeed Builder vs Bluesky Starter Packs
| Item | Skyfeed Builder | Bluesky Starter Packs |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Create a feed based on content rules | Create a curated list of user accounts |
| Filter type | Keywords, hashtags, users, date ranges | User handles only |
| Requires coding | No | No |
| Posts shown | From any Bluesky user matching the rules | Only from the listed users |
| Shareable | Yes, via feed URL | Yes, via link |
The Skyfeed Builder gives you content-based control. Starter Packs give you user-based control. Use both together for the most precise feed. For example, create a Starter Pack of tech journalists and then build a Skyfeed that filters their posts to show only articles about AI.
You can now create a Bluesky feed that shows exactly the topics you care about. Start with one or two keyword filters and add more as you refine your feed. After you publish a feed, try editing its filters later by returning to skyfeed.app, clicking My Feeds, and selecting the feed. For an advanced technique, combine an OR group of synonyms inside one feed to catch posts that use different words for the same topic.