Social network Bluesky has added a new feature that lets users create curated lists of people to follow and custom feeds. Called “Starter Pack,” the feature is aimed at helping users join the social network quickly find interesting content.
Existing users can create a starter pack by adding their account and custom feed, then share a link or QR code with users who aren't yet on Bluesky.
Image credit: Bluesky
The link has a “Join Bluesky” button that takes you to the social network's sign-up page. When you sign up, your account will automatically follow all suggested people and feeds. You can also sign up for Bluesky without following these suggestions.
Currently, the starter pack allows you to add 50 users and 3 custom feeds.
Image credit: Bluesky
If you're already using Bluesky, it's also a useful tool for finding new people and feeds to follow. However, the company says that the Starter Pack doesn't show up in searches right now. To find it, someone would have to send you a link or you'd have to write a post with the Starter Pack link.
Existing Bluesky users can click the link on desktop to see the people, feeds, and posts posted by the account as well, but tapping the link on mobile will open a sign-up page in your browser, and you won't be able to follow the account directly from there.
Bluesky Starter Pack for Existing Desktop Users Image Credit: Screenshot by TechCrunch
The prompt to create a Starter Pack will now appear on desktop and within the Bluesky mobile app on both iOS and Android (v1.87).
In addition to this, the new app update also allows you to retroactively restrict conversations so that only certain people can reply to a thread. Options are no one will reply, only mentioned users, users you follow, etc. Additionally, you can also discover new feeds that you can follow through search and explore.
Last month, Bluesky added direct messaging, allowing you to personalize your main Discover feed by providing feedback with “See more like this” and “See less like this” buttons.