Understanding BlueSky Custom Feeds and Discovery

BlueSky discovery does not work exactly like older social networks. People can follow accounts, but they can also use custom feeds that organize posts around topics, communities, and algorithms created by users or developers.

That means creators should think about more than posting time. The words, topics, and context inside a post can help the right people and feeds understand what the post is about.

BlueSky's developer docs describe custom feeds as feed generators that let users choose different timelines through AT Protocol.

What is a BlueSky custom feed?

A custom feed is a user-selectable timeline built around a specific algorithm or source of posts. It might be topic-based, community-based, project-based, or built for a very specific type of content.

For creators, this matters because discovery can happen outside the main following feed. A post may be seen by people following a relevant custom feed, not only by people already following the account.

BlueSky's feed docs explain timelines, custom feed generators, and author feeds.

Why keywords and context matter

Custom feeds are not an invitation to stuff posts with awkward keywords. The better approach is topic clarity. Say the actual subject, use relevant terms naturally, and avoid vague posts that could fit any niche.

Weak: This changed how I post.

Stronger: This changed how I schedule BlueSky launch posts.

Weak: New tool is live.

Stronger: I built a free BlueSky thread splitter for creators turning long ideas into posts.

Weak: Better workflow.

Stronger: A weekly BlueSky content calendar keeps my product updates and replies organized.

How to write for discovery without sounding robotic

A good discovery-friendly post still sounds human. Mention the topic clearly, explain why it matters, and give people a reason to reply, click, or save. The post should be understandable even if someone sees it outside your existing audience.

This is where ONYX AI Voice can help. Use AI to draft options around the real topic, then edit the final version so it keeps your point of view and does not read like search copy.

Use threads for deeper feed signals

A thread can make a topic clearer because each post adds context. If you are explaining a launch, tutorial, release note, or industry lesson, split the idea into posts that each have one job.

Use the free BlueSky thread splitter when one post is not enough for the idea.

For teams building custom algorithms, ONYX also provides a helper for formatting exact feed skeleton response payloads for programmatic client rendering before a feed generator service is implemented.

If a post becomes especially useful, embedding highly discoverable posts on external websites can extend the life of that BlueSky conversation beyond the feed.

Plan recurring topics with a content calendar

Custom feeds reward consistency when the topic is clear over time. If you want to be known for BlueSky scheduling, AI writing, open-source updates, art process, or product launches, put those topics into a repeatable weekly plan.

This is especially useful for creators, developers, journalists and news organizations that need a recognizable topic lane without making every post sound automated.

Build a weekly BlueSky content calendar with the free ONYX template.

The practical ONYX workflow

Pick the topic you want to be discoverable for.

Draft posts that say the topic clearly without stuffing keywords.

Use AI Voice for options, then edit for accuracy and tone.

Schedule the approved posts into a weekly rhythm.

Review which posts earn replies, clicks, saves, and follows.

BlueSky custom feeds do not remove the need for useful posts. They make clarity more important. The best strategy is still simple: post useful ideas, label the topic naturally, reply like a person, and keep learning from what works.

Start building a BlueSky posting rhythm with ONYX and keep your approved posts moving.