Best Practices for Local Bluesky Network Discovery

Local Bluesky network discovery connects users within their communities through decentralized features, encouraging meaningful regional interactions. The platform's structure, powered by the AT Protocol, supports personalized feeds, layered moderation, and portable identities, making it easier to engage with nearby users on local issues and interests.

Key takeaways:

• Why Local Networks Matter: They enable discussions on regional topics like public transit, local businesses, and events, creating stronger connections.
• Bluesky's Tools: Custom feeds, advanced search filters, and a decentralized framework help users find and interact with location-specific content.
• Growth Post-Public Launch: Bluesky's open registration (Feb 2024) boosted local engagement, with over 35 million users now forming vibrant regional communities.
• Analytics & Tools: Platforms like TheBlue.social offer detailed analytics, starter packs, and cross-posting tools to simplify local engagement.

Focus on building genuine connections, sharing regional insights, and using tools like custom feeds and APIs to track and grow your local Bluesky network.

Understanding Bluesky Network Structure

Grasping Bluesky's network structure is crucial for understanding how local discovery works. The platform runs on the AT Protocol, a federated system made up of three key components: Personal Data Servers (PDS), Relays, and App Views [4][1]. In this setup, PDS stores user data, Relays aggregate content, and App Views organize the feeds you interact with.

What sets Bluesky apart is its use of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), which ensure account mobility without breaking connections [2][1]. This means users can maintain their networks even if they switch servers, preserving regional ties as the platform evolves. This technical backbone makes the platform well-suited for fostering local and global interactions.

Bluesky described the AT Protocol as "letting people move between cities. Creating a standard format for identity and data is like giving people a passport, cell phone, and property rights." [3]

Bluesky also separates content posting from promotion, allowing users to share freely while moderation tools manage visibility [1]. This balance enables local communities to set their own standards while staying connected to a broader network of over 35 million registered users [7].

Network Layers: Follows, Replies, Reposts, and Likes

Bluesky's interaction system builds connections through four main actions: Follows, Replies, Reposts, and Likes. Each serves a different purpose in shaping local communities. Follows establish your network, Replies drive conversations, Reposts amplify content, and Likes show support or agreement.

These layers work together to identify influential users who act as hubs of local information. Bluesky’s composable moderation system, which combines multiple labelers and moderation services, allows communities to create their own engagement norms while staying part of the larger ecosystem [3].

Measuring Community Health with Network Data

A study of 150,000 public users (spanning May 2023–May 2024) revealed that follow rates increased by about 19% for Feed creators and 16% for other members after Bluesky opened its doors to all users on February 6, 2024 [5]. This growth highlights stronger local engagement following the platform's public launch.

Metrics like follower-to-following ratios help identify key influencers who act as community voices. Additionally, tracking changes in follower counts over time offers insights into the overall health and growth of local networks.

How Bluesky's Public Launch Affected U.S. Networks

When Bluesky transitioned from an invitation-only model to open registration on February 6, 2024, it reshaped how local networks formed across the U.S. Instead of relying on offline connections, users began clustering organically around shared interests and regional topics.

The surge in follows and blocks after the public launch [5] suggests users became more selective about their local connections, strengthening regional ties. Location-specific feeds played a crucial role in this process, helping users maintain local connections as the platform scaled. With over 40,000 algorithmic feeds available [3], these tools have become essential for fostering local engagement.

Bluesky’s estimated 2.5–3 million daily active users [7] are spread across various regional networks, each developing its own unique engagement patterns and norms. This distribution not only preserves local identity but also creates opportunities for cross-regional collaboration and learning.

"We're creating a version of social media where it's built by many people, and it still comes together as a cohesive, easy-to-use experience." [3]

The public launch also unlocked new opportunities for analyzing local network trends. Researchers and community managers can now access expanded datasets through tools like the Bluesky API to track engagement, identify patterns, and refine strategies for nurturing local communities.

Tools and Features for Local Network Discovery

Bluesky provides several tools to simplify local network discovery. With built-in features, API access, and third-party integrations, users have multiple ways to explore regional networks and engage with nearby communities.

Using Bluesky's Search Function

Bluesky's search function includes advanced filters that make keyword searches more precise. For example, you can enclose specific phrases in quotes, search for hashtags on local topics, or use operators like from:, mentions:, and domain: to refine your results. The domain: operator is particularly helpful for finding posts linked to websites such as local news outlets, city governments, or regional organizations. Additionally, language and date filters allow you to focus on recent and relevant content.

Urban planning expert Brent Toderian, known for fostering planning communities on Bluesky, shared how the platform supports his work:

"I use social media to refine the messaging that I use in my practice and in my presentations and communications. Twitter had been, and now Bluesky is, the best way for me to test and refine my message." [8]

In February 2025, Toderian introduced curated "starter packs" to help new users find others with similar interests. He also encouraged influential planners to join Bluesky, further expanding the platform's reach. These search techniques work hand-in-hand with custom feeds, offering users a versatile way to discover local content.

Custom Feeds for Local Content

Custom feeds add another layer of personalization for local discovery. These feeds allow users to organize content by topics, regions, or groups, making them one of Bluesky's standout features. With tools like Skyfeed, a third-party app, you can easily create and manage custom feeds tailored to your interests.

For example, you can build feeds that pull posts from curated lists of local users, track mentions of region-specific keywords, and apply filters to focus on the most relevant content. Parameters like keywords, users, and dates can be defined, while irrelevant posts can be excluded by filtering out specific terms. Additionally, these feeds can be shared with others interested in the same local topics. In January 2025, a Daily Kos user demonstrated the power of custom feeds by creating one for #FEMA, enabling them to stay updated on disaster recovery efforts. However, keep in mind that custom feeds may have slower update times, making them better suited for ongoing conversations rather than real-time updates.

Data Analysis with the Bluesky API

For a deeper dive into local network dynamics, the Bluesky API offers direct access to social network data and user interactions. Developers can use tools like the atproto Python client to interact with Bluesky's social graph, while the API provides various endpoints under the app.bsky namespace for advanced network analysis.

To get started, you can authenticate using your Bluesky credentials and integrate with the API using libraries like Python's requests or Node.js's official @atproto/api package. Here's a basic Python example:

import requests
BLUESKY_HANDLE = "example.bsky.social"
BLUESKY_APP_PASSWORD = "123-456-789"
resp = requests.post(
    "https://bsky.social/xrpc/com.atproto.server.createSession",
    json={"identifier": BLUESKY_HANDLE, "password": BLUESKY_APP_PASSWORD},
)
resp.raise_for_status()
session = resp.json()
access_token = session["accessJwt"]

Once authenticated, you can build network graphs and detect community clusters. Algorithms like Louvain can help identify tightly connected user groups, while centrality metrics highlight key influencers. Visualization tools, such as the ForceAtlas2 algorithm, provide a clearer picture of the network's structure.

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber underscored the platform's long-term vision for user identity:

"We wanted this to someday be the last social identity you'll ever have to create because you can take it in between apps and services." [9]

This emphasis on portable identity makes API-based analysis especially useful for tracking how local networks evolve as users move across apps and services within the AT Protocol ecosystem.

Best Practices for Analyzing Local Bluesky Networks

Understanding how to analyze local Bluesky networks goes beyond just exploring its tools and structure - it’s about refining strategies to better connect with your community. With Bluesky’s user base growing rapidly, local communities are becoming more dynamic and diverse. To navigate these networks effectively, focus on building meaningful connections rather than chasing superficial metrics.

Finding Local Influencers and Trending Topics

Spotting influential voices in your area requires a mix of observation and engagement analysis. Unlike traditional social platforms, Bluesky prioritizes genuine interaction over follower counts. This means local influencers may not have massive followings but instead foster strong community connections through regular engagement and thoughtful contributions.

To identify these influencers, look at replies and reposts. Accounts with high activity in these areas often play a central role in local conversations. Additionally, Bluesky’s trending topics feature highlights key discussions gaining traction in your area, making it easier to spot what’s resonating with users [19].

For deeper insights, explore the Replies tab of people you follow. This reveals who is actively participating in meaningful exchanges [10]. Engaging with these users requires authenticity - leave thoughtful comments that show your awareness of local issues and shared interests.

Another helpful tool is Starter Packs. These curated lists of accounts and feeds are often organized by geographic region or local interests, making them a quick way to discover influencers and communities [11][13][14].

Once you’ve identified key influencers and trending topics, the next step is to monitor how these elements contribute to the growth and vitality of your local network.

Tracking Network Growth Over Time

To truly understand the health of a local Bluesky network, keep an eye on engagement metrics that reflect authentic interaction. Unlike traditional platforms, Bluesky shifts the focus away from vanity metrics, emphasizing meaningful activity instead.

Active participation is a strong indicator of network health. In fact, over 74% of marketers consider community engagement essential for growth [16]. By analyzing content interaction patterns, you can uncover which topics and formats generate the most discussion. For instance, Bluesky’s approach to link sharing - without throttling or demoting links - can lead to a 2–10× boost in engagement and external traffic [17].

Retention rates are another critical metric. High retention signals a thriving community, while a drop in participation might indicate the need for fresh strategies. Sentiment analysis can also provide valuable insights into the tone of local conversations. Monitoring whether discussions trend positive, negative, or neutral helps pinpoint areas needing attention.

User-generated content, such as event photos, neighborhood discussions, or local business shoutouts, is another strong indicator of engagement and commitment [15]. To track these metrics effectively, establish a routine. Posting 3–5 times weekly with valuable content and engaging daily, even briefly, can help sustain momentum as you grow your local network [6].

Connecting with Local Users from Other Platforms

As users transition to Bluesky from other platforms, reconnecting with your existing local contacts is essential for maintaining community ties. Use tools like the Sky Follower Bridge to import local contacts and search for connections using relevant hashtags or custom feeds [13][10].

Rather than just broadcasting content, focus on active participation. Join conversations, respond thoughtfully, and bring creativity into your interactions. This approach is vital for forming meaningful connections during platform shifts [20].

"Effective social media monitoring lets brands be responsive to their audience's pain points, allowing them to address specific issues as they arise. By actively engaging with their audience and providing valuable content, brands can build and sustain deeper connections, enhancing loyalty and ultimately fostering a community."
– Alienore Lanson, Senior Account Manager, MG Empower [18]

Community bridging is another powerful tactic. By introducing people with shared local interests and facilitating discussions, you can strengthen your network and establish yourself as a connector [12]. When reaching out to contacts from other platforms, referencing shared local experiences or interests adds a personal touch, increasing the chances of successful engagement. Always prioritize building genuine relationships over simply growing your follower count [12].

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Using TheBlue.social for Local Network Discovery

Building strong community ties on Bluesky often starts with effective local network discovery. While Bluesky offers native tools for this, TheBlue.social takes it a step further by streamlining the process with features designed to automate tasks and deliver detailed insights. These tools make it easier to connect with people in your area and foster meaningful relationships. Let’s dive into how its analytics and resources enhance local engagement.

Analytics for Local Engagement Tracking

TheBlue.social's analytics dashboard is tailored for tracking and understanding local network growth. It provides tools to monitor follower growth, engagement rates, and interaction trends specific to your geographic area. This helps you see how your local presence evolves over time.

The dashboard doesn’t just stop at surface-level metrics. It tracks key engagement indicators like reply rates, reposts, and the depth of conversations. With this data, you can identify spikes in activity, seasonal patterns, and the best times to post. Instead of focusing on vanity metrics, you gain actionable insights to build genuine connections within your community.

Additionally, if you're active on both Bluesky and X, the analytics offer cross-platform performance comparisons. This helps you determine which platform is better suited for your local content, allowing you to fine-tune your engagement strategies for each.

Starter Packs for Regional Communities

To complement its analytics, TheBlue.social offers curated starter packs that make connecting with regional communities a breeze. These packs are pre-assembled lists of up to 150 users and 3 custom feeds, all centered around specific locations or interests [21].

The starter pack browser simplifies the search process by allowing you to look up regional groups using keywords. This means you can quickly find and join local communities without sifting through individual profiles manually [22]. Since these packs don’t appear in regular search results, TheBlue.social’s directory becomes an essential tool for discovering hidden networks [21].

Starter packs are organized by region, topics, and activity levels, helping you focus on the most vibrant and relevant communities. Once you’ve identified a pack, you can follow multiple accounts at once, making it easier to expand your network - especially if you’re new to an area or looking to branch out beyond your immediate circle.

Managing Local Engagement with Cross-Posting and Follow Tools

Consistency is key when engaging with local audiences, and TheBlue.social’s cross-posting scheduler helps you stay on top of it. This feature allows you to manage content across both Bluesky and X, tailoring posts to fit each platform’s unique style [23]. It’s especially helpful for local businesses and community leaders who need to announce events, share updates, or post regional content efficiently.

The scheduling tool lets you plan posts ahead of time, giving you more freedom to focus on real-time interactions and relationship building. Meanwhile, follow management tools simplify organizing your network. For instance, the Follow Back Followers feature helps you quickly reciprocate connections with local users, and the Clean Up Followings tool ensures your network stays relevant and focused.

TheBlue.social also tracks engagement metrics for each platform separately, so you can see what type of content performs better on Bluesky versus X [23]. This allows you to refine your strategy, tailoring posts to match the preferences and behaviors of each audience.

Key Takeaways for Local Bluesky Network Discovery

Bluesky’s rapid growth, with 32 million users and a 500% increase in U.S. traffic since November 2024[24], offers a wealth of opportunities to build local connections. The key? Focus on genuine engagement rather than chasing follower counts.

Summary of Best Practices

Building a strong local network on Bluesky is all about authenticity and meaningful interactions. Instead of obsessing over follower numbers, prioritize creating a loyal and engaged community. Start by crafting a profile that clearly reflects your local identity.

Use Bluesky’s built-in tools alongside consistent, intentional engagement to ensure your network grows steadily over time. Share insights about local events, interact with nearby users, and support community-driven initiatives. Narrowing your focus to a specific niche or interest within your area can make it easier to connect with your target audience.

When measuring success, look beyond surface-level metrics. Track meaningful indicators like follower growth rate, engagement per post (likes, replies, and reposts), and overall participation in your local community. These metrics often offer a clearer picture of genuine connections than simple follower counts.

Consistency matters. Develop a content calendar focused on local topics, experiment with posting times to match your community’s activity, and maintain regular interactions with local users. Real growth comes from ongoing conversations, not sporadic bursts of content.

To bring these strategies to life, consider tools designed to simplify local discovery.

How TheBlue.social Simplifies Local Discovery

TheBlue.social makes it easier to implement these strategies with tools tailored for local network building. With access to 74,000 Bluesky starter packs[26], the platform helps uncover regional communities that might be hard to find using standard searches.

Its analytics dashboard provides insights into key engagement metrics like follower growth, interaction rates, and conversation depth. These tools help you identify seasonal trends, pinpoint the best times to post, and discover what type of content resonates most with your audience.

The platform’s social graph features are particularly helpful for growing your local presence. They allow you to find mutual followers, identify unreciprocated connections, and uncover potential contacts, making it easier to build a stronger, more connected community.

Additionally, TheBlue.social includes a cross-posting scheduler that ensures consistent activity on both Bluesky and X, while tailoring content to each platform. Follow management tools also help keep your network organized, which is crucial as your local presence expands.

At just $10 per month[25], TheBlue.social offers an affordable way to grow your local network. Its freemium model lets you test basic features before upgrading to advanced analytics and scheduling tools designed to take your local discovery efforts to the next level.

FAQs

::: faq

How does the AT Protocol improve local Bluesky network discovery and user engagement?

The AT Protocol improves how users discover and interact within the local Bluesky network by establishing a federated and interoperable system. This approach lets users connect effortlessly across different servers while still retaining full control over their data and identity. By streamlining the way information is shared and exchanged, it makes finding and engaging with local communities much easier.

What’s more, the protocol’s scalable design allows users to host and manage their own data, boosting the network’s resilience and accessibility. This setup promotes stronger participation and helps build a tighter-knit community within the Bluesky ecosystem. :::

::: faq

How can I find and connect with local influencers on Bluesky?

To connect with local influencers on Bluesky, start by using the platform's search tools. Enter keywords tied to your location or interests to uncover creators and communities that align with your area. Once you find them, interact with their posts - like, comment, and join in on discussions to form meaningful connections.

Bluesky’s Discover feed and recommended profiles are also great resources for finding influential users. Incorporating hashtags related to your niche or local community can help narrow your search and make it easier to connect with the right people. The key to building relationships on Bluesky is staying active and genuinely engaging with the community. :::

::: faq

How can I use TheBlue.social to grow and track my local Bluesky network effectively?

TheBlue.social offers a set of tools designed to help you grow and manage your local Bluesky network with ease. One standout feature is its analytics dashboard, which lets you keep an eye on how your content is performing and track audience growth over time. By spotting trends and patterns, you can tweak your approach to get better results.

Another handy feature is the post scheduling tool, which ensures your content goes live at the best times for engagement. These tools make it simpler to connect with your local Bluesky community and build your network effectively. :::