How Follow Back Automation Works on Bluesky
Follow back automation on Bluesky simplifies growing your network by automatically following back new followers using the platform's API. Here's what you need to know:
Key Benefits:
Save time by automating repetitive follow-back tasks.
Maintain steady engagement, even when offline.
Grow your network strategically with tools like analytics and rule-based filters.
How It Works:
The system detects new followers every 4 hours.
Pre-set rules (e.g., account age, post frequency) decide who gets a follow-back.
Actions are executed while staying within Bluesky's API limits.
Getting Started:
Use tools like TheBlue.social to speed up follow-backs for $10/month.
Set rules like minimum account age (e.g., 30 days) or post activity (at least 3 posts/week).
Monitor analytics to track growth and engagement.
API Limits:
Each account has hourly and daily limits for actions (e.g., follow, unfollow).
Follow best practices like limiting follows to 80/day and monitoring rate usage.
Follow Back Automation System
Bluesky API Functions
The Bluesky API streamlines follow-back processes using endpoints like agent.follow(did) and agent.deleteFollow(uri) [3]. These tools operate within Bluesky's Decentralized Identifier (DID) framework, which manages user connections.
To maintain platform stability, the API enforces rate limits. Each account is allocated 5,000 points per hour and 35,000 points per day for repository operations [4]. Each action consumes points based on its type:
| Operation | Points Cost |
|---|---|
| Create | 3 points |
| Update | 2 points |
| Delete | 1 point |
These API features form the backbone of the automation process, enabling tasks like detecting followers, applying rules, and performing follow-back actions.
Core Automation Steps
Follower Detection
Every 4 hours, the system retrieves the current list of followers using the Bluesky API [1].Rule Application
The automation compares the updated follower list with existing following relationships to identify users eligible for follow-backs."One thing I especially enjoyed is the Bluesky API, which, unlike Twitter's, is completely free... Plus, it allows you to do absolutely anything you can do using the UI." - Filip Melka [1]
Action Execution
Follow-back actions are carried out while adhering to the API's rate limits.
Once the automated follow-back process is complete, the system ensures everything runs smoothly by tracking performance and compliance.
Performance Tracking
Automation tools include analytics to monitor key metrics like follower growth, follow-back response times, engagement rates, and rate limit usage [2]. This ensures the system operates within compliance while optimizing results.
"Bluesky automation isn't about replacing authentic engagement - it's about enhancing it. By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on creating meaningful content, connecting with your audience, and achieving your goals faster." - AutomateBlueSky [2]
Getting Started with Automation
Tools and Access You’ll Need
To automate follow-backs on Bluesky, make sure you have the following:
Bluesky Developer Credentials: These are essential for authenticating with the API endpoints.
API Access Tokens: Required to enable automated actions.
Follow Management Tools: Use platforms like TheBlue.social to streamline the process.
Setting Up Follow-Back Rules
Defining clear follow-back rules is crucial for building a meaningful and active network. Here’s a quick guide to some useful rules:
| Rule Type | Purpose | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Account Age | Filter out brand-new accounts | Minimum 30 days old |
| Post Frequency | Identify active users | At least 3 posts per week |
| Profile Completion | Verify genuine profiles | Must include an avatar and a bio |
| Follow Ratio | Keep a balanced network | Maximum 3:1 following-to-follower ratio |
These rules help you connect with active, authentic users, ensuring your network stays both engaging and relevant.
How to Set Up on TheBlue.social
Follow these steps to get started with TheBlue.social and automate your follow-backs:
Link Your Bluesky Account
Sign up for the Early Supporter plan, which costs $10/month, and connect your Bluesky account.Configure Analytics
Use the dashboard to monitor follower growth and engagement metrics.Batch Follow-back
Perform follow-back actions, unfollow users who don’t follow back, and schedule routine cleanups for inactive accounts.
The platform is designed with privacy in mind and complies with Bluesky's guidelines, ensuring your account operates smoothly. Regular updates keep everything aligned with Bluesky’s evolving ecosystem, making it easier to manage your network efficiently.
Safety and Platform Rules
API Limits and Error Management
To ensure safe and effective automation on Bluesky, it's crucial to understand the platform's API limits. Here's a breakdown of the operations and their respective limits:
| Operation Type | Points Cost | Hourly Limit | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Create Actions | 3 points | 1,666 records | 11,666 records |
| Update Actions | 2 points | 2,500 records | 17,500 records |
| Delete Actions | 1 point | 5,000 records | 35,000 records |
To stay within these limits and avoid disruptions, follow these best practices:
Keep your following-to-follower ratio below 2:1.
Restrict new follows to no more than 80 per day.
Monitor API usage by checking rate limit headers.
Implement exponential backoff strategies to handle HTTP 429 errors effectively.
"We'll also return rate limit headers on each response so developers can dynamically adapt to these standards", Bluesky's official documentation highlights [6].
TheBlue.social ensures compliance with these limits by adjusting follow-back rates accordingly. By carefully managing API calls, the platform enables seamless integration while maintaining a secure and efficient follow-back system.
User Data Protection
In addition to API safety, safeguarding user data is a top priority for Bluesky's network, which boasts 35.2 million users as of April 2024. While Bluesky's decentralized structure gives users greater control over their information, applying strong security measures is still essential.
Here are some key steps to enhance data protection:
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for any automation tools.
Regularly review app permissions and keep an eye on account activity.
Use secure API authentication methods to protect access.
Regularly back up follower data to prevent loss.
TheBlue.social integrates several security measures to ensure the safety of both automation processes and user privacy:
Encrypted API connections for secure data transmission.
Automated compliance with API rate limits.
Real-time monitoring of account activity.
Secure storage for credentials.
Routine security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
These precautions not only protect your automated follow-back operations but also help maintain the privacy and integrity of user data.
"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", says Jay Graber, Bluesky's CEO [7].
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I Tried the New BlueSky App Automation Features
Conclusion
To wrap things up, follow-back automation has become a game-changer for networking on Bluesky, which now boasts 2.2 million users as of November 2024 [5]. Take Samantha (@itreallydoes.com), for instance - she leveraged automation in May 2025 to expand her network, connect with like-minded communities, and promote her brand effectively.
Platforms like TheBlue.social take automation a step further by offering tools that respect Bluesky's API limits while providing extra features like advanced analytics and a post scheduler. These tools include:
Advanced analytics to monitor and understand engagement trends
Automated follow management that stays within platform guidelines
Curated starter packs to help users find relevant connections
Privacy-first automation features for secure networking
This blend of automation and genuine engagement creates a solid foundation for building meaningful connections. By using tools like TheBlue.social, users can focus on crafting impactful content while their networks grow steadily and naturally.
FAQs
::: faq
How does Bluesky's follow-back automation manage API rate limits, and what happens if those limits are exceeded?
Bluesky's follow-back automation is designed to stay within API rate limits by keeping track of the number of requests made in a specific time frame. For instance, some API endpoints allow up to 3,000 requests within 5 minutes. If this limit is crossed, the system responds with a "429 Too Many Requests" error, temporarily blocking further requests.
To keep things running smoothly, developers often use tactics like reducing the rate of requests or retrying after a brief pause. Repeatedly hitting these limits can lead to temporary restrictions or slower access, which can interfere with the functionality of follow-back tools. Sticking to API guidelines is key to ensuring the automation works without interruptions. :::
::: faq
How can I set up follow-back automation on Bluesky to connect with active and authentic users?
To connect with active and real users on Bluesky using follow-back automation, you can fine-tune your approach by setting up specific criteria:
Recent Activity: Follow back users who have posted or engaged within the last week or month to ensure they're active participants.
Shared Connections: Give priority to users who are followed by people you already know, as this can lead to more meaningful interactions.
Consistent Engagement: Focus on accounts that post regularly and skip over those that seem inactive or spam-like.
Adjusting these settings can help you create a more engaged and interactive network on Bluesky. :::
::: faq
How does TheBlue.social protect user privacy while automating follow-back actions on Bluesky?
TheBlue.social places a strong emphasis on user privacy and security while automating follow-back processes on Bluesky. By utilizing Bluesky's decentralized framework and the Authenticated Transfer (AT) protocol, users retain full control over their data through Personal Data Servers (PDS). This decentralized setup significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, as information isn’t concentrated on a single server.
Bluesky also enhances account protection with features like two-factor authentication and customizable privacy settings to prevent unauthorized access. TheBlue.social builds on these safeguards by offering tools that simplify follow-back automation without compromising privacy, ensuring user data stays secure and well-protected. :::