How to use Bluesky starter packs to find greener social media pastures

Bluesky app — Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images

I created a Bluesky account a while ago. I used it for a few days and couldn’t get into it. After a few weeks I gave up and went back to X.

But I still wasn’t happy. X had become a cesspool of trolls and malice, and my blood pressure couldn’t handle another minute on the site. So I set my X account to private and vowed to migrate to Bluesky.

Also: 7 things you should know about Bluesky before you join – and why you should

I’m so glad I did it.

Bluesky is a breath of fresh air. There are no forced ads fed to you, nor are there any algorithmic suggestions that could clutter your feed. Even better: there are so many positives. That alone is worth the time spent migrating.

But how do you start? It took you years to accumulate these followers on Twitter. Will it take years to achieve the same thing on Bluesky? No. Here’s why.

What are Bluesky starter packs?

Bluesky’s starter packages are individual, pre-installed collections of accounts with users interested in different topics. You may find a starter pack for Linux users, a Swiftie starter pack, or a foodie starter pack. Some websites, including ZDNET, have their own starter packages. So instead of pursuing individual accounts one at a time, you can do it in bulk based on your similarities or interests.

You can browse the Bluesky starter packs directory here.

And being added to a starter package is a great way to grow your account.

Also: How to use Bluesky Social

You may even want to create your own starter pack to get a customized feed that you can review and share with others. I’ll show you how to do it.

How to create your first Bluesky starter pack

What you need: The only things you need are a valid Bluesky account and a web browser through which you can view it.

Make sure you have logged in to your Bluesky account using your default web browser.

Click your profile icon to open the page where you can customize your feed and account. Click the Starter Packs tab on the right, then click Create.

The Bluesky Starter Pack tab. — Are you ready to expand your sky?

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

On the page that appears, give your starter pack a name, add a description, and click Next.

The starter pack naming page. — Make sure you give your starter pack a clear and concise description.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

On the next page you’ll find a searchable list of accounts you can add to your new starter package. Either scroll through the accounts or search for them. Once you find a suitable account, click the checkbox for the account.

Continue doing this until you’ve added all the accounts you want to associate with your starter pack, then click Next.

The people selection page for the starter pack. — You can search or scroll through a variety of accounts to choose from.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

In the next window you can then add feeds to your starter pack. This is especially important if you can’t find all the accounts you want to add. You don’t need to add feeds. In any case, click “Next” and your starter package will be created.

Finally, you will be shown a button for a QR code or a link. Click on either button and you will get a QR code image or a link copied to your clipboard. You can then share both on your feed for others to spread the word.

You can edit your starter packs after creation to add more users, delete users, or add more feeds.

Also: 8 Bluesky tips every new user should know

When my passion for Bluesky was rekindled, I was able to quickly build a group of people to follow thanks to starter packs.

How to use Bluesky starter packs to find greener social media pastures

ByAmelia Journalton

What are Bluesky starter packs?

How to create your first Bluesky starter pack

By Amelia Journalton

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