So, you’ve landed on Bluesky. You’ve set up your profile, thrown out a post or two, maybe liked someone’s thread—and now you’re wondering, “How do people actually get popular on here?”

The short answer? Slowly, organically, and a little weirdly. Because Bluesky isn’t like X or Instagram. It’s not about chasing algorithmic highs or polishing your brand until it squeaks. This platform thrives on human connection—real conversations, niche communities, and unfiltered expression. Popularity here looks less like follower counts and more like meaningful engagement.

But let’s walk through how you actually build that kind of presence.

Your Profile Is Your First Impression—Make It Count

Before anyone reads your posts, they’re probably glancing at your profile. A clear bio helps people understand what you’re about—and whether you’re worth following. Are you a visual artist sharing process videos? A hobbyist coder who posts tech rants and memes? Say so. Be specific, even a little playful. And yes, use a photo of your face or a distinctive visual cue—something that feels like you.

If you have a link to your work elsewhere, include it. But don’t overthink it. Your profile just needs to give a hint of who you are and why someone might want to hear more from you.

Post With Purpose (And Personality)

On Bluesky, posting is less about frequency and more about flavor. That said, consistency helps. Two to five posts a week is a sweet spot for staying visible without becoming background noise.

But what really matters is the content itself. The most followed accounts often don’t post the most—they post things people want to respond to. A funny observation, a personal anecdote, a weird question that sparks discussion. Think of your feed as a living room, not a podium. You're not giving a speech; you're starting a conversation.

And don’t be afraid to bring in stuff from your real life. People love behind-the-scenes moments, snapshots of projects in progress, or casual musings. A great post doesn’t need to be polished—it just needs to feel like a human said it.

The Secret Sauce Is Engagement

Here’s where things really start to click: if you want people to care about your content, care about theirs first. Comment on others’ posts. Ask follow-up questions. Add your perspective instead of just clicking “like.” Repost someone’s thread with a note explaining why it hit home.

That back-and-forth is what drives visibility. Bluesky doesn’t run on an attention-hungry algorithm—it runs on relationships. When people see your name pop up in thoughtful ways, they start checking out your feed, following, and replying in return.

And don’t just talk to the big accounts. Some of the most loyal communities grow from small threads with 10–20 likes. Those are the conversations where bonds are built.

Discoverability: Starter Packs and Hashtags Matter

Bluesky has a few unique tools to help new voices get discovered—one of them is “Starter Packs.” These are community-curated lists of interesting accounts in a specific niche (think “Black Creators on Bluesky” or “Funny People to Follow”). Find one that fits your vibe—or better yet, make your own. Being featured in a Starter Pack can give your profile a visibility boost overnight.

Hashtags also play a subtle role. You don’t need to slap five on every post, but dropping in one relevant tag—especially something fun, timely, or niche—can help others find you. And because the community is still small-ish, unique tags stand out more than generic ones like #art or #photography.

Collaborate, Don’t Compete

Want to grow faster? Partner up. Find other creators who share your interests or sense of humor and brainstorm ways to interact publicly—joint threads, Q&As, mutual shout-outs, or even tag-team posts on a shared theme.

It feels less like promotion and more like friendship. And when someone with a few hundred (or thousand) followers introduces you to their crowd, you naturally pick up new eyes. Plus, collaboration keeps things fun—and on Bluesky, fun is currency.

And don’t forget to cross-promote. Got a newsletter, an Instagram, or a blog? Tell people there why you’re active on Bluesky and what kind of stuff you post. If your content is different from what they see elsewhere, that’s a hook worth sharing.

Experiment, Pay Attention, Then Adjust

Since Bluesky is still shaping itself, there’s no strict formula. Which means experimenting isn’t just encouraged—it’s necessary. Try posting at different times. Mix up formats. Share something personal one day, a joke the next, a mini-thread on your work process the next.

Then—observe. Which posts get responses? What kinds of replies spark more conversation? Tools like Unfollow.blue can help you track what’s working and what’s not. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and fine-tune your approach without ever needing a spreadsheet.

Embrace the Weird, Be Unapologetically You

Unlike other social platforms where people feel pressure to be “on brand” 24/7, Bluesky’s culture encourages the opposite. The posts that go semi-viral here aren’t slick—often, they’re absurd, heartfelt, painfully honest, or hilariously offbeat.

One user might gain followers by writing short fiction as if it’s status updates. Another just shares oddly specific questions (“What’s the weirdest thing your cat has ever brought you?”) and gets a hundred replies. This is a place where being weird can be your brand.

So stop trying to fit a mold. Show your quirks. Share your obsessions. Write like no one’s watching—and you’ll find your people faster than you'd expect.

And Yeah... Be Patient

The internet’s obsession with virality makes it easy to forget: most growth happens slowly. Steady. Quietly. You might post for two weeks and get three new followers. Then suddenly, one of them reposts your thread—and it snowballs.

Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your growth to someone else’s. What matters most is showing up, connecting, and creating something that feels good to you. When that energy is genuine, it’s contagious.

Bluesky rewards authenticity—not automation. So resist shortcuts. No bots, no spammy engagement tricks. Just real presence, shared consistently.

Final thought?

Popularity on Bluesky isn’t about being loud. It’s about being present, curious, and just real enough for people to care. Speak up, show up, and stick around—and over time, your corner of the sky will start to glow.