Bluesky Gives Users Opt-Out Controls for its Algorithm

Bluesky has introduced an “algorithmic opt-out” setting that allows users to prevent their public posts from appearing in the platform’s main Discover feed.

The feature is designed for users who want to share content with their existing followers without having it distributed more broadly through algorithmic recommendations. Bluesky said the change reflects the fact that not every user wants their posts to reach a large audience or “go viral.”

The setting does not make posts private. Content posted to Bluesky remains public by default, while support for private data at the protocol level is still being developed. Instead, the new control limits the visibility of a user’s posts within Bluesky’s Discover feed, making them less likely to be surfaced to people outside their existing network.

Users can activate the feature through the app’s Privacy and Security settings. Bluesky says the change can take up to an hour to take effect.

The implementation also extends beyond Bluesky’s own application. The preference is recorded at the account level within AT Protocol, the open protocol underlying Bluesky. As a result, the setting can accompany a user when they post through other applications built on the same protocol. However, those third-party services must decide whether to respect the preference.

The move comes as social platforms continue to debate how much control users should have over algorithmic distribution. While recommendation systems can help content reach new audiences, they can also expose posts to people the original poster did not intend to reach.