This page is designed to help you navigate Bluesky, especially if you’re familiar with Twitter. You’ll find key differences, best practices, and all the information you need to make your curation experience seamless.
Bluesky basics
BlueSky is a decentralized social media platform designed to give users more control over their online interactions. While it shares some similarities with Twitter, there are a few key differences you’ll need to keep in mind:
- Posts: On Bluesky, posts are still referred to as “posts,” much like on Twitter. You can create posts with text, images, videos and links.
- Character Limit: Posts on BlueSky can be up to 300 characters long.
- Starter Packs: These are curated sets of accounts that new users can follow to get started quickly.
- Lists: Bluesky allows users to create custom lists of accounts.
- Feeds: Feeds on Bluesky are a special timeline following its own algorithm that someone created to be used by everyone.
- Emojis: Including emojis in your posts can help them get featured in feeds.
- Hashtags: Hashtags are important for reach, so be sure to include relevant tags in your posts.
Tips for improving visibility
Each curator has one week, from Monday to Sunday, to curate the Under the Microscope Bluesky account. To make the most out of this opportunity, focus on getting your posts the visibility and engagement they deserve.
- Get featured in feeds: Increase visibility by getting your posts featured in science-related feeds. Refer to the Google Sheet for relevant feeds.
- Use test tube emoji (🧪) for science posts: This emoji is useful for posts about scientific content.
- Use light bulb emoji (💡) for photonics: Use this emoji when posting about light or photonics-related topics.
- Use emojis and hashtags wisely: Be strategic with emojis and hashtags to avoid overloading your posts. Only use them when relevant to the post’s content.
- Post consistently: Posting daily keeps content fresh and ensures continuous engagement throughout your week on Under the Microscope.
- Engage with others: Reply to comments, re-share posts, and like relevant content to foster engagement.
- Tag: Tag relevant researchers or organizations to extend your reach.
- Be mindful of timing: While timing is less critical on Bluesky, consistent posting throughout the week helps maintain engagement.
