Bluesky Adds Discover Feed Opt-Out Across AT Proto Apps
Bluesky adds a Discover feed opt-out that limits public post reach across AT Proto apps, but third-party services can ignore the account-level preference.
Summary
Bluesky introduced an algorithmic opt-out on August 27, 2026, one day after adding longer video support. A new toggle in Privacy and Security prevents a user’s posts from appearing in the main Discover feed, which can surface any post because Bluesky content is public by default. The change may take up to one hour and is intended for users who want to reach followers without attracting larger crowds.
The setting reduces discovery beyond a user’s personal network but does not make posts private. Bluesky is still developing private data support at the AT Proto protocol level. Because the preference is stored on the account, it follows users into other apps built on AT Proto, although those apps can choose whether to honor it.
Positives
- The Privacy and Security toggle lets users keep public posts out of Bluesky’s main Discover feed.
- Account-level storage carries the preference into other apps powered by AT Proto.
- Reduced discoverability gives users more control when they want to address followers rather than larger crowds.
- August 27, 2026 brought the opt-out one day after Bluesky added longer video support.
Risks & concerns
- Posts remain public by default, so the opt-out does not provide private posting.
- Third-party AT Proto apps can access the preference but are not required to honor it.
- The Discover feed change can take up to one hour to become fully effective.
- Private data support remains unfinished at the AT Proto protocol level.