Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to online interactions. One feature that has drawn mixed reactions is the “Trending Topics” section. While some users appreciate staying updated on popular discussions, others find it distracting or irrelevant. If you fall into the latter group, you might be wondering how to turn off trending topics on your Bluesky account. This guide will walk you through the steps to customize your experience and minimize distractions.

What Are Trending Topics on Bluesky?

Trending topics are curated discussions or hashtags that gain significant traction across the Bluesky platform. These topics are displayed prominently to keep users informed about what’s happening in real-time. While this feature can boost engagement and discovery, it isn’t always aligned with everyone’s preferences. For instance:

Some users prefer a cleaner interface.

Trending topics might not align with their interests.

It can occasionally highlight divisive or irrelevant content.

Fortunately, Bluesky’s commitment to user customization makes it possible to manage this feature.

How to Turn Off Trending Topics on Bluesky

Here’s a step-by-step guide to disabling trending topics on Bluesky, ensuring a more tailored and distraction-free experience:

Step 1: Open the Bluesky App

Launch the Bluesky app on your device.

Log in to your account if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings

Tap on your profile picture or avatar in the top-right corner of the screen.

Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Access Feed Preferences

In the Settings menu, locate and tap on Feed Preferences or a similar option related to your timeline settings.

This section allows you to customize how content appears on your feed, including trending topics.

Step 4: Disable Trending Topics

Look for an option labeled Trending Topics, Popular Trends, or something similar.

Toggle the switch to Off to disable the display of trending topics on your feed.

Save your changes if prompted.

Alternative Customization Options

If Bluesky doesn’t provide a direct toggle for trending topics (depending on your app version or updates), here are additional steps you can take to reduce their visibility:

1. Adjust Feed Algorithm

Bluesky allows users to switch between algorithmic and chronological feeds. By selecting the chronological feed:

Trending topics are less likely to dominate your feed.

You see posts from people you follow in real-time.

Steps:

Go to Feed Preferences in Settings.

Select the option for Chronological Feed to prioritize posts based on timing rather than popularity.

2. Block or Mute Specific Trends

If certain trending topics appear that you’d rather avoid:

Tap on the topic in question.

Select Mute or Block from the options menu.

This prevents the topic from appearing in your feed or notifications.

3. Third-Party Tools

Some third-party tools or browser extensions designed for Bluesky might offer additional customization options. These tools can help filter or hide trending topics effectively.

Benefits of Turning Off Trending Topics

Customizing your Bluesky feed by disabling trending topics comes with several advantages:

Enhanced Focus: Without trending topics, your feed will display only the content that matters to you, minimizing distractions.

Improved Mental Well-being: Avoiding divisive or irrelevant trends can create a more positive social media experience.

Better Personalization: By focusing on your connections and interests, you’ll engage more meaningfully with the platform.

Cleaner Interface: Disabling unnecessary elements declutters your feed, offering a streamlined browsing experience.

What If You Can’t Turn Off Trending Topics?

If Bluesky doesn’t currently support disabling trending topics on your account, you can:

Provide feedback to Bluesky’s support team. As a user-centric platform, Bluesky often incorporates user suggestions into updates.

Use the feed customization tips mentioned earlier to limit their impact.

Regularly update the app to ensure you have access to the latest features and settings.

 

 

Bluesky’s flexibility and user-focused design make it a standout platform for social media enthusiasts. Disabling trending topics or minimizing their influence ensures a tailored experience that aligns with your preferences. Whether you’re aiming for a distraction-free feed or simply want to avoid irrelevant content, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you achieve a more personalized Bluesky journey. Remember to explore additional customization features to make the platform truly your own!