Bluesky notifications update boosts creator control

Users now have much more say in what triggers their notification tab thanks to Bluesky’s notification upgrades, which were first introduced in February 2025 and detailed in a TechCrunch overview. These changes help Bluesky compete with bigger networks by offering creators a less chaotic, more intentional digital space.

Bluesky introduced granular notification settings, featuring new activity alerts for specific accounts alongside custom controls for many notification types. The update expands on familiar features seen across social media—now packaged with deeper flexibility.

Anyone navigating to Settings > Notifications will spot the new lineup of options. You can now choose to receive alerts for particular accounts posting, replying to your content, or interacting in other ways. Adjustments let users receive notifications only from people they follow, from everyone, or turn certain alerts off altogether.

Key updates include:

Custom activity alerts for chosen profiles, with immediate access via the bell icon on user pages

Toggle options for notifications about new followers, likes, replies, mentions, quotes, and reposts

Management of notifications for interactions with your reposted content

To activate account-specific activity notifications, visit any profile and select the bell next to Follow. Everything—including your list of monitored profiles—can be tweaked or reset in the Notifications menu. Keep in mind: some accounts may block users from turning on alerts for their posts, and creators can also limit who can get these notifications to only the people they follow.

Granular notification tools are quickly becoming standard in today’s social ecosystem. Bluesky’s approach channels a sentiment shared by platforms experimenting with greater user agency: the need for meaningful interactions over quantity. Just as Flashes, the Instagram-inspired Bluesky alternative, gives content producers more creative choices, Bluesky’s update aims for higher-quality engagement and management.

The repost notification option especially caters to users focused on curation over original posting, helping them gauge impact, build relationships, and stay involved with their communities—essential for creators and marketers seeking relevance.

For creators and small brands, smarter notifications translate into less distraction and a tighter feedback loop. Direct alerts when loyal fans or key collaborators interact can boost momentum and help prioritize which audiences get a timely response. Meanwhile, having the option to filter or silence less valuable pings allows better control over workflow without missing high-value connections.

For those invested in platform growth, the ability to manage alerts without losing track of top supporters is a step forward—especially as audience-building strategies lean more on targeted curation. Expect this trend of personalized notifications to continue across social apps. Bluesky’s refinement signals that user experience, moderation, and creator control are converging as foundational pillars for digital communities.

Upcoming changes will likely bring finer controls and integration with emerging features as social networks race to deliver both reach and relevancy. Those using Bluesky for personal branding should revisit notification settings to ensure every alert matters.