Using Bluesky with Broadr: Complete Setup Guide

Bluesky is a decentralized social network built on the AT Protocol, offering an alternative to traditional platforms. Broadr fully supports Bluesky for scheduling, cross-posting, and thread creation.

This guide covers everything you need to connect and use Bluesky with Broadr.

What You Can Do with Bluesky on Broadr

Broadr's Bluesky integration supports:

• Post scheduling - Schedule posts for optimal times
• Thread creation - Create multi-post threads (something not yet available natively in Bluesky)
• Cross-posting - Share content across Bluesky and other platforms simultaneously
• Image posting - Up to 4 images per post with alt text support
• Video posting - Upload and schedule video content (MP4)
• Rich text - Links, mentions, and hashtags are automatically detected
• Custom servers - Connect to any Bluesky-compatible server (not just bsky.social)
• Auto-repost plugs - Automatically repost high-performing content

Platform Specifications

Why Bluesky Uses App Passwords

Unlike platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn, Bluesky doesn't use OAuth for third-party app connections. Instead, it uses App Passwords, special passwords created specifically for third-party apps.

Benefits of App Passwords:

• Your main Bluesky password stays private
• You can revoke access without changing your login password
• Each app gets its own isolated access
• Fine-grained control over what apps can access

Important: Never enter your main Bluesky password in third-party apps. Always use an App Password.

How to Connect Bluesky to Broadr

Step 1: Generate an App Password in Bluesky

Before connecting to Broadr, create an App Password in your Bluesky account:

1. Go to bsky.app and log in
2. Click your profile picture → Settings
3. Scroll down and click App Passwords
4. Click Add App Password
5. Enter a name like "Broadr" to identify this connection
6. Uncheck "Allow access to your direct messages" (Broadr doesn't need DM access)
7. Click Create App Password
8. Copy the generated password , you'll only see it once!

Pro tip: Store the App Password in a password manager. You'll need it if you ever need to refresh the connection.

Step 2: Connect in Broadr

1. Log in to broadr.app
2. Click Bluesky in the sidebar (or go to Add Channel → Bluesky)
3. A connection form will appear with three fields:

Service URL:

• Default: https://bsky.social
• Change this if you use a custom Bluesky server

Identifier:

• Your Bluesky handle (e.g., yourname.bsky.social)
• Or your email address associated with Bluesky

Password:

• Paste the App Password you generated in Step 1
• This is NOT your main Bluesky login password

4. Click Connect
5. Your Bluesky account now appears in your channel list

Step 3: Verify Connection

After connecting:

• Your Bluesky profile picture and name should appear
• Try creating a test post to verify everything works
• Check that the post appears on your Bluesky profile

Creating and Scheduling Bluesky Posts

Basic Posts

1. Click Create Post or use the calendar
2. Select your Bluesky channel
3. Write your content (up to 300 characters)
4. Add images or video if desired
5. Click Schedule and pick your date/time
6. Click Schedule Post

Creating Threads

Bluesky threads let you share longer content across multiple connected posts:

1. Create your first post
2. Click Add to Thread (or the + button)
3. Write additional posts in the thread
4. Each post can include its own images
5. Schedule the entire thread at once

Broadr automatically links the posts as replies, creating a proper Bluesky thread.

Cross-Posting to Multiple Platforms

Post the same content to Bluesky and other platforms:

1. Create your post
2. Select multiple channels (Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
3. Each platform shows its character limit
4. Adjust content per-platform if needed
5. Schedule for all selected platforms

Note: Content may need adjustment since Bluesky has a 300-character limit while other platforms allow more.

Advanced Features

Auto-Repost Plug

Automatically repost your best-performing content:

1. Go to Plugs in Broadr
2. Find the Bluesky Auto Repost plug
3. Set the like threshold (e.g., repost when a post gets 50 likes)
4. Enable the plug

Broadr checks your posts every 6 hours and reposts content that exceeds your threshold.

Auto-Plug Post

Add promotional replies to high-performing posts:

1. Enable the Bluesky Auto-Plug Post feature
2. Set your like threshold
3. Write your promotional message
4. When posts hit the threshold, Broadr adds your message as a reply

Great for adding calls-to-action to viral content.

Custom Servers

Using a Bluesky-compatible server other than bsky.social:

1. When connecting, change the Service URL to your server's address
2. Use your credentials for that server
3. Everything else works the same

Supported servers include any AT Protocol-compatible service.

Mentions

Tag other Bluesky users in your posts:

1. Type @ followed by their handle
2. Broadr auto-suggests users as you type
3. Select the correct user
4. The mention appears as a clickable link in Bluesky

Troubleshooting

"Invalid credentials" Error

Cause: Wrong App Password or identifier

Fix:

• Verify you're using the App Password, not your main password
• Check your identifier is correct (handle or email)
• Generate a new App Password if needed

Connection Lost After Working

Cause: App Password was revoked or expired

Fix:

1. Go to Bluesky Settings → App Passwords
2. Delete the old "Broadr" password
3. Create a new App Password
4. Disconnect and reconnect in Broadr

Posts Not Appearing

Cause: Usually a temporary API issue

Fix:

• Wait a few minutes and check Bluesky directly
• Check Bluesky's status at status.bsky.app
• If persistent, disconnect and reconnect

Images Not Uploading

Cause: Image too large or wrong format

Fix:

• Use JPG or PNG format
• Keep images under 1MB (Broadr auto-compresses larger images)
• Verify the image isn't corrupted

Videos Not Processing

Cause: Bluesky video processing can be slow

Fix:

• Videos are processed by Bluesky's servers, which can take 30+ seconds
• MP4 format required
• Keep videos under 60 seconds for best results

Refreshing Your Bluesky Connection

If you need to update your connection:

1. Go to Settings → Channels
2. Find your Bluesky account
3. Click the three dots → Refresh Connection
4. Enter your Bluesky handle and App Password
5. Click Continue

You'll need the App Password again, so keep it accessible.

Disconnecting Bluesky

To remove your Bluesky account from Broadr:

1. Go to Settings → Channels
2. Find your Bluesky account
3. Click the three dots → Disconnect
4. Confirm disconnection

Optional but recommended: Also revoke the App Password in Bluesky:

1. Go to Bluesky Settings → App Passwords
2. Click the trash icon next to "Broadr"
3. Confirm deletion

Connecting Multiple Bluesky Accounts

To connect additional Bluesky accounts:

1. Important: Log into the other Bluesky account in a separate browser tab first
2. Go to that account's Settings → App Passwords
3. Create a new App Password for "Broadr"
4. In Broadr, click Add Channel → Bluesky
5. Enter the credentials for the second account

Each Bluesky account needs its own App Password.

Best Practices for Bluesky

Optimal Posting Times

Bluesky's audience tends to be active:

• Weekdays: 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM (local time)
• Weekends: 10 AM - 2 PM

Use Broadr's scheduling to hit these windows consistently.

Content That Performs Well

Bluesky users appreciate:

• Thoughtful commentary and takes
• Links with context (not just URL dumps)
• Threads that tell a story
• Engagement with the community

Character Limit Strategy

With only 300 characters:

• Lead with your hook
• Use threads for longer thoughts
• Don't waste characters on hashtags (Bluesky doesn't really use them yet)
• Links are shortened automatically

FAQ

Q: Is Bluesky free to use with Broadr? A: Yes, Bluesky integration is included in your subscription.

Q: Can I schedule to multiple Bluesky accounts? A: Yes, connect as many accounts as your plan allows.

Q: Does Broadr post as me or as "Broadr"? A: Posts appear directly from your account with no third-party attribution.

Q: What happens if Bluesky is down when my post is scheduled? A: Broadr retries automatically. If still failing after multiple attempts, you'll be notified.

Q: Can I edit scheduled Bluesky posts? A: Yes, edit any scheduled post before it goes live. Once posted, edits aren't possible (Bluesky doesn't support post editing).

Ready to schedule your first Bluesky post?

Get started with Broadr →

Questions? Contact us at support@broadr.app