Bluesky moderation lists, explained
Updated
In short: a moderation list is a public list of accounts that anyone can create. Subscribing to it mutes or blocks everyone on it at once, and keeps doing so as the list grows. The Label Checker shows which moderation lists an account was recently added to, and how many people block through each.
Two kinds of lists
- Curated lists (also called user lists) gather accounts around a topic. You can read them as a feed, and starter packs are built on them to help new people follow many accounts at once.
- Moderation lists are for safety: you subscribe to one to mute or block every account on it in one go.
Both kinds are public: anyone can see a list, who made it and who is on it.
Which lists are you on?
The bskycheck Label Checker shows the moderation lists and starter packs an account was recently added to, how many accounts block through each list, and any moderation labels. Free, no login.
How to use a moderation list
- Open the list, from a link or from the Lists tab of the profile that made it.
- Tap Subscribe, then choose Mute accounts or Block accounts.
- That's it: anyone added to the list later is muted or blocked for you too. Your subscriptions are in Settings → Moderation → Moderation lists, where you can unsubscribe at any time.
Mute or block? Muting through a list is private and only hides those accounts from you. Blocking through a list is public, like any block, and stops all interaction both ways. Only subscribe to lists from people you trust: you are trusting their judgment for everyone they add.
Making your own list
- Go to Lists in the Bluesky menu (or the Lists tab on your profile) and create a new list.
- Choose Moderation list, give it a name and a clear description of who belongs on it.
- Add accounts from their profile: ⋯ menu → Add to lists.
Share the list's link so others can subscribe. A clear, fair description helps people trust it.
Found yourself on a list?
Bluesky doesn't notify you when someone adds you to a list, which is why people use the Label Checker to see which moderation lists and starter packs an account has recently been added to.
You can't remove yourself from someone else's list. If a list is used to harass or target people, report it from its ⋯ menu.
Questions
Does Bluesky tell me when I'm added to a list?
No. Lists are public, but there is no notification. The Label Checker shows which moderation lists and starter packs an account was recently added to.
Can I see who is on a list?
Yes. Every list is public: open it to see who made it and every account on it.
Can people see that I subscribed to a list?
Subscribing to block is public, like every block on Bluesky. Subscribing to mute is private, so mutes can't be counted by anyone.
Can I see who blocked me?
Blocks are public records, but bskycheck never names individual blockers, because listing them invites harassment. The Label Checker shows how many accounts block an account and through which lists.
What is the difference between a list and a starter pack?
A starter pack is a curated list with a few feeds, made to help people follow a group of accounts in one tap. A moderation list is for muting or blocking.
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