Want to search Bluesky posts or track mentions over time? Bluesky offers powerful search capabilities through its API, and tools like Skyscraper make it easy for anyone to monitor conversations. Here's everything you need to know about Bluesky Jetstream, the search API, and tracking posts.

What is Bluesky Jetstream?

Jetstream is Bluesky's real-time data firehose. It delivers a continuous stream of events from the entire network as they happen:

  • New posts published to Bluesky
  • Likes, reposts, and replies
  • Follows and unfollows
  • Profile updates
  • Account and identity events

Key Features of Jetstream

  • JSON format: Easy to parse and process
  • WebSocket connection: Real-time streaming
  • No authentication required: Public access
  • Filtering options: Specify collection types
  • 4 public instances: Operated by Bluesky

Connecting to Jetstream

Developers can connect to Jetstream using any WebSocket client. The public instance is available at:

wss://jetstream2.us-east.bsky.network/subscribe?wantedCollections=app.bsky.feed.post

The wantedCollections parameter lets you filter to specific event types, like only receiving posts (app.bsky.feed.post).

Bluesky Search API

For searching existing posts (not real-time), Bluesky provides the app.bsky.feed.searchPosts API endpoint:

Search Features

  • Keyword search: Find posts containing specific terms
  • Exact phrases: Use quotes like "hello world"
  • Hashtag search: Use # prefix (e.g., #bluesky)
  • Author filter: Use from:username
  • Date filtering: Use since and until parameters
  • Alt text search: Results include image alt text matches

Search Tips

  • "hello world" – Search for exact phrase
  • #photography – Find posts with hashtag
  • from:jay.bsky.team – Posts from specific user
  • from:me – Your own posts (when logged in)

Search Posts with Skyscraper for iOS

Skyscraper for iOS provides a powerful search interface for finding Bluesky posts:

How to Search in Skyscraper

  1. Open Skyscraper on your iPhone or iPad
  2. Tap the Search tab
  3. Enter your search query
  4. View results sorted by relevance or time
  5. Tap any post to view, like, reply, or repost

Skyscraper Search Features

  • Fast results: Native iOS performance
  • Save searches: Quick access to frequent queries
  • User search: Find accounts by name or handle
  • Hashtag discovery: Explore trending topics
  • Multi-account: Search from any of your accounts

Track Posts Over Time with Skyscraper Tools

One-time searches are useful, but what if you want to monitor mentions continuously? That's where Skyscraper Tools comes in.

What is Keyword Tracking?

Skyscraper Tools monitors Bluesky for your specified keywords and sends you email alerts whenever they're mentioned. Perfect for:

  • Brand monitoring: Track your company name
  • Competitor analysis: Monitor competitor mentions
  • Topic tracking: Follow industry discussions
  • Personal brand: Know when you're mentioned
  • Research: Track specific topics over time
  • Event monitoring: Follow hashtags and keywords

How to Set Up Tracking

  1. Visit api.getskyscraper.com/tools
  2. Create an account (takes 30 seconds)
  3. Add keywords you want to track
  4. Choose hourly or daily email alerts
  5. Get notified whenever your keywords appear

Tracking Examples

  • Your brand name: "Skyscraper", "GetSkyscraper"
  • Your product: "iPhone app", "Bluesky client"
  • Competitors: Track competitor product names
  • Industry terms: "ATProtocol", "decentralized social"
  • Events: Conference names, hashtags

Pricing

  • Skyscraper Tools Basic: $5/month or $20/year – Track up to 5 keywords
  • Skyscraper Tools Premium: $20/month or $200/year – Expanded tracking

Jetstream vs. Search API vs. Skyscraper Tools

Here's when to use each:

Jetstream (Firehose)

  • Best for: Real-time monitoring, analytics, building apps
  • Provides: Live stream of all network events
  • Limitation: No historical data, requires technical setup

Search API

  • Best for: One-time queries, finding specific posts
  • Provides: Historical search with date filtering
  • Limitation: Manual, not continuous

Skyscraper Tools

  • Best for: Ongoing monitoring without technical setup
  • Provides: Automatic alerts for keyword mentions
  • Benefit: No coding required, email delivery

Use Cases for Post Tracking

For Businesses

  • Customer feedback: Know when customers mention you
  • Crisis monitoring: Catch issues early
  • Competitive intelligence: Track market discussions
  • Lead generation: Find potential customers

For Creators

  • Audience engagement: Respond to mentions quickly
  • Content ideas: See what people discuss
  • Growth tracking: Monitor your reach
  • Collaboration: Find partnership opportunities

For Researchers

  • Topic analysis: Track discussions over time
  • Sentiment monitoring: Understand public opinion
  • Trend identification: Spot emerging topics
  • Data collection: Gather relevant posts

Tips for Effective Tracking

  • Be specific: Track exact phrases in quotes
  • Include variations: Misspellings, abbreviations
  • Monitor hashtags: Track relevant community tags
  • Review regularly: Adjust keywords based on results
  • Act quickly: Engage with mentions while they're fresh

Start Searching and Tracking Today

Whether you want to search Bluesky posts manually or track mentions automatically, Skyscraper has you covered:

Don't miss important conversations. Start tracking today.

Set up keyword tracking on Bluesky →