Bluesky verification

Understanding Bluesky Verification: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Verified in 2025

Bluesky’s verification system offers a fresh take on trust and identity in decentralized social media. This article explains how it works, what makes it different from traditional blue checks, and why domain-based identity could shape the future of online presence.

Paul Onu

Paul Onu

— 9 min read
Understanding Bluesky Verification: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Verified in 2025
Understanding Bluesky Verification: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Verified in 2025

Understanding Bluesky Verification: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Verified in 2025

As of 05:39 PM EDT on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Bluesky has emerged as a formidable player in the social media landscape, boasting over 20 million users as reported in November 2024. This decentralized platform, built on the AT Protocol, offers a fresh alternative to centralized networks like X, emphasizing user autonomy and authenticity. A cornerstone of its ecosystem is the verification system, which allows users and organizations to establish credibility through self-verification, organizational verification, or direct application for a blue checkmark—all without the paid subscription model seen on platforms like X. This comprehensive guide explores Bluesky’s verification process, detailing the types of verification, how to apply, and offering a critical analysis of the system’s strengths and challenges.

Types of Bluesky Verification: Options for Every User

Bluesky provides three distinct verification methods, each designed to cater to different user needs while enhancing trust in a decentralized environment. Understanding these options is key to choosing the right path for your account.

1. Self-Verification via Domain Linking

Launched in 2023, self-verification is the most accessible method for Bluesky users, enabling those who own a domain to link it to their account. This changes their handle to reflect their website (e.g., @yourdomain.com), leveraging the Domain Name System (DNS) to validate identity.

  • How It Works: Users add a TXT record to their domain’s DNS settings, containing a Decentralized Identifier (DID) provided by Bluesky (e.g., did=did:plc:[your-value]). After DNS propagation, Bluesky verifies the record, and the handle updates to the domain name. This process typically takes a few minutes but can vary based on DNS provider speed.
  • Advantages: Self-verification ensures portability across the AT Protocol ecosystem, meaning your verified handle can be used on other compatible platforms like Mastodon or other federated platforms. It also enhances trust by associating your account with a verifiable domain, signaling authenticity to followers. However, this method does not grant a blue checkmark—it’s a foundational step for establishing identity.
  • Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals, businesses, or creators with a personal or professional website who want to establish a verified presence without pursuing a checkmark.
  • Resource: Bluesky offers a detailed tutorial on how to link your domain to your Bluesky account, walking users through the process.

2. Trusted Verifier Blue Checkmarks

Introduced in April 2025, Bluesky’s Trusted Verifier program allows select organizations to issue blue checkmarks to affiliated accounts, such as employees or partners. For example, a news outlet like CNN can verify its journalists, who then receive a circular blue checkmark. Trusted Verifiers are identified by a scalloped blue checkmark, and users can tap the badge to see the issuing entity. Bluesky reviews these verifications to prevent misuse, ensuring credibility.

  • Who Qualifies as a Trusted Verifier? As of May 2025, Bluesky has limited this role to well-known organizations in sectors like media, business, and public services. The platform has promised to expand access by introducing a request form for organizations to apply, though no specific launch date has been announced.
  • Impact: This method is powerful for professionals tied to reputable organizations, offering immediate credibility. However, it’s currently inaccessible to independent users or smaller entities not affiliated with a Trusted Verifier.
  • Example: A journalist verified by their employer might display a circular blue checkmark, boosting their authority when sharing news or insights on Bluesky.

3. Direct Verification via Bluesky Application

In early 2025, Bluesky rolled out a public verification application process, allowing "notable and authentic" accounts to apply for a blue checkmark directly. This circular blue checkmark, distinct from the scalloped badge of Trusted Verifiers, signifies that Bluesky has independently verified the account’s identity and prominence. Unlike X’s paid verification model (currently $8/month), Bluesky’s process is free, emphasizing merit over monetization.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Bluesky defines "notable and authentic" accounts as those representing a real person, registered business, or legitimate entity. Accounts must have a complete bio, regular posting activity, a profile photo, and a handle/display name that matches their identity. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is strongly recommended for security. For notability, Bluesky seeks evidence like media coverage in established publications, professional recognition, or profiles on credible platforms such as Wikipedia or IMDb.
  • Application Process: Users can apply for Bluesky verification through an official form, submitting evidence of authenticity (e.g., linking to an official website) and notability (e.g., media articles). Bluesky may request a government-issued ID to confirm identity, ensuring the applicant is genuine.
  • What Happens Next: If approved, a circular blue checkmark appears on the user’s profile. If there’s no response within a few weeks, the application is likely denied, though users can reapply after addressing any deficiencies. Bluesky retains the right to revoke checkmarks for violations of its community guidelines, such as spam or impersonation.

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How to Get Verified on Bluesky: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re pursuing self-verification or aiming for a blue checkmark, here’s how to navigate Bluesky’s verification process as of May 25, 2025:

Self-Verification with a Domain

Self-verification is a user-friendly way to establish your identity by linking your Bluesky account to a domain you own. Follow these steps:

  1. Log into Bluesky: Access your account via desktop or mobile app.
  2. Go to Settings: Navigate to the "Settings" section and find the option to change your handle.
  3. Enter Your Domain: Update your handle to your domain name (e.g., @yourdomain.com). Bluesky will prompt you to verify ownership.
  4. Add a DNS Record: Bluesky provides a Decentralized Identifier (DID) in the format did=did:plc:[your-value]. Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) and add this as a TXT record in your DNS settings.
  5. Verify the Record: Wait for DNS propagation (typically a few minutes, but up to 24 hours in some cases), then click "Verify DNS Record" in Bluesky.
  6. Confirm the Update: Check your profile to ensure your handle has updated to your domain name.

Applying for a Blue Checkmark

If you’re a notable individual, business, or entity, you can apply for a blue checkmark directly through Bluesky. Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare Your Account: Ensure your profile meets Bluesky’s requirements: a complete bio, regular posting activity, a profile photo, and a handle/display name that reflects your identity. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance security.
  2. Establish Authenticity: Link your Bluesky account to your official website, either through self-verification (as described above) or by adding your Bluesky handle to your site’s contact page. This helps verify your identity.
  3. Gather Notability Evidence: Collect links to media coverage in reputable publications (e.g., articles in The Guardian or TechCrunch), professional awards, or profiles on credible platforms like Wikipedia or IMDb. These should demonstrate your prominence or influence.
  4. Submit Your Application: Visit Bluesky’s verification application form and complete the required fields, uploading your evidence of notability and authenticity. Be prepared to provide a government-issued ID if requested to confirm your identity.
  5. Wait for Review: Bluesky typically reviews applications within a few weeks. If approved, a circular blue checkmark will appear on your profile. If denied, you may not receive a direct response, but you can reapply after addressing any gaps in your application.
  • Tip: Regularly engage with your audience and maintain a professional presence to strengthen your case for notability. Avoid violating Bluesky’s community guidelines, as this can lead to rejection or revocation of verification status.

For Organizations (Trusted Verifiers)

As of May 25, 2025, organizations cannot directly apply to become Trusted Verifiers. Bluesky has selected a limited number of well-known entities (e.g., major media outlets, corporations) for this role, but the company has announced plans to introduce a request form for organizations to apply in the future. If you represent an organization that might qualify, keep an eye on Bluesky’s official blog for updates on the Trusted Verifier program. In the meantime, organizations can use self-verification to establish a domain-based identity, enhancing their credibility on the platform.

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Key Considerations and Critical Analysis

Bluesky’s verification system is a well-designed blend of accessibility and exclusivity, but it’s not without its complexities. Here’s a deeper analysis of its strengths, potential challenges, and broader implications:

Balancing Accessibility and Exclusivity

Self-verification via domain linking is a highly accessible option, allowing any user with a domain to establish their identity at no cost. This empowers individuals, small businesses, and creators to build trust without gatekeeping. However, the blue checkmark process—whether through Trusted Verifiers or direct application—remains exclusive, with the "notable and authentic" criteria favoring established entities. Smaller creators or emerging voices may find it challenging to meet the notability threshold, which could create a perception of elitism. Bluesky’s planned expansion of the Trusted Verifier program with a request form could help democratize access to checkmarks, but the lack of a confirmed timeline as of May 2025 leaves this aspect uncertain. To further enhance inclusivity, Bluesky might consider introducing alternative badges or verification tiers for active, authentic users who don’t meet the "notable" threshold.

Security and Trust Concerns

Bluesky offers a user-friendly feature that allows verified users to toggle off their blue checkmark, as noted in the account settings. This flexibility lets individuals control their visibility, which can be useful for privacy or personal branding. However, it raises potential concerns about misuse—could malicious actors hide their verification status to evade scrutiny after engaging in harmful behavior? Bluesky mitigates this risk by reviewing third-party verifications and reserving the right to revoke checkmarks for guideline violations, such as spam, impersonation, or harassment. Still, the process lacks full transparency, particularly around how Bluesky defines "notable" and handles revocation cases. Greater clarity on these mechanisms could further strengthen user trust in the system.

The Power of Decentralized Identity

One of Bluesky’s most innovative features is its use of the AT Protocol, which enables decentralized identity management. By linking your domain to your Bluesky handle, your verified identity becomes portable across apps built on the same protocol, such as Mastodon or other federated platforms. This is a significant advantage over centralized platforms like X, where verification is tied to a single ecosystem and can be lost if the platform changes its policies (e.g., X’s shift to paid verification in 2023). However, managing DNS records can be daunting for non-technical users, potentially limiting the adoption of self-verification. Bluesky could improve accessibility by offering more user-friendly tools, such as integrations with popular domain registrars (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) to simplify the DNS setup process, or by providing video tutorials for beginners.

Comparison to Other Platforms

Bluesky’s free verification model contrasts sharply with X’s paid approach, which currently costs $8/month as part of its Premium subscription in 2025. X’s system has faced criticism for prioritizing revenue over authenticity, leading to a surge in impersonation accounts after the policy change. Bluesky’s merit-based system, focusing on notability and authenticity, aims to maintain trust, but its strict criteria might exclude legitimate users who lack widespread recognition—a challenge also seen on platforms like Instagram, where verification is notoriously difficult for non-celebrities. Bluesky could strike a better balance by introducing tiered verification levels, such as a silver badge for active, authentic users who don’t meet the "notable" threshold, while reserving blue checkmarks for highly prominent accounts.

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Final Thoughts on Bluesky Verification in 2025

As of 05:39 PM EDT on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Bluesky’s verification system stands out as a thoughtful and user-centric framework in the evolving world of social media. Self-verification via domain linking empowers users to establish their identity without cost, while the blue checkmark program—whether through Trusted Verifiers or direct applications—adds a layer of credibility for notable accounts. The decentralized nature of the AT Protocol ensures that your verified identity can travel across platforms, a forward-thinking feature that sets Bluesky apart from centralized competitors like X.

For individuals or organizations looking to get verified, the path forward is clear: start with self-verification if you own a domain, or apply for a blue checkmark if you meet Bluesky’s criteria for notability and authenticity. Stay active, maintain a genuine presence, and adhere to community guidelines to maximize your chances of success. As Bluesky continues to grow, its commitment to user empowerment, transparency, and decentralized control makes it a promising platform for building trust and credibility online.

Ready to take the next step? Explore Bluesky’s verification options today and join the millions of users shaping the future of social media.

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