Bluesky is rolling out a new kind of verification, and true to form, it’s not exactly like everyone else’s.
Unlike X (Twitter) or Instagram, where verification usually means “celebrity” or “paid subscription,” Bluesky is building a two-layer system that blends platform approval with community-driven trust.
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If you’re a journalist, creator, brand, or anyone who just wants to prove you’re you, here’s how verification works, and how to get it.
There are now two ways to verify on Bluesky:
- Official Bluesky verification (blue check)
- Self-verification (custom domain handle)
The Blue Check Badge
Bluesky introduced visual verification badges (aka the familiar checkmark) in April 2025. You can get this badge if:
- You’re authentic and notable
- Your account is active (bio + profile pic + regular activity)
- You meet Bluesky’s evolving verification criteria
You can also be verified by trusted verifiers: organizations like The New York Times, Wired, or CNN who can grant badges to their own networks.
How to apply? Simple: fill out this form (yes, it’s a Google Form for now). Just be ready to prove your notability (think: media mentions, pro credentials, public interest).
Self-Verification with a Domain
Bluesky’s original verification method is a bit more web-native. You can link your account to a domain you own and turn your handle into something like @yourwebsite.com.
No checkmark, but a strong signal of authenticity and a great way to unify your web + social identity.
How to do it:
- Go to Settings → Account → Handle → I have my own domain
- Follow the steps to add a DNS record via your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Google Domains, etc.)
- Verify DNS → Update handle → Done
Bonus: if you ever switch to another AT Protocol service, you can keep this domain handle.
Why It Matters
Bluesky is taking a refreshingly different path to identity verification giving users more control while still offering a trust layer for public figures and brands.
And unlike on some platforms, you can even have both a blue check and a self-verified domain.
In short: Blue check = Notable + approved / Domain handle = Self-owned, web-native identity
Ready to get verified? Start here.
