A New Form of Verification on Bluesky

Trust is everything. Social media has connected us in powerful ways, but it hasn’t always given us the tools to know who we’re interacting with or why we should trust them.

In 2023, we launched our first layer of verification: letting individuals and organizations set their domain as their username. Since then, over 270,000 accounts have linked their Bluesky username to their website. Domain handles continue to be an important part of verification on Bluesky. At the same time, we've heard from users that a larger visual signal would be useful in knowing which accounts are authentic.

Now, we’re introducing a new layer — a user-friendly, easily recognizable verification badge. Bluesky will proactively verify authentic and notable accounts and display a blue badge next to their names. Additionally, through our Trusted Verifiers feature, select independent organizations can verify accounts directly. Bluesky will review these verifications as well to ensure authenticity.

To apply for verification or to be a Trusted Verifier, please fill out this form.

Trusted Verifiers

Verification badges issued by platforms are just one form of trust. But trust doesn’t come only from the top down; it emerges from relationships, communities, and shared context.

So, we’re also enabling trusted verifiers: organizations that can directly issue verification badges. Trusted verifiers are marked by scalloped badges, as shown below.

For example, the New York Times can now issue verification badges to its journalists directly in the app. Bluesky’s moderation team reviews each verification to ensure authenticity.

When you tap on a verified account's badge, you’ll see which organizations have granted verification.

You can also choose to hide verification badges within the app — navigate to Settings > Moderation > Verification Settings to toggle it off.

How to Get Verified on Bluesky

Notable and authentic accounts interested in receiving a verification badge or becoming a Trusted Verifier can apply here.

Separately from verification badges, you can also set your domain as your username. We highly encourage official organizations and individuals to do this because it links your web presence to your social account. (This is different from a verification badge.)