Bluesky, the up-and-coming social media platform viewed by many as a successor to Twitter, has rolled out a fresh strategy for user verification. The service now checks certain accounts for legitimacy and grants them authentication without charging users anything. As a bonus, those accounts will now have a blue checkmark next to their name.
Unlike other social platforms which allow users to pay for verification, Bluesky is centered on trust and identity. Only credible and trustworthy figures will get the blue badge since it’s not available for purchase.
How the New Verification Works
Since 2023, Bluesky permitted users to verify themselves by associating their personal or official websites with their usernames. Despite having over 270,000 users adopt this method, many thought the system didn’t adequately mark users who were actually worthy of note.
To resolve this, Bluesky’s new system automatically adds blue checkmarks to notable figures and institutions. The platform has also created a second tier of verification with Trusted Verifiers — independent groups such as media houses can now directly verify accounts.
Introducing Scalloped Checks and Transparency Features
Verified users authenticated by respected organizations will get a scalloped blue checkmark, which will make the source of verification more recognizable. For instance, the New York Times can now directly verify its journalists in the app.
By tapping the checkmark on any profile, you can see who has verified that account. Users who would rather have checkmarks turned off on their feeds can do so in their preferences.
Verification requests not yet open.
At the moment Bluesky is not taking open applications for verification. This feature is in its preliminary phases, with further intentions to implement a request form in the future. This form will be accessible for distinguished users and organizations who wish to be verified or aspire to become trusted verifiers.
Read More: Bluesky Introduces Free Blue Check Verification for Authentic Accounts
