Starting today, Bluesky is implementing a new verification system that includes the familiar blue check marks, similar to those popularized by Twitter. The social platform, which has seen rapid growth since its public launch in early 2024, previously used an unconventional self-verification method. Users could “authenticate” themselves by incorporating custom domains into their web handles. However, Bluesky is now adopting a more traditional verification strategy, with its team identifying notable accounts and granting blue check marks.
According to CEO Jay Graber, the rollout process will be gradual as the feature stabilizes, after which a public form will be available for users to request verification. The primary focus for verification currently includes government officials, news organizations, journalists, and celebrities.
With its growth, Bluesky has faced an increase in impersonators posing as public figures, as documented by MIT Technology Review last year. To address the need for account legitimacy, some Bluesky power users have initiated their own verification systems. As the app continues to attract high-profile users—such as former President Barack Obama, who joined earlier this spring—a formal verification process is expected to assure public figures of a secure digital environment. Graber emphasized the goal of reducing impersonation and fostering trust on Bluesky.
Although introducing a verification system akin to Twitter’s original method is not groundbreaking, it is a strategic move. Social networks like Instagram and TikTok have adopted the blue check approach, not merely to mimic a rival, but because the symbol effectively communicates that an account is verified.
Elon Musk’s decision to replace Twitter’s legacy blue check marks with a pay-to-play system diminished their value within that ecosystem, inadvertently benefiting those seeking to exploit verification systems. Despite this, outside of Twitter, the blue check still signifies authenticity.
In addition to the main verification process, Bluesky is granting “trusted verifier” status to selected vetted organizations, giving them a scalloped blue check mark on their accounts. Initial organizations in this capacity include The New York Times and WIRED, with more to be added.
Whether an account is verified directly by Bluesky or by these third-party “trusted verifiers,” the blue check mark will appear the same. Users will be able to click or tap on the check mark to see the list of organizations that verified the account. For instance, a blue check next to a WIRED reporter’s name would indicate verification by WIRED and potentially Bluesky and other entities as well. Graber highlighted that multiple organizations can verify a single account.
The introduction of the trusted verifier system, alongside the traditional centralized verification method, aligns with Bluesky’s decentralized philosophy. This approach is also practical, given the company’s small team size of under 25 employees.
Bluesky users can expect to see the first official blue check marks starting today.
