2 weeks Ago By Omair Pall
Bluesky, the rising social media platform that’s been gaining steam since Elon Musk took over Twitter (now X), has just introduced its own version of the blue checkmark. This new feature is part of Bluesky’s ongoing effort to build trust on the platform, without giving up its core values of decentralization and user control. In a recent blog post, Bluesky explained that while the blue tick is new to its interface, a form of verification has actually existed for a while.
Users have been able to connect their website domains directly to their usernames, essentially verifying themselves through domain ownership. So far, around 270,000 people have used this self-verification method—a system that gives users more control over their identity online. Now, Bluesky is taking it a step further.
The platform is rolling out blue checkmarks, but with a twist: there’s no application process just yet. Instead, verification will initially be handled by “trusted verifiers,” like media outlets and other established organizations. These groups can verify their employees or other associated individuals by issuing blue checks on their behalf.
Bluesky says this system is still being tested and refined, and once it's stable, users will eventually be able to request verification directly through a form. Of course, blue checkmarks aren’t a new concept. Twitter popularized them as a way to confirm the authenticity of public figures, journalists, and brands.
But since Elon Musk’s acquisition in 2022, Twitter’s verification model has changed dramatically. Now rebranded as X, the platform ties verification to paid subscriptions, meaning anyone willing to pay can be “verified”—a change that’s sparked a lot of debate about credibility and trust online. Bluesky is taking a different route.
By keeping verification tied to identity and transparency, and not to a price tag, the platform is staying true to its decentralized roots. Instead of centralized gatekeeping, Bluesky encourages users to take ownership of their online identity in a more open and secure way. While Bluesky’s user base, around 35 million, is still small compared to X’s 600 million, its steady growth and thoughtful features are attracting people looking for a more authentic and user-first social media experience.
The introduction of the blue checkmark is just the latest move in its journey to build a trustworthy, community-driven platform. As the social media landscape continues to shift, Bluesky is positioning itself not just as an alternative, but as a meaningful evolution of what online spaces can look like..
