The decentralized social network, Bluesky, has started letting users apply for verification.
In a recent announcement, the company said that “notable and authentic” accounts can now request a blue verification badge through a new online form.
To get verified, your account needs to be active, complete, and secure — with a profile picture, bio, and a working link to an official website, if you have one. You also must be a real person, registered business, or organization.
However, the rules for who counts as “notable” aren’t very clear. Bluesky says it looks at things like media coverage, professional awards, presence on trusted websites, and overall public interest. But it hasn’t shared detailed rules for each type of applicant.
In addition to the blue badge, Bluesky also lets users verify themselves using custom domains, like NPR’s account @npr.org. Over 270,000 users have already used this method.
Organizations can also apply to become Trusted Verifiers, meaning they’ll have tools to verify other users. Big names like The New York Times and Wired have already been part of a test group for this feature.
Some users are worried this might change the open, equal culture of Bluesky — similar to how Twitter’s verification turned into a status symbol. But Bluesky’s system is more flexible, and other apps like Deer. Social are trying different, more democratic ways of handling verification.
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Bluesky says it will only contact users who are approved, so if you apply and don’t hear back, you probably weren’t selected.
