- The two ways to be verified on Bluesky
- How to apply for the blue badge
- Being verified by a Trusted Verifier
- How rare is the badge?
- The verification anyone can do: use your domain
- Watch out for fake verification
- Badge or domain: which matters more?
- Don't like the badges?
- What I'd do as a small business
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To get verified on Bluesky, you can apply for the blue badge through the form in Bluesky's verification announcement if your account is notable and authentic, or be verified by a Trusted Verifier such as your employer. Anyone can also self-verify by setting their own website domain as their Bluesky handle.
Bluesky has two kinds of verification, and only one of them is a blue tick. The badge goes to notable, authentic accounts, either from Bluesky itself or from trusted organisations like newsrooms. The other, open to anyone with a website, is using your domain as your username. Here's how each works, who realistically gets the badge, and what I'd do if you run a business.
The two ways to be verified on Bluesky
| Type | Who can get it | How it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Blue verification badge | Notable and authentic accounts, verified by Bluesky or a Trusted Verifier | A blue badge next to the name |
| Trusted Verifier | Selected independent organisations that verify others | A scalloped badge |
| Domain handle | Anyone who owns a website | Your website address as your @username |
How to apply for the blue badge
Bluesky says it proactively verifies authentic and notable accounts, and that accounts interested in a badge can apply through the form linked in its verification announcement on the Bluesky blog. The same form is used by organisations that want to become Trusted Verifiers. Its announcement doesn't mention a follower number you need to hit; the bar it describes is being authentic and notable, judged by Bluesky.
To give yourself the best chance, make sure your profile is complete and clearly yours: your real name, a clear photo, a bio that says who you are, and links back to your official website. If you're notable in your field, it's that public footprint that makes the case.
Being verified by a Trusted Verifier
This is the route most people take. Bluesky lets selected independent organisations issue badges to people in their own communities. Its example is the New York Times verifying its journalists directly in the app. Trusted verifiers show a scalloped badge, and Bluesky's moderation team reviews each verification. So if you work for an organisation that's a Trusted Verifier, ask them rather than applying yourself.
Anyone can check where a badge came from: tap on a verified account's badge and Bluesky shows which organisation granted it.
How rare is the badge?
Very. Bluesky's 2025 transparency report put the total at 4,327 verified accounts: 3,567 verified directly by Bluesky and 777 through 21 Trusted Verifiers. On a platform this size, that tells you the badge is reserved for well-known people and organisations, not everyday accounts or small businesses.
The verification anyone can do: use your domain
Bluesky's first layer of verification, launched in 2023, lets you set your website as your username, and by its verification announcement Bluesky said more than 270,000 accounts had done it. It actively encourages official organisations and individuals to use it, because it ties your account to your website. It's not the same as a badge, but for a business it's arguably more useful, because it proves you own the domain your customers already know.
- In Bluesky, go to Settings, Account, Handle.
- Choose the option to use your own domain.
- Add the TXT record Bluesky shows you to your domain's DNS settings, with the domain set to _atproto.
- Click Verify DNS Record.
Watch out for fake verification
You'll see accounts on Bluesky offering 'verification' through their own labels or services. They're not Bluesky's badge. Official verification comes only from Bluesky or its Trusted Verifiers, and you can confirm who verified an account by tapping its badge. Never hand over your password or other details to an account promising a tick, and be wary of anyone asking you to log in through a link to 'claim' a badge. Real Bluesky verification never needs your password.
Badge or domain: which matters more?
For a well-known journalist, politician or celebrity, the badge is what people look for, because impersonation is a real risk. For a business, a domain handle often does more work. A customer who sees @yourbusiness.com knows instantly the account belongs to the company behind that website, and you didn't have to wait for anyone's approval. You can have both if you qualify: the badge and the domain handle aren't either-or.
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Don't like the badges?
You can hide verification badges in the app under Settings, Moderation, Verification Settings.
What I'd do as a small business
Skip the badge application unless you're well known, and set your website as your handle today. It's free, it takes ten minutes, and it does the job verification is meant to do: shows people you're the real thing. If you need help with the steps, my guide to changing your Linktree URL shows a similar bit of profile housekeeping, and if Bluesky isn't working for you, here's how to delete your Bluesky account.
My verdict
The blue badge is for notable, authentic accounts and is applied for through Bluesky's form or granted by a Trusted Verifier like your employer. Everyone else should use a domain handle, which Bluesky itself recommends and which proves you own your website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a blue check on Bluesky?
Apply through the form linked in Bluesky's verification announcement if you're notable and authentic, or be verified by a Trusted Verifier such as your employer.
What is a Trusted Verifier on Bluesky?
An independent organisation, such as a news outlet, that Bluesky allows to verify accounts directly. Trusted verifiers show a scalloped badge.
How many accounts are verified on Bluesky?
Bluesky's 2025 transparency report said 4,327 accounts were verified: 3,567 directly and 777 through 21 Trusted Verifiers.
Can I verify my Bluesky account with my website?
Yes. Set your domain as your handle under Settings, Account, Handle, using the own-domain option. Bluesky says this is different from a badge.
Can I hide verification badges on Bluesky?
Yes. Go to Settings, Moderation, Verification Settings and turn them off.
