Social media platform Bluesky has introduced blue check marks to help users identify real and important accounts, according to TheVerge. Announced on Monday, this new system aims to prevent fake accounts and build trust among the platform’s users.
What Are Blue Checks?
Blue checks are special badges that appear next to account names on social media. Think of them like ID cards in the digital world – they tell you that someone is who they claim to be. On Bluesky, these checks help users know which accounts are authentic and noteworthy.
“Verification” simply means that the platform has confirmed the identity of the account owner. It’s like when a security guard checks your ID at an important event to make sure you’re really you.
Two Different Types of Verification
Bluesky has created two distinct styles of blue checks, each with a different meaning:
| Check Style | What It Looks Like | Who Gives It | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rounded | Smooth, circle-like edges | Bluesky platform directly | Account belongs to a notable person or organization |
| Scalloped | Wavy, decorative edges | Trusted Verifiers (like The New York Times) | Account is vouched for by a trusted organization |
When you tap on any blue check, the app shows you who verified that account. This helps you understand why that account is considered trustworthy.
What Are “Trusted Verifiers”?
Trusted Verifiers are reliable organizations that Bluesky allows to give blue checks to people connected to them. For example, The New York Times can verify its journalists. It’s like how your workplace might vouch for you as their employee by giving you a company ID card.
How Verification Works
Bluesky handles verification in several ways:
- The platform directly verifies important people like government officials and celebrities with rounded blue checks
- Trusted organizations (like The New York Times) can verify people connected to them with scalloped blue checks
- Bluesky’s team reviews all verifications to ensure they’re legitimate
- Users can self-verify by linking their username to a website they own (called “domain verification”)
The “domain verification” option is a technical way to prove you own your account. It’s like putting your nameplate on your front door. Over 270,000 accounts have already used this method to link their usernames to their websites.
Current Numbers and Status
According to PC MAG, more than 400 Bluesky accounts have received blue checks as of April 21, 2025. Most of these are directly verified by Bluesky rather than by Trusted Verifiers.
Right now, Bluesky is not accepting applications for verification from regular users. This is just the beginning phase of their verification system. With over 35 million users on the platform, verified accounts make up only a tiny percentage of all users.
What This Means For Users
The verification system offers several benefits for Bluesky users:
- It helps you know who’s real when following public figures
- It reduces the chance of being fooled by fake accounts
- It makes the platform more trustworthy for everyone
If you don’t like seeing verification badges, Bluesky lets you hide them in your app settings.
Why This Matters
In today’s social media world, knowing who you’re really talking to is becoming more important. Bluesky’s approach is different from some other platforms that sell verification badges. By focusing on authenticity rather than payment, Bluesky is trying to create a more trustworthy online space.
As social media continues to grow in India and worldwide, verification systems like this one will play an important role in helping users navigate an increasingly complex digital world.
