
Bluesky is working on a new way to verify accounts with blue checkmarks. Unlike X (formerly Twitter), where users must pay for verification, Bluesky wants to keep the process more reliable and open.
According to changes seen on the app’s public GitHub by reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at, Bluesky may let trusted organisations hand out blue checks.
These groups could include popular media outlets like The New York Times. This new verification system may be announced on April 21, 2025, based on a blog post link in the code.
Bluesky's verification system
The new feature aims to fight fake accounts and build trust on the platform. The system will still let users verify their profiles by linking to their official websites. But now, Bluesky may also give selected groups the power to verify others. These groups will be known as “trusted verifiers.”
Blue checkmarks on Bluesky will show up as a blue circle with a white tick. Trusted verifiers will have a slightly different look, a blue scalloped circle with a white check. Users can click on these checkmarks to see who verified the account.
This move by Bluesky differs greatly from how X runs its blue check system. X only verifies users who subscribe monthly, though some get it for free. Many people feel this method has made the checkmark less meaningful, even allowing bots to get verified.