Bluesky rolls out verified blue tick accounts, positioning itself as a strong alternative to X and Meta.

The main concept behind Bluesky's new verification strategy is to deploy blue ticks as visual indicators for accounts of prominent personalities.

The company is implementing its own unique approach for account verification which diverges from the current Bluesky gets verified blue tick account methods used by X and Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram. Bluesky's existing verification system for accounts depended solely on the inclusion of business or institutional names within the domain.

That approach, however, didn’t always work. Impersonation and handle-squatting became significant threats for the company during the final months of 2024. The company implemented stricter controls for these activities and promised that a strong verification system will be implemented soon.

How will Bluesky verification work?

Bluesky plans to use multiple verification methods for its Social Media accounts. The initial phase involves selecting key public figures who will receive a blue checkmark icon on their social profiles. X (originally known as Twitter) along with Meta-owned platforms started using this system.

Currently Bluesky will select significant accounts which will receive a blue checkmark prefixing their username. It remains impossible to apply for account verification.

Giving power to trusted institutions

Bluesky uses its own criteria to verify accounts with blue checkmarks and creates a Trusted Verifiers program. Independent organizations including media houses and government agencies hold the power to verify the accounts of their essential staff members.

Trusted Verifiers accounts will carry a blue tick but display as a scalloped blue check mark. The accounts they verify will display the usual rounded check mark.

What advantages does this system present compared to those used by X and Meta?

Initially X and Facebook with Instagram verified important accounts using their own teams. Their verification efforts targeted politicians, actors, sportsmen, and other prominent figures who face impersonation risks and can lead to online scams.

The verification system run internally by Elon Musk's platform was discontinued. The company created blue check marks for paid premium subscription accounts. This method has created many online problems.