How to Get Verified on Bluesky

Getting verified on Bluesky isn't about celebrity status or a follower count - it's about proving you are who you say you are. The most direct path is by linking your profile to a custom domain that you own. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, explain why it works this way, and show you how to build a trusted presence on the platform.

What Bluesky Verification Actually Means (It’s Not What You Think)

Unlike verification on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, which historically signaled notability, Bluesky's approach is rooted in identity and authenticity. It’s a decentralized system designed to put users in control. Instead of a centralized company granting a badge of importance, Bluesky allows you to verify your own identity using assets you control.

The primary way to do this is by setting a custom domain as your user handle (e.g., @yourname.com instead of @yourname.bsky.social).

Why this method? It’s simple and effective. If you own the domain chriswrites.com, and you can prove it by editing its technical records, then it’s a strong signal that the Bluesky user @chriswrites.com is legitimately associated with that domain. It's an elegant solution that doesn't require Bluesky's team to manually review millions of applications. It ties your social media handle directly to another digital property you unequivocally own, giving you a portable, verifiable identity.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Verified with a Custom Domain

This is the most common and accessible method for verification on Bluesky. If you don't own a domain yet, don't worry - they are inexpensive and the setup process is straightforward. A personal domain is a great investment for your brand anyway.

Step 1: Buy a Custom Domain

If you don't already have one, the first step is to purchase a domain name. This will become your verified handle. You could use your name, your company's name, or a creative brand name.

Here are a few popular and user-friendly domain registrars:

• Google Domains: Simple interface with transparent pricing.
• Namecheap: Often has great deals and includes free WHOIS privacy.
• GoDaddy: A popular choice with a lot of features, though be mindful of upsells.

Choosing a domain is simple: search for your desired name (e.g., yourbrand.com), check if it's available, and buy it. You typically purchase a domain on a yearly basis. Once you've got it, you're ready for the technical part.

Step 2: Find Your DNS Settings

Now, you need to log into the service where you bought your domain (like GoDaddy or Namecheap) and find the section for managing your DNS records. DNS stands for "Domain Name System," and it's basically the phonebook of the internet. Editing your DNS records is how you'll prove to Bluesky that you own the domain.

Look for terms like:

• DNS Management
• Manage DNS
• Advanced DNS Settings
• Nameservers

This settings page is where you'll add the special record that Bluesky needs to see. Keep this tab open.

Step 3: Get Your Verification Code from Bluesky

Next, open Bluesky in another tab or on your phone. Follow these steps to get the verification details:

1. Click on "Settings" in the main menu.
2. Under the "Advanced" section, click "Change my handle."
3. Select the option "I have my own domain."
4. Enter the custom domain you want to use as your handle (e.g., yourbrand.com) and click "Verify Domain."

Bluesky will now generate the specific information you need to add to your DNS records. It will look something like this:

You'll see two pieces of text. One will say _atproto.yourdomain.com. and the other will be a long string of letters and numbers like did=did:plc:abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz.

This is your unique ownership token. Do not close this page on Bluesky. You’ll need to copy this value for the next step.

Step 4: Create a New TXT Record

Head back to the DNS management page for your domain registrar that you opened earlier. You need to create a new DNS record with the information Bluesky just gave you. Here are the specific settings to use:

• Record Type: Select TXT from the dropdown menu.
• Host/Name: In this field, enter _atproto. Some registrars might automatically add your domain at the end (so it looks like _atproto.yourdomain.com). If it asks for the full value, use _atproto. If it asks for just the subdomain part, just _atproto is fine.
• Value/Data/Content: In this field, paste the entire string that Bluesky provided, which starts with did=.... It will look something like did=did:plc:x#######################z.
• TTL (Time to Live): You can usually leave this at the default setting (often 1 hour or "Automatic").

After entering all the information, save the new record. Your DNS settings should now have a new TXT record pointing _atproto to your Bluesky decentralized identifier (did).

Step 5: Verify and Celebrate

DNS changes aren't always immediate. It can take a few minutes, or sometimes up to an hour, for the update to spread across the internet (this is called "propagation"). Be patient.

After waiting a few minutes, go back to the Bluesky settings page you left open and click the "Verify DNS Record" button. If it finds the record you just added, you're all set! Your handle will instantly change from @yourname.bsky.social to @yourname.com.

Your new handle is now your verification. It's a clear, clickable link that acts as a checkmark and tells everyone that you are verifiably connected to the domain you own.

What If I Don't Have a Domain? Other Paths to Building Trust

While using a custom domain is the definitive way to get "verified," it's not the only way to establish yourself as an authentic account. Bluesky's community values genuine engagement much more than an official badge. If you don't want to get a custom domain right away, focus on these organic methods to build credibility.

Connect Your Other Socials

The simplest way to show you’re a real person is to link to your established profiles elsewhere. Add links to your website, LinkedIn, Instagram, or X profile in your Bluesky bio. This cross-references your identity and lets followers confirm you're the same person they know from other platforms.

Be an Active, Value-Driven Participant

Authenticity on any social platform comes from action. Here's how to build a strong reputation on Bluesky:

• Find Your Niche with Custom Feeds: Custom Feeds are one of Bluesky’s best features. Find feeds related to your industry, hobbies, or interests and start participating. Share thoughtful replies, create valuable "skeets" (posts), and become a familiar face in the communities that matter to you.
• Create Good Content: This sounds obvious, but it’s the bedrock of a reputable profile. Share insights about your work, post interesting behind-the-scenes content of your projects, or offer helpful advice. A profile filled with quality contributions naturally builds trust faster than any verification badge could.
• Use a Clear Profile Picture and Bio: Your profile is your digital handshake. Use a high-quality photo of yourself or your brand's logo. Write a clear, concise bio that explains who you are and what you do. Fill it out completely. An incomplete or generic profile can make an account seem untrustworthy.

Advanced Option: Running Your Own PDS

For the highly technical crowd, there's another identity route: hosting your own Personal Data Server (PDS). In Bluesky's decentralized architecture, a PDS is where your data is stored. By hosting your own, you're effectively running a personal instance of Bluesky, giving you ultimate control over your data and identity. While this is a powerful form of verification (your identity is tied to your server), it's far beyond the scope for most users and requires significant technical knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Getting verified on Bluesky is less about status and more about securing your digital identity. By linking your profile to a custom domain, you create a portable, trustworthy handle you own, regardless of what happens on the platform. It's an empowering feature that reflects the new wave of decentralized social media.

Once your Bluesky profile is verified and you're building out that strong brand presence, consistency across all your platforms becomes very important. That’s where we felt the need for a better tool. When we were running our own socials, we struggled with outdated tools that just couldn’t keep up, which is what led us to build Postbase. I use it to manage everything in a visual calendar, scheduling my videos, Reels, and text posts for all platforms from one central hub, helping maintain that strong, cohesive presence my new Bluesky verification represents.