Bluesky Launches Custom Domains to Preserve Ad-Free Experience
Bluesky, the decentralized social network supported by Jack Dorsey, has introduced a paid domain service in collaboration with Namecheap to enable users to authenticate their identity. In a statement outlining its strategy to ensure the long-term viability of Bluesky, the team emphasized that when a company depends on advertisements, users essentially become the commodity. As Bluesky’s primary objective is to establish a protocol where users have ownership over their data, it has opted to explore alternative methods of generating revenue. It is important to note that although the social app initially received funding from Twitter, it has since severed ties with the platform following Elon Musk’s involvement.
Since earning through ads is not an option, the team thought of offering paid services, starting with domains. Users can already set up custom domains for use with Bluesky, but they must first go through a separate process with a domain registrar. With this integration, they can do it in less than a few minutes. They can simply log into their account, search for a domain name to use as a handle, and then pay for everything in the Bluesky interface. For a Twitter competitor that doesn’t have a centralized verification system, using a domain name is the best way for a user to verify that they are who they say they are. For example, US senators have apparently used the senate.gov domain to verify their identity.
Users using the integrated service can manage their domain settings and configurations within Bluesky, and they can forward emails sent to their domains to an address of their choice. They can also point their domain to their Bluesky profile or any URL they want. And if they decide to leave the platform or use another registrar, they can transfer their domain.
According to Bluesky’s announcement, domain integration is only the first of several paid services available on the platform. It says it’s exploring other services it “can combine to provide users with a more seamless experience.” However, Bluesky is still in private beta, and those interested must join a waiting list before they can get in.
