Content Writer at SocialBee
Seeing “Handle already taken. Please try a different one” over and over when you’re trying to set or change your Bluesky handle is the worst.
It’s annoying and feels like every good option is already gone. With a custom domain, though, you can skip all that frustration. You get a handle that’s unique to you or your business, and it also verifies your account so people know it’s the real deal.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from updating your Bluesky username to setting up a domain that reflects who you are. It’s easier than you think, and I’ll make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Ready to create a Bluesky profile that’s uniquely yours? Let’s get started!
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Short summary
- Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform similar to X (Twitter) that gives users more control over their data and accounts.
- A custom domain name allows you to use your own web address (like yourbusiness.com) as your Bluesky handle, making your profile look more professional and credible.
- Using your own domain as your Bluesky handle (unique identifier) is a simple way to verify your account and signal to other users that this is your official profile.
- To set up a custom domain as your handle, log in to your Bluesky account, go to Settings > Account > Handle, select “I have my own domain,” copy the verification code, update your domain settings with a TXT file, and verify the DNS record on Bluesky.
- Bluesky doesn’t have a built-in option to schedule posts, but tools like SocialBee allow you to create, schedule, and publish posts at specific times, helping you maintain a consistent posting schedule with minimal effort.
- Using the same handle or a custom domain across platforms makes it easier for people to find and recognize you, whether you’re building a personal brand or promoting a business.
What is the Bluesky app?
Bluesky is a social media platform similar to X (Twitter), but with a focus on giving users more control. It’s built on a decentralized system, meaning you have more say over your data and how your account works.
One unique feature is the option to use your own custom web address, like yourbusiness.com, as part of your profile name, which can make your account look more professional.
You can access the platform through their mobile app or by visiting the website at bsky.app, where you can create an account, set up your profile, and explore posts. Bluesky offers features like customizable feeds and the option to use a custom domain for your handle.
What is a Bluesky custom domain?
A custom domain on Bluesky lets you use your own web address as your profile handle instead of the standard @user.bsky.social most people use.
For example, instead of @user.bsky.social, you could have something like @user.mydomain.com. This makes your account look more professional and credible while showing that you’re in control of your profile and running your own server.
Why use a domain name as your Bluesky handle?
Using a custom domain adds authenticity to your profile and makes it easier for people to trust and recognize your brand. Instead of looking like a generic account, your handle reflects your business or personal brand, helping you stand out.
It also shows you have an official, verified setup, so people don’t question your credibility. If you want to keep everything consistent across your online presence, a custom domain is a great way to do it.
How to create a Bluesky account
- Go to bsky.app.
- Click on the “Sign Up” button.
- Provide your email address, create a password, and input your date of birth.
- Choose a unique username; this will be your handle on the platform.
- Complete any verification steps, such as confirming your email address.
- Add a profile picture and select your areas of interest to personalize your experience.
- Begin following accounts and engaging with content that aligns with your interests.
Now that your account is set up, it’s time to connect with your audience and start sharing content on Bluesky. Focus on creating posts that spark engagement, such as updates about your brand, personal insights, or content that aligns with your audience’s interests.
To grow your reach, make sure to announce your new Bluesky profile on other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and include it in your email newsletter or website. This cross-promotion helps your existing audience find and follow you on Bluesky, making it easier to build a consistent presence across all channels.
PRO TIP
Pro Tip: One thing you’ll notice as you start using Bluesky is that it doesn’t have a built-in feature to schedule posts. This can be a challenge if you’re someone who likes to plan content ahead of time or maintain a consistent posting schedule without needing to be online constantly.
SocialBee solves this by letting you create, schedule, and publish your posts ahead of time. This way, your content goes live when your audience is most active, helping you stay visible and save time without having to post manually every day.
Why wait? Start scheduling and watch your Bluesky profile thrive!
How to set your own domain on Bluesky
If you already own a domain:
Make sure you can prove domain ownership.
If you don’t own a domain:
Purchase a new domain from an ICANN-accredited registrar like Namecheap, Google Domains, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare before proceeding. You don’t need a full website—just the domain for use as your handle.
Steps to set your domain on Bluesky:
- Log in to your Bluesky account, go to Settings > Account, and select Handle.
- Click on I have my own domain.
- Bluesky will provide a unique verification code. Copy this code.
- Log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard and add a new TXT record with the following advanced DNS details:
- Name/Host: _atproto
- Type: TXT
- Value/Data: did=did:plc:YOUR_UNIQUE_CODE (replace YOUR_UNIQUE_CODE with the code provided by Bluesky)
- TTL: Default or 3600 seconds
- After the DNS propagation, return to Bluesky and click Verify DNS Record. Once you have the domain verified, save the changes.
How to change your Bluesky handle
- Open the Bluesky app and click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) to navigate to Settings.
- In the Settings menu, select Account, then click on Handle.
- In the dialog box, type your desired new handle.
- Click Save to officially change your handle.
There’s no account maximum of changes, so you can always update your old handle with a new one.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to personalize your Bluesky profile?
Now that you’ve set up your username and custom domain, you’re all set to start posting and making connections on Bluesky. This decentralized platform is a great way to share your brand’s voice and engage with your audience in a fresh, authentic way.
If you’re looking to stay consistent without spending too much time on it, SocialBee can help. You can easily create posts, schedule them ahead of time, and keep your Bluesky profile active and engaging, all without the extra hassle.
Why not give it a try? Start your 14-day free trial with SocialBee today and make managing your Bluesky presence simple!
