How to Set Up a Custom Domain Handle on Bluesky

“Why does everyone on Bluesky have cooler handles than me?“

If you’ve joined Bluesky recently, you might have noticed something different about the usernames. While you’re stuck with @yourname.bsky.social, others are rocking handles like @sarah.cool or @team.company. These custom domain handles are one of Bluesky’s standout features – but until recently, getting one meant diving into the complex world of domain registration and DNS configuration.

With Bluesky’s user base doubling in just 90 days, standing out matters more than ever. But who has time to become a DNS expert just to get a better username?

Here’s some good news: Gravatar now offers free domains that connect directly to Bluesky. No complex setup required. These domains come pre-configured, so you can skip the technical hurdles and start using your custom handle right away.

Let’s explore how to claim your free domain from Gravatar, connect it to Bluesky, and get a verified custom handle in minutes.

Why custom domain handles make your Bluesky profile stand out

A custom domain handle on Bluesky (@yourname.cool instead of @yourname.bsky.social) signals that you’ve taken an extra step to establish your presence on the platform. This verification proves you own the domain – something that adds credibility to your profile, no matter your title or type of profile.

Creators and professionals: Writers like @sarah.ink and artists like @studio.art are using custom handles to build recognizable personal brands.
Small businesses: Local shops are claiming handles like @cafe.place to stand out in their communities.
Teams and organizations: Companies use handles like @news.company for announcements and @support.company for customer service.
Early adopters: Tech-savvy users are grabbing memorable handles like @me.cool before they’re gone.

The best part? While others are still struggling with complex DNS setups, you can claim your free domain from Gravatar and have your custom handle running in minutes.

Until now, getting a custom handle meant:

Finding a domain registrar.
Paying yearly fees (usually $10-30).
Figuring out DNS records.
Adding TXT entries.
Waiting for verification.
Hoping you didn’t mess anything up.

Gravatar’s solution? Skip all that. Our domains come pre-configured for Bluesky, and your first year is free. Here’s everything you need to know:

The simplest way to get a custom Bluesky handle: Gravatar domains

Getting a custom Bluesky handle just got much easier. Gravatar now offers free domains that come pre-configured, removing all the technical setup typically needed for custom handles.

These free domains work with Bluesky right out of the box – no DNS configuration required. When you sign up for a Gravatar profile, you can choose from fifteen different domain extensions:

Classic options like .info, .pro, and .link
Personal branding choices like .guru, .ninja, and .bio
Social media-focused extensions like .social and .cool
Professional options like .contact and .place

The best part? These domains are free for the first year. After claiming your domain through Gravatar, you’ll get full details about renewal pricing during checkout. This makes Gravatar’s solution perfect for anyone who wants a custom Bluesky handle without dealing with domain registrars or DNS configuration.

Step-by-step: Connect your free Gravatar domain to Bluesky

Ready to set up your custom Bluesky handle? Follow these simple steps to claim your free Gravatar domain and connect it to Bluesky in minutes:

Head to Gravatar and click the Get Started Now button in the top right corner. Fill in your details and complete your profile setup.

From your Gravatar dashboard, find the Claim Domain option in the top left menu. If you can’t find it, go to Settings > Profile URL tab.

Choose a domain extension that fits your style from the available options (e.g., .cool, .bio, .social). In this section, you can see how much the renewal would cost for each domain option.

Want a more personalized touch? Click the Change button next to your profile URL to adjust your domain before finalizing.
You’ll be redirected to a WordPress.com checkout page to register the domain, but don’t worry – your first year is free.

Complete the checkout, and you’ll receive an email confirming that your domain is active.

Open the Bluesky app or website, navigate to Settings > Account > Handle, and select Change Handle.

Click I Have My Own Domain.

Enter your Gravatar domain (make sure it’s activated), and when you get the Domain verified! message, click on Update to [domain name].

You’re done! Enjoy your sleek, verified custom handle on Bluesky!

Common questions on Gravatar’s custom Bluesky handles with Gravatar

Q: How long does it take to verify my custom domain handle on Bluesky?
A: Verification is quick and usually completes within a few minutes. However, if the system is busy, you might experience a short delay. Don’t worry – your handle will be ready shortly.

Q: Will I lose my original .bsky.social handle?
A: No. As of December 12, 2024, your previous .bsky.social handle is reserved for you. You won’t need to create a new account to keep it, and you can switch back to it anytime if you decide to stop using your custom domain.

Q: What happens to tags and mentions associated with my old handle?
A: All tags and mentions linked to your old .bsky.social handle will automatically point to your new Gravatar-powered handle. There’s no risk of losing connections or conversations.

Q: Is the handle change permanent?
A: Not at all. You can change your handle again or revert to your original .bsky.social handle anytime. Your Gravatar domain will still belong to you, even if you stop using it on Bluesky.

Q: What else can I do with my Gravatar domain?
A: Your Gravatar domain links directly to your Gravatar profile, which acts as a universal online identity. You can use it to showcase your other social media profiles and build a cohesive online presence.

Using your existing domain? Here’s how to verify it

If you already own a domain and want to use it as your Bluesky handle, you’ll need to verify it by adding a DNS TXT record. Here’s how:

When you initiate the handle change on Bluesky, the platform will provide the specific TXT record you need. This record includes three key fields: host, type, and value.

Log in to your domain provider’s DNS management panel (or a third-party service like Cloudflare). Locate the section for adding DNS records.
Input the host, type, and value provided by Bluesky into the appropriate fields. Save the changes.
Wait for propagation. While DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours, it usually completes within a few minutes if everything is configured correctly.
Return to Bluesky and click Verify DNS Record. Once verified, your profile will automatically update to use your domain as the handle.

This process adds a layer of credibility to your handle and ensures it’s uniquely tied to your domain ownership.

Managing multiple handles and subdomains

Organizations often benefit from managing multiple handles under a single domain. For example, a company could use @news.gravatar.com for announcements and @support.gravatar.com for customer service. This creates a cohesive, professional identity across departments or teams.

To set up multiple handles efficiently, it’s recommended to use HTTP verification instead of DNS TXT records. This involves creating a file in the /.well-known/ directory on your web server, which Bluesky checks to verify ownership of the subdomains.

Bluesky provides a detailed guide on verifying multiple handles under a single domain. Since the process requires some technical know-how, it’s best suited for developers or IT teams.

Get started with your custom Bluesky handle

Using a free Gravatar domain for your Bluesky handle offers plenty of advantages:

Choose from a variety of TLD extensions, like .bio, .social, and .link.
Enjoy your domain free for the first year, with no need for complex DNS configuration.
Manage your online identity from a centralized Gravatar profile, making it easy to stay consistent across platforms.

Gravatar domains also help future-proof your digital identity. As more platforms adopt domain-based verification, having your own domain now ensures you’re ready for the next phase of social media.

To get started, visit Gravatar and claim your free domain from the available options. While Gravatar simplifies the setup process, remember to complete Bluesky’s handle change steps to activate your custom domain handle.

With just a few clicks, you’ll have a unique, verified handle on Bluesky – and a free domain for the next year!