Bluesky Goes Ad-Free, Launches Paid Domain Service in Collaboration With Namecheap

Bluesky, a decentralized social network backed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, has collaborated with Namecheap to introduce a paid domain service that enables users to verify their identities.

In an effort to ensure sustainability while upholding user data ownership, Bluesky aims to explore alternative monetization methods instead of relying on advertising. Although initially funded by Twitter, Bluesky has since become independent from the platform under Elon Musk's leadership.

Bluesky Wants to Go Ad-Free

Recognizing the pitfalls of treating users as products in an ad-driven model, the Bluesky team has embraced the idea of providing paid services to users.

The project's core mission revolves around constructing a protocol where users can retain ownership of their data. Consequently, Bluesky has chosen to explore new avenues for monetization.

Speaking of which, Bluesky has started its paid service offerings with domain names, Engadget writes in its report. Users can now establish custom domain names to use within the Bluesky network, eliminating the need for a separate registration process with a domain registrar.

This integration streamlines the process, allowing users to secure a domain name associated with their identity on Bluesky within minutes.

A personalized domain name serves as an effective means of user verification, particularly for a decentralized platform like Bluesky that lacks a centralized verification system.

Notably, some US Senators have relied on the senate.gov domain to confirm their identities.

Furthermore, users utilizing Bluesky's integrated domain service gain access to comprehensive domain management features. They can configure domain settings and make adjustments within the Bluesky platform. Additionally, users have the ability to forward emails received through their domains to their preferred addresses.

Moreover, they can redirect their domains to their Bluesky profiles or any other desired URL. Should users choose to leave the platform or switch to another registrar, Bluesky allows for domain transfers.

Bluesky Will Launch More Paid Services in the Future

Bluesky envisions domain integration as the initial step toward introducing a range of paid services on its platform. The team aims to bundle various services to offer users a seamless experience.

While Bluesky is currently in private beta, interested individuals can join a waitlist to gain access to the platform.

Bluesky Temporarily Halts Sign-Ups

With Bluesky invite codes that are being sold on eBay and other third-party sites, people think that migrating to the platform is an effective way to forget about Twitter.

Amid the rate limits that Elon Musk implemented on the microblogging site, BlueSky experienced record-high traffic from its users on Saturday, July 1, according to CNBC. Because of this, the ongoing sign-ups are paused temporarily.