Reddit is currently experimenting with verification badges

Reddit Introduces Limited Verified Profiles

Reddit has begun testing a new feature that adds a grey verification checkmark next to the usernames of prominent individuals and organizations.

According to Reddit, this initiative aims to help users identify who they are interacting with during important moments—such as when an expert or celebrity hosts an AMA, a journalist shares breaking news, or a brand communicates updates.

Verification Returns to Its Roots

There was a time online when a verification badge simply confirmed a person’s identity, rather than indicating a paid subscription. Reddit’s move to verify public figures is intended to help curb misinformation by ensuring notable accounts are authentic.

Voluntary and Opt-In

Reddit emphasizes that anonymity is central to its platform, allowing users to speak more freely than they might under their real names. Participation in the verification program is entirely optional. The goal is not to create an exclusive group, but to make it easier for both regular users and moderators to confirm someone’s identity when needed.

Not Having a Checkmark Doesn’t Mean Inauthenticity

Currently, only a select group of profiles are participating in this pilot. Even if the feature is expanded, some well-known users may never receive a checkmark. The absence of verification does not automatically imply someone is pretending to be someone they’re not.

Example: Tony Hawk on Reddit

Take Tony Hawk, for instance—he often joins skateboarding communities to casually discuss his passion with fellow enthusiasts. While he blends in with other users, his posts featuring his own skateboarding videos on r/OldSkaters make his identity clear, especially since few 57-year-olds are still landing heel flips.

Second heelflip in 3 years [57YO]
by u/tonyskates in OldSkaters

Eligibility and Future Plans

During this early phase, users who are active, have a positive reputation, and are considered “trusted partners” (though Reddit hasn’t defined this term) may be eligible for verification. The checkmark does not grant any special powers. However, accounts that are marked as NSFW or primarily participate in NSFW communities are not eligible for verification.

At present, Reddit is handling verification manually, but plans to transition to a third-party verification process in the future.

Industry Trends Toward Human Verification

Reddit’s timing aligns with co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s efforts to revive Digg, another social aggregator. Digg’s founders have voiced concerns about the rise of bots and AI, and are exploring zero-knowledge proofs to confirm users are real people.

Similarly, Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, is working on ways to verify users’ humanity online. His project, World, is expected to launch an app soon that aims to keep bots at bay.