Reddit is rolling out a limited test of verified profiles, adding a grey checkmark next to the usernames of notable individuals or businesses. The goal is to help users quickly identify who they are interacting with in situations where verification is important, such as during expert Q&As, journalist posts, or brand updates.
While pseudonymity has long been a cornerstone of Reddit, allowing people to speak freely without using their real names, this feature is entirely optional. It’s intended not as a status symbol, but as a way for regular users and moderators to confirm that someone is who they claim to be. A lack of a checkmark does not imply that a user is illegitimate. Currently, the feature is being piloted with a small group of profiles, and even if expanded, some prominent Redditors may remain unverified. Only users in good standing who are considered trusted contributors are eligible, while NSFW accounts or those active mainly in NSFW communities are excluded. Verification is manually applied for now, with plans to move to a third-party system in the future.
The rollout coincides with growing industry interest in authentic online interactions. Similar verification efforts are being explored elsewhere, including projects aimed at confirming human users and limiting bots. These initiatives reflect a broader push across social platforms to ensure users are engaging with real people rather than automated accounts.