Bluesky wants to give you your own domain on the open web
Bluesky says the process will still take 18-24 months, so don't expect your new, shortened 'bsky' handle any time soon.
Bluesky's CEO Toni Schneider hinted at the company's future plans on Monday when he revealed that they have submitted an application to transform ".bsky" into an official internet domain suffix, similar to .com or .org. This development could enable users to shorten their social media handles, making them more concise and easier to remember. For example, instead of @sarahp.bsky.social, a user might be able to shorten their handle to just "sarahp.bsky."
This move could provide Bluesky with an opportunity to enhance its user profiles. Instead of merely displaying a user's bio and posts, the platform could evolve into a more comprehensive personal home page, establishing a stronger online presence for its users.
However, it is important to note that the application for this new domain has not been approved yet. The company's CEO mentioned that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit responsible for managing internet domain names, will announce the applications for the new domains on October 7, 2026. The entire process is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
When asked for comment, Bluesky declined to provide specific details about how .bsky domains would be requested, registered, or distributed. However, the company affirmed that it has no intention of selling or monetizing the domains. This decision is particularly noteworthy, given that domain registration can often generate a profitable business, potentially serving as a revenue stream for a startup that has raised substantial funds but has not yet begun generating ad revenue.
Rose Wang, Bluesky's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the company's belief in an open web during the interview with TechCrunch. She stated, "Domains are a big part of the open web, as they allow users to control their own online identity." Bluesky, she added, was built on the principle that users should own their online presence, rather than renting it from a platform that has the power to revoke it.
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