For years, Reddit has built its identity around nicknames, inside jokes, and the freedom to speak without tying every word to your real name. Even so, there are times when users need to know that the person behind a post is exactly who they claim to be. To bridge that gap without disrupting the platform’s culture—Reddit has begun quietly testing a new verification feature. A simple grey checkmark now appears beside selected usernames, offering a clearer indication of authenticity during conversations where accuracy matters.

Why Reddit Is Testing Verification

Reddit isn’t trying to introduce a badge that signals popularity or social rank. The idea is far more grounded: make it easier for people to know when they’re talking to a real journalist reporting live, a well-known expert doing an AMA, or a brand sharing updates directly. Until now, moderators have had to verify these identities manually, and every community handled it differently. This new system aims to bring some consistency, while still keeping the platform’s long-standing respect for pseudonymity intact. Participation is optional and is meant purely to avoid confusion , not to create a hierarchy.

Who’s Included in the Alpha Rollout

The initial group is intentionally small. Reddit hand-picked public figures, long-time contributors, and businesses that already hold an official badge. Everyone participating had to opt in, have a solid track record, and actually be active on the platform. At this stage,

regular users can’t request verification, and Reddit hasn’t indicated when that might change.

What Verified Accounts Receive

Those included in the test will see a grey checkmark next to their usernames across their profiles, comments, posts, and in Reddit’s search results. They also get access to Reddit Pro through a dedicated button on their profile. The older “official” watermark that some brands used is being phased out in favor of this new checkmark. A few businesses will also try out new profile flairs that make it easier for users to spot important posts, like AMAs or major announcements.

Conclusion

This update doesn’t change what Reddit is built on, but it does make things clearer for the situations where identity genuinely matters. Since verification is optional and still protects people’s privacy, Reddit is basically trying to make conversations a bit more reliable without messing with the freedom that helped the platform grow. Even if the program expands later, the core idea is expected to stay the same: clearer context for users, better support for communities, and anonymity that stays intact.