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# Understanding Verification on Mastodon
- URL: https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/verification-on-mastodon/
- Published: 2025-02-13T11:00:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-14T15:58:39.000Z
- Description: How to Get Verified
- Author: Phoenix Paulina Schmid
- Tags: WtF?! - What the Fediverse?

**Mastodon** offers a **different approach to verification** compared to mainstream social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Instead of relying on a centralized authority to issue verification badges, Mastodon allows users to verify themselves through a open, decentralized and transparent process. Here’s how it works and what you need to know.

## ***How Verification works on Mastodon**

The way on letting others know that your the real one

Unlike corporate social media, which can verify an Account with a centralized team, Mastodon doesn’t offer blue check marks or official verification programs. Instead, verification on Mastodon is based on proving ownership of a website or another social media profile.

### **Link verification through the rel attribute**

Mastodon uses a simple and open standard to confirm your identity. This process involves linking to your Mastodon profile from a personal website or page that you control.

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### **Steps to Get Verified on Mastodon:**

1. **Edit Your Profile** – Go to your Mastodon profile settings and add your website URL in the designated fields.
2. **Add a Verified Link** – On your website, create a link back to your Mastodon profile. This link must include the `rel="me"` attribute. If you want to verify with your GitHub account this is easy as GitHub profile pages have the `rel="me"` attribute automatically included with all links.
3. **Automatic Verification** – Once Mastodon detects the link with the `rel="me"` attribute, your website link will appear with a green checkmark in your profile. This depends on the performance of your instance and there maybe the case that the link isn't verified at an instant.

You could even add a link tag in the head of your web page if you can have access to it or can inject code into it. The important part is that it has the `rel="me"` attribute and is accessible without Javascript.

## ***Why This Approach?**

This decentralized verification method ensures that verification is based on actual ownership rather than corporate approval. It’s a transparent, self-authenticated process that gives users control over their identity.

## ***Common Issues & Troubleshooting**

If your verification isn’t working, check the following:

- Ensure the link to your Mastodon profile includes `rel="me"`.
- Make sure the URL exactly matches the one in your Mastodon profile.
- If using a CMS like WordPress, verify that it doesn’t strip out the `rel="me"` attribute.

## ***Final Thoughts**

Mastodon’s verification system is a great example of how decentralized platforms empower users. While it may not provide a traditional blue checkmark, it offers a reliable way to prove identity without reliance on a central authority. By following these steps, you can easily verify your presence on Mastodon and establish trust with your followers and other users.

***Take control of your online identity and let the Fediverse know you’re the real deal!*** ✅

If you want to hear more from me you can find me in the Fediverse at [@gelbphoenix@social.gelbphoenix.de](https://gelbphoenix.link/mastodon?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) (Mastodon) or [@gelbphoenix@gram.social](https://gelbphoenix.link/pixelfed?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) (Pixelfed). For more posts like this subscribe to my newsletter or support me by [**becoming a member**](https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/#/portal/signup) or [donating](https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/#/portal/support).

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