The coveted blue badge may soon be within your reach. Twitter announced on Thursday 20th May 2021 it will begin rolling out its new verification application system, which allows public figures and other accounts of high public interest to distinguish themselves with a checkmark that indicates they are who they say they are — like a government official, journalist, celeb, brand or business, or other notable names.
Who’s qualified?
Here are the six categories of accounts that can qualify for verification:
- Government
- Companies, brands, and organizations
- News organizations and journalists
- Entertainment
- Sports and gaming
- Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals
These categories are just the start, Twitter says, It will later expand verification to include scientists, academics, and religious leaders later this summer.
To make the grade for verification, users will have to meet Twitter’s revamped verification criteria, which includes having an account of public interest that falls under one of six different types of categorizations as well as being “authentic, notable, and active.”
How can you apply to obtain verification?
Over the next few weeks, everyone on Twitter will start to see the new verification application directly in the Account Settings tab, from here you can submit your application then you will receive an emailed response in one to four weeks, depending on how many open applications are in the queue at the time.
If approved, you will receive the profile badge automatically. And if denied, you can reapply 30 days after receiving Twitter’s decision.
Here’s what the application flow will look like:
Twitter says it will continue to update and audit its policies around these areas as it moves forward with public applications for verification and the other new features and gives people more ways to identify and express themselves on Twitter to lead to more informed, healthier conversations.
