Twitter Verification: What It Is and How It Works

Twitter Verification: Twitter has evolved into a centre for important people and organizations, making it a go-to tool for news, updates, and discussions. As such, it can be challenging to identify authentic profiles from impersonators, bots, and trolls.

To address this issue, Twitter introduced its verification system in 2009. The verification system, which was initially available to celebrities, public figures, and organizations, provided a blue badge next to their profile name to confirm their identity. Over time, the verification system became available to everyone, and users could apply for verification through the platform.

The blue badge (authentication badge) was a mark of legitimacy. It showing the account belonged to the individual or organisation that it purported to represent. However, Twitter has changed its authentication method over the years, leading to user confusion about the certification standards and the purpose of the blue badge.

Twitter Verification Criteria

To get verified on Twitter, you must meet the platform’s criteria for verification. In general, Twitter verifies accounts that are active, complete, and public. Here are the specific criteria:

Complete profile: Your profile must have a profile picture, a bio, and a header image. Your bio must include-

• Your name,
• A description of what you do,
• And your location

Active account: Your account must be active. And have been used in the last six months.

Public account: Your account must be public, meaning anyone can view your tweets, followers, and following list.

Authenticity: Your account must represent a person or organization that is notable, unique, or in a category of interest. You must provide proof of your name, such as links to your formal website or news stories mentioning you.

Good behavior: Your account must comply with Twitter’s rules and guidelines, including not engaging in spamming, harassment, or hate speech.

How to Apply for Twitter Verification

Follow these steps to apply Twitter verification:

1. Log in to your Twitter account.
2. Go to the “Account settings” page.
3. Open “Account information” section.
4. Click on “Verification request”
5. Fill in the required information, including your official website or news articles that mention you.
6. Submit your application and wait for a response from Twitter.
7. Twitter will review your application and inform you via email of the result. A blue badge will appear next to your name if your register is authorised.

Twitter Verification Changes

Over the years, Twitter has made adjustments to its verification system, including stopping the process for a few years to redesign the criteria and process. Twitter restored its verification system in 2021, with new rules and criteria.

The new guidelines provide more clarity on the purpose of the blue badge and the types of accounts that are eligible for verification. Twitter has defined six categories of accounts that are eligible for verification:

• Government
• Companies, brands, as well as organizations
• News organizations and journalists
• Entertainment
• Sports and gaming
• Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals

Twitter has also updated its verification criteria to include the following:

Identity verification: Twitter may request extra details to verify your name such as:

• Your email address,
• Phone number,
• Or government-issued ID

Followers count: Your account must have at least 500 followers.

Active use: Your account must have been active for the past six months, with consistent tweeting.

Profile completeness: Your profile must have a profile picture, a header image, a bio, and a confirmed email address and phone number.

Adherence to Twitter policies: Your account must comply with Twitter’s rules and guidelines, including not engaging in spamming, harassment, or hate speech.

Twitter has also introduced new features to its verification system, such as a badge for medical experts, researchers, and scientists. This is to combat misinformation around the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that users have access to accurate information from trusted sources.

Twitter’s Plan to Remove Legacy Blue Ticks

In November 2021, Twitter announced that it would remove the blue badge from inactive, incomplete, or incomplete verified accounts. This means that some accounts that were verified under the old verification system, also known as “legacy blue ticks,” may lose their verification badge.

Twitter stated that it would begin removing the badges in early 2022 and would notify affected users before removing their verification badge. To retain the verification badge, users must ensure that their accounts meet the new verification criteria.

How to retain your verification badge:

Complete your profile: Make sure your page is full, including a personal photo, header image, description, email address, and phone number.

Be active: Ensure that you have been active on Twitter for the past six months, with consistent tweeting.

Follow the guidelines: Ensure that you comply with Twitter’s guidelines and policies, including not engaging in spamming, harassment, or hate speech.

Make sure your name can be verified: Provide corroborating proof, such as links to your official website, news stories that reference you, or government-issued IDs, to ensure that your name can be confirmed.

Engage with your fans: Make an effort to interact with your followers and create an engaged Twitter group.

FAQ

Q: What is Twitter verification?

A: Twitter verification is a process that confirms the authenticity of a user’s account on the platform. A verified account is marked with a blue badge next to the account name, indicating that the account is authentic.

Q: What are the advantages of having a confirmed Twitter account?

A: Verified accounts have several benefits, including increased visibility, credibility, and trustworthiness. It also helps users distinguish authentic accounts from fake ones.

Q: How can I apply for Twitter verification?

A: Twitter’s authentication procedure is presently on pause, but users can still seek verification through Twitter’s Help Center.

Q: What are the criteria for Twitter verification?

A: Twitter’s verification criteria include identity verification, follower count, active use, profile completeness, and adherence to Twitter policies.

Q: What are legacy blue ticks?

A: Legacy blue ticks refer to accounts that were verified under the old verification system before Twitter updated its verification criteria in 2021.

Q: Why is Twitter removing legacy blue ticks?

A: Twitter is removing legacy blue ticks to ensure that verified accounts meet the current verification criteria and are authentic.

Q: How can I retain my verification badge if I have a legacy blue tick?

A: To retain your verification badge, you must ensure that your account meets the current verification criteria, including having a complete profile, active use, and adherence to Twitter policies.

Q: What happens if my legacy blue tick is removed?

A: If your heritage blue tick is gone, you will no longer have a verification badge next to your user name and will need to reapply for verification if you want one.

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Conclusion

Twitter verification is a useful tool for identifying authentic accounts and combating misinformation on the platform. While Twitter’s verification criteria and process have evolved over the years, the blue badge remains a symbol of authenticity for users.

Twitter’s plan to remove legacy blue ticks is a reminder that verification is not a one-time event, and users must ensure that their accounts meet the current verification criteria. By following the guidelines and engaging with your followers, you can retain your verification badge and continue to build your presence on Twitter.