Last week, Twitter announced that it was introducing a new method for users to verify their accounts on the platform. The rollout has been gradual, however there has been evidence that the company’s new verification team has been very busy combing through the new applications. Prior to last Thursday’s announcement, Twitter’s official @verified account, which follows verified accounts as they are accepted, was following approximately 360,000 accounts. As of today, the number is approximately 361,300.
For those who may not know what Twitter verification is, it is the recognition by Twitter that the account of a person, company, or other entity is the authentic representation stated and is marked with a blue badge with a checkmark. This helps people to know that the account has been confirmed as real and prevents confusion and lessens the impact of impersonators.
Leading up to the release, researcher and programmer Jane Manchun Wong dug through the app’s code to reveal an early look at what we know now is the process of profile verification. (Wong vehemently states — and we’ll reiterate — that she does not work for Twitter and cannot verify nor help verify you on their service or that of any other)
(I even noticed changes that were published a day early (then retracted once it was noticed) that led us to believe the release was near.)
Though the application is rolling out to everyone, there are still qualifications that need to be met in order to be considered. According to Twitter:
To qualify for verification, you must fit the criteria of one of the six categories listed below:
- Government
- Companies, brands and organizations
- News organizations and journalists
- Entertainment
- Sports and gaming
- Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals
Each category has its own set of criteria within. The process is pretty straightforward, with only some questions arising in the “content creator” area regarding followers and/or mentions metrics creating some limitations for users. In any case, if you have the form and think you qualify under any one of the above categories, submit an application and see how it goes. If you are denied the first time around, you can reapply 30 days from the date of the denial notification.
Twitter has also stated that it is currently evaluating other categories to include in its list of occupations, from scientists to medical experts and others up for consideration.
Read all of the FAQs in the Twitter Help Center for all information pertaining to account verification here: https://help.twitter.com/en/managing-your-account/twitter-verified-accounts
