By: Nick Gambino
A blue check mark on Twitter is tantamount to a medal of legitimacy. Most covet it because it acts as an instant marketing boost. If you have a little blue check mark, you must really be somebody. This was never the intention of the verification mark but nevertheless that’s how it played out.
Despite how coveted they are, the verification process to snag one of those little guys hasn’t been public for some years. That’s about to change. Twitter just announced they are rolling out public verification to all users in the next couple weeks.
Now this doesn’t mean just any random Tweeter is going to get their little check mark. It’s still reserved for notable accounts of public interest. But instead of waiting for Twitter to manually get to you if you believe you deserve one, you’ll be able to apply for verification.
“We’re excited to share that starting today, we’ll begin rolling out our new verification application process and reviewing public applications for verification on Twitter,” a Twitter blog post announcing the change states. “Today’s application rollout marks the next milestone in our plans to give more transparency, credibility and clarity to verification on Twitter.”
To be eligible you must fall into one of the following categories: “Government; Companies, brands and organizations; News organizations and journalists; Entertainment; Sports and gaming; Activists, organizers and other influential individuals.” They plan on expanding the list of eligible categories in the next year to include other notables like scientists, those in academia and, of course, religious leaders.
To apply, you’ll see a verification application button in your settings on Twitter. If you don’t see it yet, be patient. It’s rolling out over the next couple weeks.
The public verification process was suspended in 2017 after only a year thanks to a misunderstanding by the public of the original purpose of the program. Because we all view it as an endorsement by Twitter, when they grant the “wrong” person one of those innocuous check marks, the mobs take up their pitchforks, ready to march.
As part of the relaunch, they are stripping the verified badge from some accounts who don’t meet their updated criteria. So, sorry in advance if that’s you.
