Twitter has relaunched its verification application process for the first time since 2017. Back then, the option for users to apply for verification was paused due to confusion surrounding who could be verified and what it represented. Following an extensive review, the development of a new process, and the removal of some verification badges for accounts that are no longer eligible, certain users will again be able to put themselves forward rather than waiting for Twitter to bestow verification on them of its own accord.
Among the reasons the self-nominated verification process was initially paused was the verification of an account belonging to a far-right activist and organizer of the Unite the Right rally that took place in Charlottesville. Twitter said: "Verification was meant to authenticate identity & voice but it is interpreted as an endorsement or an indicator of importance. We recognize that we have created this confusion and need to resolve it." Co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey followed up on this to explain that the company had recognized that the process was broken for some time but that it had not got round to addressing its issues by that point.
Doing so has taken nearly three years. Twitter says it hopes the new verification system will provide more "transparency, credibility and clarity" and outlines what it means to be verified, who is eligible, and how to get verified. It explains that the blue badge is intended to demonstrate an account's authenticity and that it is of "high public interest." It is part of Twitter's broader work to ensure trustworthiness on the platform and foster "healthier, more informed conversations."
How To Get Verified On Twitter
There are currently six categories into which users must fall to be verified: government; companies, brands, and organizations; news organizations and journalists; entertainment; sports and gaming; or activists, organizers, and other influential individuals. Twitter says more categories will be added in the future, though, such as for scientists, academics, and religious leaders. Each category has its own eligibility criteria. Accounts must also have been active in the last six months, have a "record of adherence to the Twitter Rules," and be fully filled out with profile names, profile images, and either a confirmed email address or phone number.
In the coming weeks, all users will begin to see a link to the new verification application page in the Account Settings tab. Users will need to indicate the category into which they fall and provide verification of their identity. Users should get a response within a matter of days, but it may be weeks depending on how busy the system is. If users are successful, the blue verified account badge will appear on their profile and, if not, they will be able to reapply after 30 days.