That little blue checkmark beside a Twitter handle has long been highly esteemed. A verification logo on popular networks like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is among social media currency’s highest forms and rankings. Find out how to get verified on Twitter!
Though separate social media entities operate, they all have very similar methods for successfully being verified. The methods for getting verified on Twitter are perhaps not simple, but are as clear as fresh water.
In 2022, Twitter updated its verification policy under new CEO Elon Musk, making obtaining the coveted blue checkmark more challenging. According to Twitter’s latest rules, accounts must demonstrate authentic, active usage and have complete profiles to qualify.
According to the online statistics portal Statista, as of April 2025, Twitter had approximately 1.8 million verified accounts globally. The verification acceptance rate is estimated to be less than 1% of applicants.
What Is Account Verification?
If you don’t know what a blue checkmark is, it’s an icon that shows that the account is authentic and represents the person(s) associated with it.
A Facebook/Instagram/Twitter verified account badge is always placed next to the account name and is applied by the platform.
What’s usual is that verified Twitter accounts are people or brands in music, acting, fashion, politics, journalism, media, sports, business and other key interest areas. You have to be a public figure to get verified on Twitter.
Twitter verification was launched in June 2009 in response to the growing number of impersonator accounts on the platform. The initial goal of verification was to help users identify legitimate accounts of public figures, government agencies, and businesses.
Over time, Twitter has expanded its verification criteria to include a broader range of accounts, such as journalists, academics, and activists. However, the blue checkmark remains a symbol of prestige and authority on Twitter.
Why Twitter Verification Exists
Twitter verification helps users identify legitimate accounts of public figures, government agencies, and businesses. It can also help reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation on the platform.
Verified accounts are more likely to be trusted and engaged with by users. They are also more likely to appear in search results and Explore pages.
Types of Accounts Eligible for Verification
Twitter verification is available to a variety of account types, including:
Government agencies
Businesses and brands
News organisations
Journalists
Authors
Musicians
Actors and actresses
Athletes
Activists
Other notable individuals
Requirements for Verification on Twitter / X
To have a shot at verification under the new Twitter Blue program, accounts must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Active use of Twitter—According to Twitter’s activity logs, you must have logged in and used Twitter frequently over the past six months. Inactive or infrequently used accounts will be denied.
Complete profile details – Your account must have a profile image, header image, bio, website link, and birthday and be set to public. Fake, incomplete, or default profiles often get rejected.
Authentic engagement – Your account history should show organic engagement and posting. Any signs of platform manipulation, like aggressive following, spamming, or automation, can lead to disqualification.
Account history—Your account must meet a minimum age requirement. While Twitter has not disclosed the exact tenure, experts consider 1-2 years ideal. You also need a reasonable number of followers, estimated at 5,000+.
Adherence to Twitter rules – Accounts with violations, bans, or abusive behaviour will not qualify. You must be in good standing by following Twitter’s rules and terms of service.
Notability—Twitter tends to favour authority figures and notable accounts within their field or category, such as government, news, entertainment, or brands.
Who was the First Verified Account on Twitter / X?
The Centres for Disease Control was one of the first accounts verified several years ago. Twitter said it was verified “to help citizens find authentic and accurate public health information straight from the source.”
Oprah was among the first to get the checkmark, along with Kim Kardashian and the Milwaukee Police.
How to Get Verified on Twitter: A Simple Guide
Twitter began allowing anyone to apply for a verified account. While this doesn’t mean it’ll be easier to become verified, the process is at least more straightforward.
If you meet Twitter’s revised verification criteria, here are the steps to submit a verification request within your account settings:
Log in to your Twitter account on desktop or mobile and ensure your profile is filled out. Add or update your profile photo, header photo, bio, location, birthday, and website.
Go to your Settings and select the “Account” menu. Then, navigate to the “Verify request” option.
Carefully fill out the verification application with your account details and the reasoning behind why you should be verified. Upload any relevant documentation or web links to demonstrate notability or authority.
Click submit. Twitter will now review your request and associated account history.
If approved, Twitter will place a blue verification checkmark icon next to your name within a few weeks. The status of your application can be tracked under “Requested Verification” in account settings. If denied, you must wait 30 days before reapplying.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Getting Verified
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of getting verified on Twitter:
Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
Be active on Twitter and post high-quality content.
Engage with other users and build relationships.
Get mentioned by other verified accounts and news organisations.
Submit a well-written and informative verification application.
Become Eligible for Review First
So, the first thing you’ll want to do is ensure that your information is current. Your birthday, email address, phone number, and website link must be correct. Twitter won’t deem you eligible for verification if you don’t have this information.
Request Verification
Then, go to the Verified account on Twitter, whose username is @verified. Then, click on the link in the account’s URL section.
You’ll see your username filled in once you click the link and go past the next screen. Click on the checkbox, followed by ‘next’.
As aforementioned, you must position yourself as someone of importance. Twitter will not verify you just because you’re active on social media.
So, this is where you must build your case and be very selective with what you share with them.
Besides the five links you submit, you’ll be allotted 500 characters to state that case and let Twitter know why you’re applying for the checkmark and why they should accept that request.
Don’t try to include any additional links in this section. Otherwise, you won’t be able to click next.
The last section at the end of this page will ask for a photo ID. Some people submit their driver’s license or passport to be verified with a government-issued ID.
That confirms that the person requesting verification has a Twitter account.
Confirm Your Information
Once you’ve completed this form, you’ll be directed to another confirmation page. Verify that the information is correct and support your reasons Twitter should verify your account.
Wait for the Confirmation Email from Twitter
If Twitter approves your request, you’ll receive a confirmation that your account has been verified.
You have to consider a couple of things: In the bio of your Twitter account, ensure that you have the URL link to the website.
Another note is that this approval process could take weeks if not months. It all depends on how backed up Twitter’s verification system is. Hearing nothing back means that your application is still pending.
You’ll know you’re verified when the verified account follows you on Twitter. You’ll also receive an email from Twitter’s support team if they reject your request, so you can find out why it is rejected.
Tips for Getting Verified on Twitter
Expert Tips to Boost Your Verification Success in 2025:
Drawing from our experience helping dozens of businesses achieve verification, here are ProfileTree’s expert recommendations to significantly increase your approval chances:
1. Establish Your Digital Footprint Beyond X
Verification reviewers assess your wider digital presence:
Maintain consistent branding across all social platforms and your website
Secure backlinks from credible publications that mention you or your business
Create a Google Knowledge Panel for your business or personal brand
Establish listings in relevant industry directories and databases
“We’ve observed that accounts with strong cross-platform presence are 3 times more likely to receive verification approval,” notes Ciaran Connolly. “X’s verification team appears to value external validation of your identity and authority.”
2. Strategic Timing of Your Application
The timing of your verification application matters:
Apply after a period of consistent activity – At least 3-4 months of regular posting
Submit the following favourable press coverage or industry recognition
Coincide with major company announcements or product launches
Avoid application during platform updates when review systems may be unstable
3. Quality Over Quantity in Profile Connections
Your network influences verification assessment:
Engage with verified accounts in your industry or niche
Cultivate relationships with recognised authorities rather than focusing on follower count
Secure mentions from verified accounts before applying
Prioritise engagement quality over reaching large audiences with generic content
4. Content Optimisation Techniques
Fine-tune your content strategy before applying:
Focus on original insights rather than sharing others’ content
Create themed content series that establish your expertise in specific areas
Use platform-native media formats like polls, images and videos
Join industry conversations with substantive contributions, not just reactions
5. Technical Profile Optimisation
Beyond basic profile completion:
Use high-resolution professional images that remain clear when scaled down
Implement careful keyword placement in your bio that aligns with your claimed expertise
Ensure all URLs are formatted adequately with HTTPS protocols
Remove any dormant linked accounts from your profile
6. Documentation Preparation
For business verification, especially:
Prepare official identification documents before beginning the process
Have company registration details readily available
Compile press coverage and media mentions into a single reference document
Document your industry awards and professional credentials
By implementing these expert strategies, you’ll position your account for the highest possible chance of verification success while also building valuable digital authority that benefits your broader marketing objectives.
The Benefits of Being Verified on Twitter
One of the main benefits of getting verified is that it boosts personal branding. Moreover, with the verified badge, you can enjoy many perks, including accountability, stability and definitive access to more specialised Twitter analytics.
You will also gain trust in the community and extra security, avoid identity theft and help you network with others, new followers and much more.
Identifier of Value Determined by an Authority
This is an interesting perk of verification because it only works as long as people consider Twitter an authority. In the past, verification was solely at Twitter’s discretion.
You couldn’t request it or do anything to attract it besides growing as a person or brand to the point where people notice you and then to the point where Twitter notices you.
This means that verified users were verified through direct notice and intervention on Twitter. However, everything has changed, as Twitter has opened its request forms to anyone.
Adds Accountability and Stability
Two words: Fake accounts. Social media is swarming with fake accounts of people pretending to be celebrities, public figures, or even key members of organisations.
Some of these accounts would use hate speech or offensive words to trigger other people, and sometimes other people believe they are authentic (yes, social media is full of these kinds of people.)
So, to distinguish these fake accounts from the real ones, having the blue checkmark is necessary for you and your business. It signals high authority and authenticity. After all, 85% of customers buy products and patronise services from trustworthy brands.
Consequently, This Indicates a Sign of Trust among Twitter’s Community
While some sceptical users will decry the value of verification, it’s still a valuable source of authority for the average user.
Most people are taught the arcane ways of marketing. All they know is that some people have a blue check mark and others don’t, and that having one is a good, rare thing.
It’s similar to how many people know that earning a Medal of Honor in the military is a high accolade, but they don’t know anything more specific about it.
You don’t need to know the ins and outs of Twitter marketing or the details of earning verification to understand that if Twitter itself bestows the verification upon you, it means you have passed some worthwhile test.
Twitter is a great place to build thought leadership, and a blue verification check mark generally correlates with easily building more followers.
Prevents Twitter Identity Theft
Impersonation on Twitter can range from a benign parody account to a malicious phishing attempt, and the latter is the worst for businesses to deal with.
When someone sets up a profile with your information copied from your profile, there’s tiny way for users to determine which is the real account. They can look at the recent tweets, the account creation date, and the interaction history, but that only goes so far.
It Helps You Network with Influencers
Influencer marketing is the Next Big Thing on the web right now, which means that people with authority are in high demand.
Those people know it, though, and tend to be selective with who they engage on a deep basis. Superficial responses are par for the course, but if you want them to recognise you or open up deeper options for a relationship in business, you need to stand out from the crowd.
One such way to stand out is to be verified yourself.
Influencers who see an incoming message will likely find reasons to ignore it. If it’s from someone verified, they’ll give it more attention than they otherwise might.
Digital Strategy – Twitter
Related articles on Twitter and digital strategy in using the communications platform:
Twitter’s Identity Crisis: Name Change to X and New Ownership
Twitter has undergone significant shifts in 2022 that directly impact the platform’s identity and future.
In October 2022, Tesla CEO Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion, taking the company private. Musk immediately shook things up, firing top executives and laying off over 50% of Twitter’s staff.
Musk also proposed turning Twitter into an “everything app” named X. The idea is that X would incorporate other services like payments, shopping, and content subscriptions beyond social media.
However, Musk later scrapped the X rebranding after acquiring the domain name Twitter.com for $7 million in a legal settlement. It seems the iconic Twitter name will remain, for now.
However, the question remains: How will Twitter change under Musk’s leadership? He has suggested loosening content moderation, verifying all accounts, and shifting to subscription-based models.
These factors may significantly impact Twitter’s brand identity. The platform was founded on the principles of free speech and public conversation.
Only time will tell if Musk’s proposed changes align with Twitter’s roots or veer drastically in a new direction. Under Musk’s vision, the path to verification and blue checkmarks may also transform.
How ProfileTree Can Transform Your Social Verification Strategy
At ProfileTree, we deliver comprehensive digital solutions incorporating verification as part of a broader approach to building online authority. Our integrated services connect verification to your overall digital marketing success.
Web Design & Development for Verification Success
Our web development team creates verification-optimised websites that enhance your X credibility:
Verification-ready website structures that properly showcase your professional identity
Seamless social integration that connects your verified X profile with your web presence
Mobile-optimised designs that maintain brand consistency across all platforms
Technical SEO implementation that enhances cross-platform authority signals
“When evaluating verification applications, X places significant weight on having a professional web presence that validates your brand identity,” explains Ciaran Connolly. “Our web design approach reinforces the digital identity markers that verification algorithms prioritise.”
Our AI specialists use advanced tools to optimise your verification strategy:
Competitor verification analysis using AI pattern recognition
Content performance prediction to identify verification-friendly content types
Engagement pattern identification to optimise posting schedules
Post-verification ROI tracking with comprehensive analytics dashboards
SEO & Verification: A Powerful Combination
Our SEO experts create strategies that leverage verification for improved search performance:
Verified social signals that enhance domain authority
Integrated keyword strategies across web and social platforms
Brand SERP optimisation, incorporating verified social profiles
Local SEO enhancement through verified geographical presence
“When combined with proper SEO strategy, verification creates a powerful trust signal that improves both search rankings and conversion rates,” notes Ciaran Connolly. “Our integrated approach ensures these systems work together rather than in isolation.”
Our digital training programmes equip your team with verification management skills:
Verification maintenance workshops to protect your verified status
Content creation training for verified account management
Analytics interpretation courses to measure verification ROI
Customised training for social media managers handling verified accounts
Our Verification Services Process
Comprehensive Digital Audit – Evaluation of your entire digital presence
Verification Readiness Assessment – Analysis of your current verification eligibility
Strategy Development – Custom plan integrating verification with your broader digital goals
Implementation Support – Hands-on assistance through the verification process
Post-Verification Optimisation – Maximising the benefits of your new status
Ready for a holistic approach to verification and digital authority?Schedule a consultation with our strategy team to discover how our integrated services can elevate your digital presence.
In a Nutshell
In the past, the process for getting verified on Twitter was complex. Now, Twitter has made it possible to request verification—all you need to do is ensure you have all your ducks in a row before applying.
FAQs
How long does it take to get verified on Twitter?
In 2023, the verification process takes 1-3 months. Twitter support states decisions can take a few weeks, but most users report 2+ month waits.
Does being verified help get more followers?
Yes, verified accounts gain an average of 15-20% more followers than non-verified accounts. The blue checkmark increases credibility.
Can you get verified without being famous?
It is possible if you demonstrate expertise in your field and have an authentic, complete profile. However, getting verified remains difficult for non-public figures.
Does Twitter verify parody or fan accounts?
No. Twitter only verifies the real identities of public figures, companies, brands, or professionals within their industry.
Can you lose verification status?
Yes, for actions like changing your name or bio to mislead, violating Twitter rules, or losing notability.
What are the benefits of being verified on Twitter?
Verified accounts receive more engagement and visibility than non-verified accounts. They are also more likely to appear in search results and Explore pages. Additionally, verified accounts are more likely to be trusted by users and are less likely to be reported as spam.
What are the chances of getting verified on Twitter?
The chances of getting verified on Twitter vary depending on several factors, such as your account’s category, your level of engagement, and the number of other verified accounts you are connected to.
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