On platforms like X, first impressions are everything. You only have a few seconds (if you’re lucky) to convince other users that you’re the real deal. Whether your aim is fame or simply making money on Twitter, you need to send the right message at first glance. When viewers see that shiny blue tick that appears next to your username, that verification is what makes you stand apart.
And the really good news is it’s actually easier than ever to get verified on Twitter. Recent estimates suggest that as few as 0.2% of Twitter accounts are verified. That is why those who do feature the blue tick are naturally seen as authentic, trustworthy, and worth checking out. This signifies credibility and can translate to more exposure, higher engagement, and improved all-round impressions.
Even today, it’s a rare and respected mark of distinction – one that’s definitely worth getting. In this guide, we’ll be presenting a concise summary of everything you need to know about the value of and simple process for getting your X account verified.
Evolution of Twitter Verification
Back when it was introduced in 2009, Twitter verification was all about status – exclusive to authentic, high-profile accounts. From celebrities to athletes to politicians, getting verified was a way to show the world that you were the real person behind the account – not an impersonator or parody.
Verification was once an accolade handed out exclusively by Twitter of its own choosing. Later, in 2016, they updated their policy so anyone could apply (if they met certain criteria). More recently, Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover and formation of X shook things up once again.
He threw out all previous policies and requirements, introducing a new system where anyone can pay for verification. Plus, all “legacy” verification badges – those previously awarded simply for having a notable account – were withdrawn.
Eligibility Criteria for X Verification
If you’re new to Twitter, you’ll need to wait 30 days before you can apply for verification. After 30 days, you’ll have a good chance of getting that coveted blue tick mark if you meet the following criteria:
- X Premium Subscription: an active subscription to X Premium is mandatory.
- Complete Profile: your profile must include a photo and display name.
- Must be Active: accounts must be active within the last 30 days.
- Security: your account needs a confirmed phone number.
- Non-deceptive: no recent profile changes, no misleading, and no spamming.
The above criteria have been enforced since April 1, 2023, when X shifted away from its previous criteria (active, notable, and authentic), which no longer apply. There’s no official word on how long it takes to get your verified badge, but Elon Musk recently said in a post on X that it’s typically around seven days.
How to Get Verified on X: The Step-by-Step Guide
The main requirement for getting verified on X is setting yourself up with a (paid) X Premium subscription. You can do this via the mobile app or the standard desktop Twitter website, but the latter can sometimes end up being less expensive.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: On your Android or iOS device, launch the X app and head to the “Home” screen using the tab at the bottom. Then, slide the menu out to the left and hit the “Premium” button.
Step 2:On a desktop or laptop PC, you can head to the Twitter website and click the “Verified” option on the sidebar to the left. Then, choose the “I am an individual” option, followed by “Subscribe” when the new window pops up.
Step 3:In both cases, you can then choose your preferred subscription type and organize the payment using your choice of payment systems.
You’ll have the option to pay monthly or annually – $8 a month or $84 per year – if you pay upfront.
Note: Subscribing via the Android or iPhone app can sometimes cost a little more due to fees added on by Google or Apple. So, where possible, it’s best to sign up via the X website.
Other Verification Types on X
Beyond the standard blue checkmark, you’ll come across a few other ‘badges’ while doing the rounds on Twitter. Most notably, a Gold Checkmark, a Grey Checkmark, Affiliation Badges, and the more recently introduced Automated Account Labels.
Here’s what they mean and who gets them:
1. Gold Checkmark
Any corporation, non-profit, media network, or general business that joins Twitter’s Verified Organizations subscription service will get a Gold Checkmark by their business name. It’s a pretty expensive scheme, but Gold Checkmark status can be a great accolade to promote your brand.
2. Grey Checkmark
Twitter’s Grey Checkmark is restricted exclusively to government organizations and officials. For example, the accounts of government offices, embassies and consulates, parliamentary accounts, heads of state, cabinet members, and congressmen can all receive Grey Checkmarks free of charge.
3. Affiliation Badges
This is a feature that helps users identify accounts officially linked to a verified organization. They visually show that an account is affiliated with a larger, verified organization by displaying the verified organization’s profile picture next to the user’s profile picture.
Think of affiliation badges like mini-verifications for accounts under a larger organization’s umbrella – for which the organization pays a fee per affiliate.
4. Automated Account Labels
A new feature still in testing, Automated Account Labels, shows you if an account is controlled by a bot. You see the
“Automated” label and know instantly that the content is being generated by a machine – not a human being. Account owners who control automated bots can choose to add a label indicating their account is automated, or X might add it based on the account’s activity.
5 Valuable Tips to Increase Your X Verification Chances
It’s worth noting that an X Premium subscription alone doesn’t guarantee the blue badge status. The folks at Twitter will still examine your account to ensure it’s up to scratch, so you need to make sure it is.
Here’s how to boost your X verification chances:
1. Be Consistent
X is only interested in accounts that contribute to the Twitter community on a regular basis. It’s not just about posting great Tweets – you need to be active, engaged, and show that you’re making every effort to enrich the X experience.
2. Build a Strong Online Presence
This is also about engagement and activity – becoming an integral part of the X community. Plenty of followers, active discussions, sharing and promoting other people’s content – all are central to building a credible and respectable online presence.
3. Stay Authentic
Being true to yourself might sound cliché, but it’s crucial. Find your niche, focus on your passions, and post content you’re genuinely proud of. Let your personality shine, take the time to build connections, and give your followers valuable content.
4. Adhere to Twitter’s Guidelines
Breaking any of X’s rules won’t help you out. Twitter prohibits spam, impersonation of others, content that violates the law, and anything that promotes discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
5. Be Patient
If at first, you don’t succeed, you can always try again. Take your time to build the kind of profile that screams authenticity. Get plenty of followers on board, engage with your community, and show X why you deserve to be verified. And if your request is rejected, you can always try again in 30 days – so all is not lost.
Conclusion
Long story short, the answer is yes – it’s still (very much) worth getting verified on X. As the overwhelming majority of X accounts are not verified, those that continue to stand out in a wholly positive way. The blue check mark verification is a simple yet effective way to add a touch of respect and authority to your account.
Whether you’re just in it for the fun of it all or you genuinely want to get famous on Twitter, it’s the little things like this can make a real difference. Just as long as you can afford the basic X Premium subscription fee, you could find it’s a small price to pay for what you get in return.
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