Twitter is finally giving everyone a chance at the coveted blue verified badge, offering an online application for its users that will grant them presigious tick.
However, Twitter still says it will only approve ‘an account may be verified if it is determined to be of public interest’.
For years, some Twitter users have complained, whinged and even begged for the social network to verify their accounts.
Twitter has roughtly 187,000 verified accounts, a small number when compared to its some 320 million monthly active users.
The blue tick can be a big boost to a profile. For example, users know when they are talking to the real Katy Perry who has more than 89 million followers, from an imposter who is just using her picture as their profile image.
Until now, verified accounts, that show an account is official and belongs to an individual, have only been handed out to celebrities, sports stars, journalists, and those the company deems worthy of having their identity confirmed. The accounts are shown by a white tick on a blue background.
Twitter was the first platform to introduce account verification, starting in 2009 and currently has close to 187,000 verified accounts. The @CDCgov was one of the first Twitter accounts to be verified in order to help citizens find authentic and accurate public health information straight from the source. Among the other first accounts to be verified include @NASAArmstrong, @KimKardashian, @Oprah, @MilwaukeePolice, @SF311, and @TonyHawk.
A blog post from Twitter says accounts of “public interest” are likely to be approved. This is an effort to make those using the site engage with and follow more accounts.
“Our goal with this update is to help more people find great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for creators and influencers – no matter where they are in the world – to easily connect with a broader audience,” the post said.
Twitter Announces Application Process for Verified Accounts https://t.co/84B4lKdBeu
— Twitter PR (@TwitterPR) July 19, 2016
How to get a blue tick
In order to complete the form, users must have specific information already listed: A verified phone number, a confirmed email address, bio, profile photo, header photo, birthday (for accounts that are not company, brand, or organization accounts), website and Tweets set as public in Tweet privacy settings.
Once you’ve made it passed step one, Twitter will ask you a few questions about why your account should be verified and even ask for a scanned copy of a government issued identification card.
The application process will start rolling out today and be available globally this week. People can learn more about the application process in the Twitter Help Centre.
Twitter previously allowed users to apply to be verified but removed the feature when they were overwhelmed with requests.