Life

Twitter Is Letting People Apply For Verification

by Kaitlyn Wylde

Since the introduction of verified accounts on Twitter, it's been this sort of intangible and sometimes random-seeming process that exists outside of the user experience. Now, Twitter has released an application to get verified — meaning users can apply for an official blue and white check mark if they feel like they fall within the criteria. Rather than waiting and hoping that their online footprint is significant and traceable enough to finally be graced with the verification from the invisible Twitter gods.

According to Twitter, officially, the people who are verified quality are:

"...public figures and organizations in music, TV, film, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas."

For people who work in media, represent brands, or create art, verification is very desirable. It officiates their voice and lets people know that they're connecting with the right person. In the age of Catfish, fake accounts, spam, and fishing, it's important to have some level of trust when communicating over the internet — especially when business is involved. And for many, their voice on Twitter is their business.

So today, when Twitter announced the introduction of the verification application from the San Fransisco headquarters, the people rejoiced. This is definitely good news. It's going to make it much easier for us to connect with people. And no longer will the process of getting verified be this obscure, vague selection that you might wait your whole career to discover.

If you think you qualify as a user who might benefit from being verified, or that the Twitter community might benefit from you being verified, head over the help center today and get your application started. Here's how to apply:

Help Center

In the upper right hand corner, click on your avatar and scroll down to "help".

My Account

Once you're there, you're going to head to "My Account" and "Manage My Account". Here you'll notice a few options, "Verified Accounts" is where you're going to want to head next. You can read up on the update and learn a bit more about it here before you start the process.

Fill Out The Form

Scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page, and under "Submit a request to verify an account" you'll see the word "form" is linked out. Click that and it will take you to the official form.

Make Sure You Have Proof

You're gong to need to fill in at least two different websites that you're associated with that will help the Twitter team to determine whether or not you're considered a "key individual" at this time. You'll also have to write a 500 character explanation which is basically a plea to the Twitter gods asking for that check mark.

Wait For A Decision

Now you'll just twiddle your thumbs until Twitter serves you your fate. Good luck!

Images: Twitter