Twitter Opens Verification Process to All Users

Twitter has launched an online application process to allow Twitter accounts to receive verified status, which helps users identify the authentic accounts of various people and organizations. Formerly an invite-only qualification process, the new online application allows any person or business to apply to be verified.

The blue verified badge, shown at right, lets people know that an account is authentic. 

According to Twitter, an account “may be verified if it is determined to be of public interest,” including accounts maintained by public figures and organizations in different areas of entertainment, government, business, and the media. Verifying an account differentiates it from people or organizations with similar handles.

As part of the application process, which asks for a person or business’ name, biography, and other details, Twitter asks for an explanation as to why it should verify the account. For an account representing a business, Twitter asks to know that company’s mission; for people, Twitter wants to know that person’s impact in their field.

One of the first Twitter accounts to be verified when Twitter began verifying accounts in 2009 was @CDCgov, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Twitter now has 187,000 verified accounts among its 310 million monthly active users.

“We want to make it even easier for people to find creators and influencers on Twitter so it makes sense for us to let people apply for verification,” said Tina Bhatnagar, Twitter’s vice president of user services. “We hope opening up this application process results in more people finding great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for these creators and influencers to connect with a broader audience.”

Visit Twitter’s Help Center to find more details about the application process and a link to apply for a verified account.