Twitter users now able to verify accounts

Twitter’s verified blue tick has long been associated with celebrities and world famous brands. After seven years, the social media giant has made the decision to open up accreditation to Twitter users. 

Originally introduced in 2009, Twitter verification provides users with a means to distinguish between real and fake accounts.  @NASAArmstrong, @KimKardashian, @Oprah, @MilwaukeePolice and @TonyHawk are a few of the accounts which first became verified. 

Today, there are reportedly more than 310 million active Twitter users, 520% more than in 2009. With the number of users on the rise, Twitter has made the decision to open up the verification process, however there are parameters within which users can apply. 

According to Twitter: “An account may be verified if it is determined to be an account of public interest. Typically this includes accounts maintained by users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas.”

Twitter verification will let followers know that your account is the real deal. It’s all about earning trust.  

To complete the verification form, you’ll first need to make sure that your Twitter account has been updated with the information listed below:

• Verified phone number
  
• Confirmed email address 
  
• Biography 
  
• Header photo
  
• Website address 
  
• Birthday (only applies to personal accounts, not business accounts) 
  
• Tweets set as public in Tweet privacy settings
  
• Profile and account recommendations 
  

Once all of the above account information has been submitted and confirmed, you then need to compile the information required to complete the form:

• URLs
  You’ll need to supply two to five URLs which showcase your public influence. Including links to news articles and high traffic content is a good place to start. Don’t worry about including your website's URL - Twitter is already able to access this information via your profile.
  
• 500 Character Description
  You’ll be asked to provide a 500 character description on why you or your company should receive Twitter verification. Companies should outline their mission as well as their success at achieving it, whilst individuals should focus on their public reach and the impact they’ve had in a given community. 

Once you’ve gathered all of the required information, you can then fill out the accreditation form: 

• Open Twitter and ensure that you are logged into the account that you want to verify. This is important, as when you start filling out the form, Twitter will pull in the information associated with the account you are logged into.
  
• Next, visit the Twitter verification form page and click continue.

• You’ll then be asked to confirm the Twitter username you want to verify. If you are a company, brand or organisation, make sure to check the relevant tick box.  
  

• You’ll now be prompted to provide the information you gathered earlier (URLs and blurb). Once you’re happy with all of the information provided, select Next. 
  

• Your application for Twitter verification has now been made. The Twitter team will let you know via email whether your application has been successful or not. This usually takes around 48 hours. 
  

If your application is approved, Twitter’s @Verified team will get in touch and provide you with instructions on how to verify your account. If your request is denied, fret not. You can re-submit your request after 30 days. 

If successful, there are a few final steps you’ll need to take to verify your account:

• Learn how to Tweet Effectively
  Twitter will present you with several tweets, asking you which one is better. Don’t worry about getting the answer wrong. The aim of this exercise is to teach users how to increase their following. 
  
• Connect with other interesting Twitter Users 
  Twitter will provide you with an opportunity to follow other verified accounts. 
  
• Protect your Account 
  You’ll be required to enter a phone number which Twitter can use to contact you should any problems arise with your account. Once this has step has been completed, your account will be verified. 

If you would like to find out more information about Twitter verification, please get in touch and one of our social media experts will answer any questions you may have.