Twitter recently made headlines by allowing all its users to request a verified account on the platform. A verified account is easily identified by a blue checkmark, which means it has been recognized as authentic. Prior to this announcement, verification on Twitter was limited to very public figures, companies, brands, and a few exclusive others.
Verified accounts help prevent fraud and protect the integrity of individuals, brands, and corporations. We’ve all heard of imposters posing as famous figures on social media or struggled to find a celebrity’s real account amongst a multitude of lookalike and fan accounts. Twitter opened the verification process in hopes of making it easier for users to find creators, influencers, and high-quality accounts on the platform. We hope this will help authors to connect with broader audiences on Twitter.
Applying for account verification is a simple process. When you submit a request to verify an account, Twitter will ask for additional information that can help them evaluate the request. You will be asked to share why Twitter should verify your account, and show your impact in your field. However, please note that we cannot guarantee that verification will be granted.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Log into the account you want verified (you must be logged in to apply).
2. Visit https://verification.twitter.com/welcome.
3. Open your Twitter account settings and make sure you have a verified phone number, a confirmed email address, a bio, a profile photo, a header photo, a website, and a birthday (required for personal accounts only). Your tweets must also be set to public in your privacy settings.
Authors who wish to complete the form should provide:
- links to their official website
- links to their author page on penguinrandomhouse.com
- information that specifies if they are bestsellers or award winners
- a scan of a photo ID to confirm identity
For additional tips and information about account verification, visit Twitter Support. Twitter says it will respond to all requests via email or direct message, and users who get denied can submit another request thirty days later. At this time, Twitter is the only platform that allows all users to request account verification. (For information about verification on other platforms, contact your marketer.)
Interested in more social media tips? Explore these related articles from the archives:
You Are What You Tweet: Twitter Dos and Don’ts
Birdwatching: New Twitter Analytics
New Year’s Resolution for Authors: Find Your Social Media Joy
Picture-Perfect Social Media Profile Photos
Milena Schmidt is part of the Consumer Marketing Development and Operations Group.