Be Careful Verified Twitter Users – You Might Lose Your Blue Tick!
Twitter has just updated its verification policy, meaning the symbol of Twitter stardom – the highly acclaimed blue tick – might be in jeopardy for some users.
As the company reminded the Twitterverse yesterday, the update outlines stricter requirements to which verified accounts must adhere.
we are once again asking for you to follow the instructions we’ve repeatedly communicated in order to keep your verified badge https://t.co/gMHfE1mkly pic.twitter.com/U07Wtdav6a
— Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) January 21, 2021
In December, Twitter initially informed users of this update and publicised the re-opening of public applications for profile verification. The re-opening, naturally, planted the seed in the minds of users that they might be able to secure this blue token of Twitter credibility.
However, Twitter’s requirements for verified accounts don’t leave any wriggle room. To start with, users have to fall into one of these categories:
- Government
- Companies, Brands and Organisations
- News Organisations and Journalists
- Entertainment
- Sports and Gaming
- Activists, Organisers, and Other Influential Individuals
As many likely consider themselves a rightful member of category six, Twitter have built further hurdles for users to jump before they make it to the finish line:
This update could be a tactic to reduce the number of unqualified applicants, allowing the company to more easily spot the worthy and weed out the non-worthy.
However, considering the blue tick has become the holy grail of Twitter, it is likely that a host of users that don’t fit the criteria will still strive to get one. It will be interesting to see which accounts gain a blue tick following the update, and which have it axed.
Finally, for our previous #SocialShort, click here.
