How to Get a Blue Checkmark on Twitter

That blue checkmark next to a username on X (formerly Twitter) isn't just decoration, it’s a modern symbol of credibility and authenticity. While the path to getting one has changed, the value it signals to your audience remains. This guide will walk you through the current verification process step-by-step, whether you're building a brand, establishing yourself as an expert, or simply want to prove you are who you say you are.

Understanding the Twitter Blue Checkmark Today: What's Changed?

In late 2022, the verification system on X underwent a major overhaul. The original "blue badge" was a status symbol awarded by Twitter to accounts it deemed "notable and authentic." Today, that system still exists in a modified form, but the primary way to get a blue check is through a paid subscription called X Premium. It’s important to know the difference.

• The X Premium Checkmark: This is a blue check you get by subscribing to the platform's premium service. It confirms that you've verified your phone number and met some basic platform requirements.
• The "Legacy" Notability Checkmark: For accounts of organizations and individuals in fields like government, news, entertainment, and sports, an additional layer of verification exists. This checkmark signifies that X has also recognized the account as being of significant public interest, similar to the old system.

You may also see gold checkmarks, which are for verified business organizations through the X Verified Organizations program, and grey checkmarks for government organizations or officials. For most individuals and creators, however, the blue checkmark is the main focus.

The Easiest Route: Getting Verified Through X Premium

Today, the most straightforward way to get a blue checkmark is to pay for it through an X Premium subscription. It’s an open-door policy, but there are still a few hoops to jump through. Think of it less like an exclusive award and more like an ID verification for active users.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

Before you can even subscribe, your account needs to meet a few simple standards. X uses these to filter out spam and newly created bot accounts. Here’s the checklist:

• Complete Profile: Your account must have a display name and a profile picture. An empty profile won't cut it.
• Active Account: You can't just create an account and buy a check. Your account needs to have been active in the last 30 days.
• Established Account: Your account must be older than 30 days to be eligible to subscribe.
• Secure: A confirmed phone number must be linked to your account. This is a key part of the identity verification process.
• No Signs of Deception: Your account must not have any signs of being misleading or deceptive. This includes impersonating others or recently changing your profile picture, display name, or username.

Step 2: Subscribe to X Premium

Once you’ve cleared the basic requirements, you're ready to subscribe. You can sign up on your desktop or through the mobile app, though pricing can sometimes differ between platforms (web is often cheaper). Simply navigate to the "Premium" or "Verified" section in the main menu and follow the payment instructions. As of now, the subscription offers different tiers with varying features, but all paid tiers come with the blue checkmark.

Step 3: The Review Process

After you subscribe and pay, it's not always an instant process. X will review your account to make sure it meets all the eligibility criteria mentioned above. This review is usually quick, but during busy periods, it can take a few days. As long as your account is in good standing, the blue checkmark will appear on your profile once the review is complete. If you change your profile photo, display name, or username (@handle) after being verified, you'll temporarily lose the checkmark until your account is reviewed again.

The Original Path: Verification for Notable Accounts Today

While an X Premium subscription is the gateway to the blue check, the original spirit of verification - proving public interest and authenticity - still exists for notable accounts. X continues to apply this label to accounts it deems influential or of public interest, which gives your profile an added layer of credibility beyond just having a subscription.

Who Qualifies as "Notable"?

The criteria for being "notable" are less transparent than they used to be, but they largely follow the original guidelines. To be considered, your account must fall into one of these general categories and demonstrate a prominent presence in your field:

• Government officials and organizations
• News organizations and journalists
• Companies, brands, and non-profit organizations
• Entertainment figures and production companies
• Sports leagues, teams, and athletes
• Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals (e.g., prominent academics, scientists, religious leaders)

Building a "Notable" Profile: Actionable Tips

Just subscribing won’t get you this added layer of authenticity. You need to organically build a profile that screams credibility. This process is less about filling out an application and more about building your brand directly on the platform.

1. Define Your Niche and Stick to It

Authentic influence comes from expertise and consistency. Pick a topic - whether it's startup marketing, data science, sustainable fashion, or vintage video games - and become a go-to source for it. A person who only tweets about AI and machine learning is seen as more of an authority than someone whose timeline is a random mix of thoughts. A consistent theme tells X and its users what you stand for.

2. Optimize Your Profile for Credibility

Your profile is your digital business card. Make it airtight.

• Profile Picture: Use a clear, professional headshot. If it's a brand account, use a high-resolution logo. Avoid blurry, distant, or silly photos.
• Bio: Clearly state who you are, what you do, and what your expertise is. Include your job title, company, or biggest accomplishment.
• Link: Use the link-in-bio to direct people to your official website, LinkedIn profile, professional portfolio, or articles where you’ve been featured. This solidifies your off-platform identity.

3. Create High-Quality, Authoritative Content

Your content is your resume. Prove your expertise day in and day out. Don't just retweet others, lead the conversations. Post insightful threads that break down complex topics in your field. Share native videos with your unique commentary. Respond to news with smart analysis instead of just a link. The goal is to be a source of value, not just noise.

4. Engage Authentically and Build Community

Influence isn't a one-way street. Engage with others in your industry, reply thoughtfully to comments on your posts, and participate in relevant discussions. Joining and speaking in X Spaces for your industry can quickly establish you as a knowledgeable voice. When people see you adding value to conversations, they - and the platform - start to see you as an authority.

5. Drive Off-Platform Notability

Truly notable accounts are often notable somewhere else first. The signals you send outside of X matter a great deal. If you're a journalist, your byline should be on a well-known publication. If you're an entrepreneur, your company should have a presence. Mention your X handle when you're on a podcast, link it from your professional website, or include it in your author bio for guest posts. These external reference points help X confirm that you’re a real-world figure of interest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Verified

The road to verification has a few pitfalls. Steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Incomplete Profile: An account with the default egg profile picture and an empty bio will get rejected instantly. Fill everything out completely.
• Going Inactive: You must regularly use the platform. If you haven't posted in weeks, your request to subscribe to Premium might be flagged.
• Violating Platform Rules: Any history of spamming, engaging in platform manipulation, or posting abusive content is a massive red flag. Keep it clean.
• Trying to Buy Verification from Third Parties: Anyone claiming they can "sell you verification" outside of the official X Premium subscription is running a scam. Do not engage. It violates X's rules and you risk losing your account.
• Changing Your Profile During the Review: Once you subscribe to X Premium, avoid changing your @handle, display name, or profile photo until the blue check appears. Doing so can delay or reset the review process.

Final Thoughts

Getting a blue checkmark on X has shifted from an exclusive club to a more accessible feature, primarily through the X Premium subscription. While anyone can now get the badge by meeting basic criteria, building a genuinely authoritative and credible profile is what truly leverages its power for your brand or public persona.

Building that authority comes down to consistency, and managing all that content across multiple platforms can be a grind. Here at Postbase, we believe the right tools should make things simpler, not more complicated. We designed our visual calendar and reliable scheduling to take the guesswork out of being consistent, especially for video content. This way, you spend less time wrestling with software and more time crafting the insightful posts that build your reputation and show you’re worth following.