How to Get Verified on Twitter Without Being Famous

That blue checkmark next to a Twitter profile used to feel like an exclusive badge reserved for celebrities and politicians. But the game has changed entirely. You don’t need a massive following or public recognition to get verified anymore. This guide will walk you through the practical, actionable steps to get verified on Twitter without being famous by focusing on what now matters: authenticity, consistency, and building a credible presence.

Understanding the "New" Path to Twitter Verification

First, let's get one thing clear: the old system is gone. Under the previous ownership, getting verified was a mysterious process based on being “notable.” You had to prove your public importance through things like press mentions and a Wikipedia page. It was subjective and often frustrating for creators and small business owners who were genuinely authentic but not "famous."

Today, the primary path to getting the iconic blue checkmark is through a paid subscription called X Premium. It democratizes the process, shifting the focus from elusive "notability" to clear, verifiable criteria focused on account authenticity. This is fantastic news for anyone who isn't a household name but wants to establish credibility in their niche.

The Tiers of X Premium and the Blue Checkmark

Verification is tied to specific subscription levels. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

• X Premium: This is the most common tier for individuals. Subscribing gives you access to a range of features, including longer posts, Edit Post functionality, and, most importantly, the blue checkmark after your account is reviewed for eligibility.
• X Premium+: This higher tier includes a few extra perks, like no ads in your For You and Following timelines, but the verification process and symbol are the same as the Premium tier.
• Verified Organizations: This is the gold checkmark you see on official business accounts and a gray checkmark for government entities. This tier is much more expensive and involves a more rigorous vetting process to confirm the organization's identity. For most non-famous individuals, X Premium is the correct path.

The key takeaway is that paying the subscription fee doesn’t guarantee instant verification. You still have to meet X’s eligibility criteria, which is where building an authentic, credible profile comes into play. You’re not just buying a badge, you're subscribing to a service that verifies you’re a real, active human being behind the account.

It’s About Credibility, Not Celebrity

While the barrier to entry is now a subscription, the checkmark’s value still comes from the trust it builds. An unmaintained, spammy, or inconsistent profile, even with a paid subscription, won't command respect. Gaining verification without being famous hinges on building a profile that screams authenticity and expertise.

Think of it as the digital equivalent of showing up to a networking event looking professional. Your profile is your handshake, your bio is your elevator pitch, and your posts are your conversations. If all three are aligned and of high quality, you establish yourself as a trustworthy voice in your field, no matter the size of your following.

The Pre-Verification Checklist: Polish Your Profile for Success

Before you even click "subscribe" on X Premium, you need to prepare your profile. X reviews accounts to ensure they are complete, active, and not impersonating someone. Running through this checklist gives you the best chance of a smooth approval process.

1. Optimize Your Profile Components

Your profile is the first impression you make. Make it count.

• Profile Photo: Use a high-quality, clear headshot of yourself. If it's a brand account, use a crisp logo. Avoid distant photos, cartoon avatars, or generic images. People trust faces.
• Header Image: Don't leave this blank. Use your header to communicate what you’re about. It could be a banner for your podcast, a photo of you speaking at an event, or a graphic that reflects your brand’s aesthetic.
• Bio: This is prime real estate. Clearly and professionally state who you are, what you do, and who you help. Use keywords relevant to your niche. For example, instead of “Marketing guy,” try “B2B SaaS Content Marketer | Helping Startups Grow with Organic Content Strategy.”
• Location: Adding a location, even if it's general (e.g., "Chicago, IL" or "London, UK"), adds a layer of authenticity.
• Website Link: Don't skip this. Link to your personal website, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or company page. It acts as an external signal of your identity and professionalism. A simple Linktree page works perfectly if you have multiple links.

2. Secure Your Account

X requires a confirmed phone number and that your account hasn’t been locked for security violations recently. Make sure you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled. This not only protects your account but also signals to X that you’re a real person who takes security seriously.

3. Define Your Niche and Create Consistent, High-Value Content

This is the most important step for building long-term credibility. You don’t get verified to become an authority, you become an authority, and verification follows. A non-famous person gains trust by becoming the go-to source for a specific topic.

What does “high-value content” mean?

It means posting content that educates, entertains, or inspires your target audience. It’s not just random thoughts or endless self-promotion. Here are some examples:

• Informative Threads: Break down a complex topic in your industry into an easy-to-understand thread.
• Actionable Advice: Share bite-sized tips and strategies that your audience can apply immediately.
• Unique Perspective: Offer your unique analysis of a recent industry trend or news story.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Show the human side of your work or your creative process.
• Engage with Others: Don't just broadcast. Reply to others in your niche, participate in X Chats, and build genuine connections. Meaningful engagement shows you’re a part of the community.

Consistency is your best friend here. An account that posts valuable content multiple times a week looks far more credible than one that posts once a month. Create a simple content calendar to plan your posts and stay on track. The goal is to be an active, participating member of the community. X requires your account to have been active in the last 30 days, so this is non-negotiable.

4. Build Your “Off-Platform” Authority Signals

While no longer a formal requirement for the blue badge, having other reference points on the web strengthens your case and overall brand. If you ever want to get the attention of larger accounts or media, these off-platform signals are critical. They help prove you are who you say you are.

• Contribute a guest post to a well-known industry blog.
• Get interviewed on a podcast in your niche.
• Have a professional LinkedIn profile that is up-to-date and consistent with your X bio.
• Start a simple blog or a professional website with an “About” page.

These pieces work together to create a cohesive and trustworthy digital identity.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for X Premium

Once you’ve polished your profile and have been sharing content consistently, you're ready to subscribe. The process is straightforward.

1. Log in: Access your account on the X web app or mobile app.
2. Navigate to Premium: In the left-hand menu on desktop, you'll see a link for "Premium." On mobile, tap your profile picture to open the menu.
3. Choose Your Plan: Select the "I am an individual" option and choose your preferred tier (Premium is usually sufficient for most users).
4. Enter Payment Information: Complete the subscription purchase.
5. Identity Verification: After payment, X may prompt you to verify your identity. This typically involves submitting a government-issued ID to confirm you are who you say you are. Follow the on-screen instructions closely.
6. Wait for the Review: X will review your account to ensure it meets all eligibility requirements (e.g., your account is older than 30 days and has had posting activity). The team will check your profile for completion, recent activity, and signs of impersonation. This process usually takes a few days. You’ll receive a notification once the blue checkmark is applied to your profile.

Life After Verification: What to Do Next

Congratulations! You have your blue checkmark. But the work doesn’t stop here. The badge is a tool, not a trophy.

• Maintain Your Professionalism: Continue to post high-value content and engage authentically. Your verified status puts more eyes on you, use it to elevate the conversation in your niche.
• Avoid Drastic Changes: Changing your handle (@username), profile picture, or display name will cause you to temporarily lose the checkmark until your account is re-reviewed. This is a measure to prevent impersonation.
• Leverage the Added Perks: Make use of the features that come with X Premium. Write longer, more detailed posts or create informative threads to share your expertise. Editing posts can also save you from embarrassing typos.
• Remember the Responsibility: Your verification can be revoked if you violate X's terms of service. Spammy behavior, impersonation, or spreading misinformation are quick ways to lose your hard-earned credibility badge.

Final Thoughts

Earning that blue checkmark on X is no longer an insurmountable goal reserved for the rich and famous. For dedicated creators, entrepreneurs, and experts, it's an accessible tool for establishing credibility by building an authentic, consistent, and genuinely valuable profile. Focus on providing value, optimizing your profile, and engaging with your community, and verification becomes a natural next step in your brand’s journey.

Building that consistent rhythm of posting high-value content is often the hardest part. At Postbase, we designed our platform to solve this exact challenge. We found that legacy social media tools were often clunky and unreliable, making planning and scheduling feel like a chore. Our streamlined visual calendar helps you map out your content weeks in advance, and our rock-solid scheduler makes sure what you’ve planned actually publishes, every time. It just works, so you can focus on creating great content, not fighting with your software.