How to Request Verification on Twitter

Getting that blue checkmark next to your name on X (formerly Twitter) has shifted from an elusive status symbol to a clear-cut subscription benefit, but the path isn't always obvious. While the process has changed, the goal remains the same: adding a layer of authenticity and authority to your profile. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing your account to understanding the new rules for getting verified today.

What is Twitter (X) Verification, Really?

Once upon a time, the blue checkmark was a badge bestowed by Twitter upon accounts it deemed “notable, authentic, and active.” It was a manual, often mysterious process reserved for public figures, journalists, and major brands. Today, things are much different.

Verification on X is now primarily tied to an active subscription to X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue). While the platform still aims to confirm authenticity, the primary barrier to entry is no longer subjective notability - it’s a paid subscription coupled with adherence to a specific set of rules. The iconic blue badge now signifies two things: that you are who you say you are, and that you're a paying subscriber to the platform's premium features.

Legacy vs. New Blue Checkmarks: What's the Difference?

You might still see "legacy" verified accounts - those that received the checkmark under the old system. X initially planned to remove them but has since let them remain. If you tap on a blue checkmark on the platform, a small pop-up will tell you whether the account is verified because it's a legacy account or because it subscribes to X Premium. For anyone trying to get verified now, the only path forward is through the subscription model.

Why the Blue Check Matters: The Tangible Benefits

Beyond the visual cue of the checkmark itself, verification through X Premium unlocks practical advantages that can significantly impact your brand or personal presence on the platform.

• Enhanced Credibility and Trust: The primary benefit is still trust. The checkmark tells visitors you are the official source, protecting you from impersonators and helping your audience feel more confident engaging with your content. For businesses, this is vital for customer service and brand communication.
• Increased Visibility: X gives a slight ranking preference to verified accounts in conversations and search results. This means your replies are more likely to appear near the top of a thread, and your profile is easier to discover, giving your content an organic boost.
• Access to Powerful Publishing Tools: As part of the X Premium subscription, you unlock a suite of tools that non-verified users don't have. This includes the ability to edit posts, write posts up to 25,000 characters, upload longer videos (up to 3 hours), and apply text formatting like bold and italics.
• Reduced Ads and a Better User Experience: Subscribers see approximately 50% fewer ads in the main "For You" and "Following" timelines, making the platform experience cleaner and less distracting.
• Early Access to New Features: X often rolls out new features and experiments to Premium subscribers first, giving you a chance to play with new tools before they become widely available.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements First

Before you subscribe, you need to make sure your account meets the baseline criteria X reviews. Paying the subscription fee doesn't guarantee instant verification, your account will be reviewed to ensure it's not deceptive or spammy. Falling short on any of these points can delay or prevent the checkmark from appearing.

The Non-Negotiable Checklist for X Verification:

• Complete: Your account must have both a display name and a profile picture. It can be a photo of you, your company logo, or anything else, but it cannot be empty.
• Active Use: Your account needs to have been active in the past 30 days. If you've been dormant, log in and post something before applying.
• Secure: Your account must be more than 30 days old and have a confirmed phone number associated with it. This is a critical security measure to prevent fraudulent accounts.
• Not Deceptive: Your account must show no signs of being misleading. This means:
  • No recent changes to your profile photo, display name, or username (@handle). If you've recently rebranded or updated your profile, you'll need to wait a few days before verification will be granted.
  • No signs of platform manipulation or spam. This includes things like aggressive following/unfollowing, impersonating others, or sharing misleading links.

Step 2: A Pre-Flight Check to Optimize Your Profile

Meeting the bare minimum requirements is one thing, setting yourself up for success is another. A well-constructed profile not only signals authenticity to X's review team but also builds trust with your audience. Think of this as getting your house in order before the guest of honor arrives.

Refine Your Bio and Links

Your bio is your digital elevator pitch. Clearly state who you are, what you do, and what value you provide. If you're a brand, state your mission. If you're an individual, list your expertise or company. Most importantly, include a link to your official website, LinkedIn profile, or another authoritative online presence. This creates a clear connection between your X account and your real-world identity.

Use High-Quality Imagery

Your profile picture and header image are the first things people see. Use clear, high-resolution images that are representative of your brand. A pixelated logo or a blurry selfie sends the wrong message. For personal brands, a clean headshot works wonderfully. For companies, your official logo is a must.

Post Authentic, Consistent Content

An active, valuable feed proves you’re a real entity contributing to the conversation. Before asking for verification, make sure your timeline is populated with content that reflects your brand or persona. Empty profiles or feeds filled entirely with retweets look robotic. The goal is to show you're an organic, active presence on the platform.

Confirm Your Phone Number... Seriously

We mentioned it above, but it’s worth repeating. This is the single most common reason why a checkmark doesn't appear after subscribing. Navigate to "Settings & Privacy" -> "Your Account" -> "Account Information" and make sure you have a phone number verified on file. Do this before you pay for the subscription.

Step 3: How to Subscribe and Request Your Blue Checkmark

Once your profile is locked and loaded, the actual process of requesting verification is simple and is done directly through the X Premium subscription flow. There is no separate application form like there used to be.

1. Navigate to "X Premium": On the web or in the mobile app, open the main menu (usually found by clicking your profile picture on the top-left). You'll see a menu item called "Premium."
2. Choose Your Plan: You will be presented with different subscription tiers. The blue checkmark is included in the "Premium" and "Premium+" plans. Choose the one that fits your needs. The "Basic" plan does not include a checkmark.
3. Subscribe and Pay: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase using your credit card or platform-specific payment method (like through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
4. Wait for the Review: This is where the magic happens. After you've successfully subscribed, X will automatically review your account against the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier. This process is usually quick, sometimes taking just a few minutes or hours, but it can take up to a few days.
5. Receive Your Checkmark: Once the review is complete and your account is approved, the blue checkmark will appear on your profile automatically. You'll also gain access to all the other Premium features right away.

Common Reasons Verification Is Denied or Delayed

If you've subscribed but haven't seen your blue checkmark appear, one of these common pitfalls is likely the reason why:

• You just changed your handle or profile photo. This is the most frequent issue. X puts a temporary hold on verification review for any account that has recently modified its core identifiers. Don't rebrand and apply in the same week.
• Your phone number isn't confirmed. Go back and verify it and wait for the systems to catch up.
• Your account is too new. The account must be over 30 days old.
• Your profile is incomplete. A missing biography, link, or location can sometimes trigger a longer review. Fill everything out completely.
• The system flagged your account for spam-like behavior. If you've been engaging in aggressive follow/unfollow tactics or posting repetitive, low-quality content, the review might be paused. The best course of action here is to clean up your activity and wait.

If your verification doesn't show up after a week and you believe you meet all the criteria, you can reach out to X's paid support and request a manual review of your subscription benefits.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Twitter profile verified is now a much more transparent endeavor than it used to be. It's built around a clear checklist: maintain a complete profile, keep your account secure, stay active, and subscribe to X Premium. By following these steps, you're not just earning a blue badge - you're signaling trustworthiness and unlocking tools that give you a competitive edge.

Building that credible, active presence X requires for verification takes consistent work. To help manage this, we designed Postbase to make maintaining an authentic and engaging profile simple. Our visual calendar and scheduling tools help you keep your feed active with high-quality content, while the unified inbox lets you manage conversations that build your community - all key signals X looks for during their review.