How to Verify a Twitter Account

Getting that iconic blue checkmark on X (formerly Twitter) isn't the mysterious process it once was, but the game has completely changed. If you’re looking to add that layer of authenticity to your profile, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down the current verification process step-by-step, explaining the new subscription model, the eligibility rules you still have to follow, and whether it’s the right move for your brand.

What Exactly Is Twitter (X) Verification in 2024?

In the past, the blue checkmark was a badge of honor awarded by Twitter to accounts of public interest that it deemed "authentic, notable, and active." It was a manual, often opaque process, reserved for journalists, celebrities, politicians, and major brands. Today, that system is gone. The primary path to a blue checkmark is through a paid subscription to X Premium.

This shift means a few things:

• It's Accessible: Almost anyone can get a blue checkmark, provided they pay the monthly fee and meet a set of baseline eligibility criteria. It's no longer about notability in the traditional sense.
• It Comes with Features: The checkmark is now part of a larger subscription package that includes perks like editing posts, writing longer posts, seeing fewer ads, and getting a boost in conversations and search.
• Different Tiers Exist: X now offers different levels of verification, designated by different colored checkmarks - blue for individuals, gold for businesses, and grey for government entities.

While some "legacy" blue checkmarks from the old system still exist, the new process is entirely subscription-based. The blue check now signals two things: that you’re paying for X Premium and that your account has met the platform’s minimum requirements for authenticity.

How to Get Verified on X: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get your checkmark? The process is refreshingly straightforward. The main part is subscribing to X Premium, an action that triggers a review of your account. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Navigate to X Premium

Log into your X account on a desktop browser or through the mobile app. In the left-hand navigation menu on your desktop (or by tapping your profile icon on mobile), you'll see a link labeled "Premium." Click or tap on it to start the subscription process.

Step 2: Choose Your Plan

X offers different subscription tiers. Typically, you'll see three options:

• Basic: The cheapest tier. This plan gives you some extra features like the Edit Post button but does not include the blue checkmark.
• Premium: This is the standard tier that includes the blue verification checkmark, a reply boost, and access to the Creator Hub, among other features. This is the plan you need for verification.
• Premium+: This is the highest tier, which includes all the benefits of Premium, plus no ads in your For You and Following timelines and the largest reply boost.

Select either the Premium or Premium+ plan to be eligible for the blue checkmark. You'll be presented with monthly and annual payment options - the annual plan usually comes with a discount.

Step 3: Complete Your Subscription and Wait for Review

Enter your payment information and confirm your subscription. Once your payment is processed, you won't get the blue checkmark instantly. X will now review your account to make sure it meets their eligibility criteria. This review process isn't about notability anymore, it’s a checkup to verify you're a real, active, and non-deceptive account.

This review period can take a few days. As long as you meet the requirements below, your blue checkmark should appear next to your name shortly.

The X Premium Verification Eligibility Requirements You Can't Skip

Just paying the fee doesn't guarantee the blue check. Your profile must pass an official review based on a handful of clear, non-negotiable criteria. Before you subscribe, make sure your account checks all of these boxes to avoid any delays or rejection.

Your profile must be:

• Complete: Your account must have both a display name and a profile picture. There's no way around this - blank or default profiles won't get approved.
• Actively Used: You need to have logged into and used your account within the last 30 days. A dormant account isn’t eligible.
• Secure: Your account must have a confirmed phone number tethered to it. This is a basic security measure to confirm you're a real person.
• Not Deceptive: X is strict about this. Your profile cannot be misleading. This means:
  • No recent changes to your profile picture, display name, or username (@handle). If you just updated them, you might need to wait a bit before being reviewed.
  • No signs of being misleading or deceptive, such as impersonating another person or brand.
  • No signs of engaging in platform manipulation or spam. If your account shows patterns of spammy behavior, you will be rejected.

Think of these as the ground rules. As long as your account is complete, secure, active, and authentic, you should pass the review process without any issues.

Gold and Grey Checks: Verification for Organizations

You may have noticed other checkmark colors on the platform. These are for specific types of entities and follow a different, more rigorous application process.

• Gold Checkmark: This is for official business accounts through a program called Verified Organizations. It shows that the account is an official corporate entity. It comes with a square profile picture and a much higher price tag (typically starting at $1,000 per month). You can apply for this directly through the X platform.
• Grey Checkmark: This checkmark is reserved for government organizations, heads of state, and certain multilateral organizations. It indicates an official government account and is also obtained through a separate application channel.

For most individual creators, marketers, and smaller brands reading this, the blue checkmark via an X Premium subscription is the relevant and accessible option.

How to Keep Your Blue Checkmark (And How to Lose It)

Getting verified is one thing, keeping your checkmark is another. X can and will remove your badge if you violate certain rules or make specific changes to your account. Here's what to avoid:

1. Changing Core Profile Information: If you change your username (@handle), display name, or profile photo, X will temporarily remove your blue checkmark until your account is reviewed again. This precautionary measure is to prevent impersonation schemes. The review usually happens quickly, but be prepared for the check to disappear for a short while.

2. Violating X Rules: This one is a big deal. If your account is found to be in severe violation of the X Rules - such as engaging in spam, platform manipulation, or impersonation - your checkmark can be removed permanently. In many cases, the entire account would be suspended anyway.

3. Dropping Your Subscription: This is the simplest one. If you cancel your X Premium subscription or your payment fails, you will lose the checkmark and all associated features.

Is Paying for the Blue Check Actually Worth It for Your Brand?

Now for the million-dollar question: with the "notability" aspect gone, is paying a monthly fee for a blue check really worth it from a social media marketing perspective?

The answer is: it depends on your goals.

Pros of Getting Verified:

• Increased Visibility: X openly states that verified accounts get a "small boost" in the algorithmic ranking of conversations and search. Your replies will appear higher up, giving your brand more visibility under popular posts.
• Exclusive Features: You gain access to a toolbox of useful features: editing posts, undoing posts, posting longer text formats and videos, text formatting (bold and italics), and creator monetization options.
• A Degree of Authenticity: While it doesn't signify "notability" anymore, the checkmark does still confirm that an account has provided a confirmed phone number and passed basic checks, which can help differentiate you from spam or parody accounts.
• Editing Posts is Game-Changing: For brands, the ability to fix a typo or a broken link without deleting and reposting is incredibly valuable and can save a lot of headaches.

Cons of Getting Verified:

• Diluted Meaning: The biggest drawback is that the blue check no longer carries the same weight or prestige. It shows you pay for a service, not that you're a figure of public interest, which has led some to view it with skepticism.
• The Cost: It’s another subscription on your marketing budget. For solopreneurs or small businesses, the cost might be better allocated elsewhere.
• Ongoing Commitment: You have to continue paying to keep it, making it an ongoing operational expense.

For most brands and professional creators, the utilitarian benefits - especially the edit button and reply boost - make the subscription a worthwhile investment for managing a polished and visible presence on X.

Final Thoughts

The path to getting a blue check on X is no longer about proving your notability to a secret council, it’s a clear transaction. By subscribing to X Premium and ensuring your account meets the straightforward eligibility requirements, you can gain that badge of authenticity and unlock a suite of powerful brand-building features.

Once you’ve built that trusted, verified presence, the real work of consistent planning, scheduling, and community engagement begins. This is where tools become so important for maintaining your momentum. As we developed Postbase, we focused on making that daily management an effortless process. Our visual calendar lets you plan your content across all platforms from a single intuitive view, while the unified inbox brings all your X comments and DMs together in one place, so you never miss a chance to connect with your audience.