Twitter verification for 'blue tick' is back: Here's how to go about it

Twitter, which had put on the backburner its public application process for getting the coveted 'blue tick' on the platform, has re-opened it.

Twitter has relaunched its new verification application process, beginning with six categories. And once a handle is approved, the user can sport the "blue verified badge".

The blue badge is one of the ways that help people distinguish the authenticity of accounts that are of high public interest.

“We're excited to share that starting today, we'll begin rolling out our new verification application process and reviewing public applications for verification on Twitter. Today's application rollout marks the next milestone in our plans to give more transparency, credibility, and clarity to verification on Twitter,” Twitter said in a blog post.

Over the next few weeks, everyone on Twitter will start to see the new verification application directly in the Account Settings tab.

Verified accounts can get the boot, too

Over the past several months, Twitter worked to bring clarity to the verification eligibility criteria and launched a new policy shaped by public feedback.

"If your application is approved, you'll see the blue badge automatically on your profile. If you think we made a mistake, reapply 30 days after receiving our decision on your application," Twitter said.

Twitter also said that it has also started enforcing that policy by automatically removing the verified badge from accounts that no longer meet the updated criteria for verification, such as those that are inactive or incomplete.

Verified accounts that repeatedly violate the Twitter Rules are subject to have the blue badge removed, it added.

Who's eligible for the blue tick and how to get it?

Twitter for Blue Tick eligibility — (Image credit: Twitter)

To qualify for verification, as we said, users must belong to one of the six categories - Government; Companies/brands/organisations; news organisations and journalists; entertainment; sports and gaming; and activists/organisers/other influential individuals.

In addition to the category-specific eligibility criteria, the user account must be complete, meaning it must have a profile name, a profile image and either a confirmed email address or phone number.

The account must also be active within the last six months and have a record of adherence to the Twitter Rules.

Once the application is submitted, the applicants can expect an emailed response within a few days, but this could take up to a few weeks depending on how many open applications are in the queue.

Twitter said that it will also introduce more categories later this year, such as those for scientists, academics, and religious leaders.

Twitter also said: "We’re also exploring improvements to the Twitter profile to allow people to better express themselves, such as through an About page."