X/Twitter verification guide for 2026
Ejaz Ahmed
27 Nov 2025 | 7 min read
Want to get verified on X (formerly Twitter)? Verification is key for authenticity, especially for public figures and brands.
This article details the updated process for the blue checkmark, covering eligibility and tips.
What is a verified X/Twitter account?
The X/Twitter blue checkmark, requiring an active X Premium subscription since April 1, 2023, necessitates a profile photo, name, activity within 30 days and a verified phone number. Violations can lead to revocation.
The badge, a white checkmark, confirms a Premium subscription, not X's endorsement.
Verification on X/Twitter offers key benefits: authenticity, faster issue resolution, increased visibility/reach, more collaboration and access to exclusive features.
What are the types of X/Twitter verification?
X/Twitter replaced its original verification with Twitter Blue (April 1, 2023). X grants badges (Blue, Gold, Gray, Affiliation, Automated labels).
A. Blue check on X/Twitter
The blue checkmark signifies an active X Premium subscription for individuals or organizations.
X verification is now primarily subscription-based (starting at $16/month), replacing the old criteria. Some highly followed users got free blue checks but verification is still required to meet all criteria.
B. Gold check & square profile picture on X/Twitter
Gold checkmark = official, verified organization accounts (businesses, non-profits, etc.).
Square profile picture helps differentiate brands/employees. Starts at $200 monthly (down from $1000).
C. Gray check on X/Twitter
The gray checkmark is for government agencies and officials (national and local), like heads of state, cabinet members, embassies and military leaders.
Gray Checkmark Categories on X:
- Government organizations: Main executive, agency, embassy, etc., accounts.
- State & local government: Executive offices, crisis response, law enforcement, etc., agencies.
- Individuals: Heads of state/deputy heads, national cabinet members, members of congress/parliament and official spokespeople.
- Multilateral organizations & individuals: Headquarters, regional/country accounts and head/deputy head accounts.
D. Affiliation badges on X/Twitter
Affiliation badges link individual verified accounts to verified organizations, enhancing the verification system.
Badges must show the organization's profile photo to confirm the individual's link to the verified entity.
NOTE: X might independently verify affiliation through partnerships or direct contact.
E. Automated account labels on X/Twitter
X/Twitter is testing automated account labels for bot accounts that generate automated content. The label distinguishes humans from AI content, aiding the fight against misinformation.
How to apply for an X/Twitter verification badge in 5 steps?
Getting the blue checkmark on X/Twitter is now simpler for non-government officials.
Here's how to request verification:
1. Get an X/Twitter premium subscription
Subscribe to or maintain an active X Premium subscription, starting at $8/month.
Over 2,500 verified subscribers grant free premium features; over 5,000 grants free X Premium+.
2. Complete your profile
Ensure your profile is complete with a display name and profile photo, which act as your X/Twitter ID.
Optimize your X/Twitter profile for verification: use a recent photo/logo, relevant cover image, concise bio and website link. Avoid recent changes to your photo, name and handle.
3. Be active on the platform
X/Twitter verification requires an active, non-spamming, premium account over 90 days old. Inactivity exceeding a month disqualifies the account.
4. Confirm your phone number
Your Premium account must be linked to a confirmed phone number for security. X will send an SMS code to verify your identity if not already done.
5. Wait for your account to be reviewed
The X/Twitter team reviews your request. If approved, you get the blue checkmark. The badge is not permanent; violations or constantly changing profile details can lead to losing it, as it requires an ongoing active and authentic presence.
Best practices to increase your chances of X/Twitter verification
Although X verification is now subscription-based, following certain best practices can still increase your chances of getting the check mark.
1. Make your tweets public
On X, private accounts (tweets hidden from non-followers) don't meet verification criteria as they aren't considered accounts of public interest and this also hurts engagement and growth..
This step shows X your account is public and active, helping meet the blue checkmark criteria and potentially speeding up verification by making your content more accessible.
2. Include links to verified accounts in your bio
Mentioning affiliated accounts in your bio boosts credibility and supports verification (e.g., Gary Vaynerchuk).
To increase profile legitimacy and appeal, update your bio to show similar connections.
3. Showcase your authenticity
Clearly state your product/service and its benefits in your business bio. Individuals should detail their role, like "Columnist @CompanyName" or "Featured in @PublicationName," rather than just "writer," as seen in Jamelle Bouie's X profile.
Be ready to engage viewers and prompt action. Use a quote, CTA or personal wisdom. More context increases authenticity.
4. Highlight your achievements
Focus on professional/personal credibility. Share major accomplishments (awards, articles, books, events) in your bio or cover image.
5. Position your account for public interest
To achieve "public interest" status on X/Twitter, your account should foster learning, sharing and engagement.
Medical professionals, activists, local political leaders, public safety officials, journalists and civil/human rights organizers often fall into public interest categories.
Content that meets these criteria will boost follower count and audience interaction. Consider using interactive features like polls (e.g., Jamie Oliver's approach).
Chef Jamie Oliver is also a relentless campaigner for food system improvement, drawing interest from those with similar views and passions. To apply this, use X to share your thoughts and opinions while maintaining your personal brand.
How TweetStormAI can help with X/Twitter verification?
TweetStormAI's features directly address key requirements for maintaining a verified status and increasing account legitimacy:
Verification requirement/Best practice | How TweetStormAI helps (X automation, growth & cleanup tools)? |
|---|---|
Be active on the platform (Requirement) | X automation & generate tweets: Ensures consistent, regular activity by automating content generation. |
Complete your profile (Optimization) | X automation & growth: Tools can help in generating professional, concise and engaging bios |
Position your account for public interest (Best practice) | Generate tweets: Helps in creating high-quality, engaging tweets that fosters learning, sharing and interaction, positioning the account as a valuable public resource. |
Avoid violations/cleanup (Maintaining status) | Cleanup tools & bulk-manage posts/likes/follows: Allows users to clean up old, potentially problematic or spammy posts, bulk-manage likes and follows, ensuring the account adheres to X's terms of service and minimizes the risk of badge revocation due to violations. |
Showcase your authenticity (Best practice) | Generate tweets & profile optimization: Can assist in crafting a clear professional identity and highlighting achievements by ensuring the bio accurately reflects the user's role or company's benefits. |
Final thoughts
X/Twitter verification is now subscription-based (Blue, Gold or Gray checkmark). While X Premium or Organizations Verification is required, consistency, a complete public profile and following X's rules are necessary to keep the badge and maximize its value.
TweetStormAI can automate consistency and profile optimization, aiding users in meeting the criteria to gain and keep verified status.
Verification is a powerful tool, providing increased visibility and trust. Invest in your presence, stay active and use the status to amplify your voice.
FAQs
1. What is the X/Twitter Blue checkmark for individuals in 2026?
The blue checkmark primarily signifies that an individual has an active X Premium subscription. It also requires a complete profile (photo and name), activity within the last 30 days and a verified phone number. It confirms a paid subscription, not necessarily X's endorsement or historical public figure status.
2. What are the different types of verification badges on X/Twitter?
The main types of verification badges are:
- Blue Check: For individuals with an active X Premium subscription.
- Gold Check & Square Profile Picture: For official, verified organization accounts (businesses, non-profits, etc.).
- Gray Check: For government agencies and officials (national and local).
- Affiliation Badges: Link individual verified accounts to a verified organization.
3. How much does X/Twitter verification cost?
The cost varies by badge type:
- Blue Check (X Premium): Starts at $8/month.
- Gold Check (Verified Organizations): Starts at $200 monthly (as updated from $1000).
4. What are the five main steps to apply for the X/Twitter Blue checkmark?
- Get an X/Twitter Premium Subscription.
- Complete Your Profile (display name and profile photo).
- Be Active on the Platform (non-spamming, active over 90 days, activity within 30 days).
- Confirm Your Phone Number.
- Wait for Your Account to Be Reviewed.
5. How can TweetStormAI help me get or keep my verification badge?
TweetStormAI's tools assist by ensuring consistent activity through X Automation & Generate Tweets, helping to Complete Your Profile with engaging bios, positioning your account for Public Interest with quality content and minimizing the risk of revocation by using Cleanup Tools to manage old, potentially problematic posts and likes.