The Complete Guide to X Verification: What It Is and How to Get Verified

This post will explore what X verification means in today’s digital world. If you’re a frequent social media user (who isn’t these days?), then you’ve likely noticed those little blue checkmarks beside some usernames.

They’re a common sight, especially on X (formerly Twitter). But what do they really signify? Verification has changed quite a bit, and it’s no longer the exclusive mark of celebrity it once was.

We’ll break down the current process step-by-step and explain how you can pursue verification on the platform.

What is X Verification?

X verification is a system that grants a verification badge (a checkmark) to accounts that meet specific criteria for authenticity, notability, and activity on X. 

At its core, verification is X’s way of saying, “Yep, this person or brand is real.” It helps cut down on fake accounts, impersonators, and bots. 

X has different types of verification badgers, such as:

• Blue Check: For individuals, influencers, journalists, and pretty much anyone who qualifies. This qualification is either through X Premium (aka paying for it) or meeting their verification standards;
• Gold Check: Reserved for businesses and brands;
• Gray Check: Used for government organizations and officials.

You can see that distinction in these different X profiles. Public figures like Elon Musk get the blue badge. Brands like Burger King get the yellow badge. Government officials like Donald J. Trump get the gray badge.

(Image Source)

(Image Source)

(Image Source)

Benefits of Getting Verified on X

Getting that checkmark on X comes with real benefits. Yes, it’s just a symbol next to your name. But that symbol can open so many doors.

Here’s why verification is worth considering:

• Credibility and trust: People are more likely to trust and engage with verified accounts. Whether you’re a brand, influencer, or business, verification signals that you’re who you say you are—not an impersonator or bot;
• Protection against fakes: Ever had someone try to copy your account? Verification makes it easier for people to spot fakes. So, if people see that there’s no checkmark for the other account and they notice that you have one, they’re less likely to trust that account as valid;
• Increased visibility: X’s algorithm often favors verified accounts. So, with verification, your posts could get more reach, impressions, and engagement compared to non-verified users;
• More features: If you get verified through X Premium, you unlock extra perks like longer posts, edit buttons, and prioritized rankings in replies and searches;
• Professional and brand recognition: If you’re a business owner, content creator, or public figure, that checkmark adds a level of professionalism. It shows followers, clients, and potential customers that your account is legitimate and active;
• Better networking and opportunities: People, especially other verified users, are more likely to take you seriously, respond to your direct messages (DMs), or collaborate with you if verified;
• Potential for monetization: X has introduced features that allow creators to monetize their content. And verified accounts have access to these programs. This includes ads revenue sharing, creator subscriptions, and Premium gifting;
• Stand out in a crowded digital space: As of early 2025 data, X has about 650 million monthly active users (MAU). And in the vast sea of X accounts, the verified badge helps your profile stand out and grab attention. This is key for individuals or brands trying to build a presence on the platform.

Eligibility Requirements for X Verification

To get verified on X, you must meet the eligibility requirements tied to X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue. With the old system, verification was based on notoriety. Now, it’s primarily available through a paid subscription to X Premium.

Here’s what those eligibility requirements look like:

• Subscribe to X Premium: You must be paying for the service;
• Have an active account: Your account must have activity and engagement;
• Be in good standing: You can’t have recent rule violations or suspensions;
• Account can’t be misleading: You can’t have changed your profile picture, display name, or username recently;
• Meet basic account criteria:
  • Complete profile: You need a display name and profile picture;
  • Phone number verification: Your account must be linked to a valid phone number;
  • Account age: Your account must be at least 30 days old.

How to Apply for X Verification

Applying for verification is a straightforward process. But you’ll need to subscribe to X Premium first. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the X app or go to x.com;
2. Tap or click on your profile picture and go to Settings & Privacy;

Screenshot provided by author

3. Select Premium and follow the steps to subscribe;
4. Choose a subscription plan. You’ll see options for monthly or annual billing;

Screenshot provided by author 

5. Enter payment details. If using a mobile device, you’ll be redirected to Apple Pay (iOS) or Google Pay (Android). On a desktop, you’ll enter your credit card or PayPal details;
6. After payment, you’ll automatically be verified with a blue checkmark.

X Premium Features

The great thing about X Premium is that it makes the verification badge available to anyone willing to pay for it. But there’s more to it than simply buying your way in.

You get access to powerful features that help you personalize your interactions and even create new opportunities. 

The subscription has three tiers:

• Basic Tier: This is a great starting point. While it doesn’t come with the verified badge, it offers a collection of essential tools like the ability to edit your tweets within an hour, post longer content up to 25,000 characters, and upload longer videos;
• Premium Tier: You get a lot more value with this tier. In addition to getting the verified checkmark, you’ll see fewer ads in your timelines, and you’ll even be eligible to earn revenue from ads shown in your replies;
• Premium+: If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, you might choose Premium+. Here, you have an ad-free browsing experience across most of the platforms. You’ll also get access to Articles, a feature that lets you share long-form content and get priority in replies.

The Premium and Premium+ tiers also have an ID verification process. This helps you protect your X account from impersonation, which adds a layer of security to your profile and earns you the “ID verified” label. 

Plus, you’ll get the ability to reply to posts that are limited to verified-only accounts. 

Screenshot provided by author

Screenshot provided by author

How to Stay Verified on X

X can remove your verification badge at any time without notice if you violate its Terms of Service or X Rules. To keep your checkmark, make sure you’re following these guidelines:

Avoid Frequent Profile Changes

Changing your profile photo, display name, or username will cause you to lose your checkmark. This is likely because it sets off alarms that someone hacked your account or you’re not who you say you are. 

To get X to restore your verified status, they must review and revalidate. During this review period, you won’t be able to make additional changes to your profile. X’s team will manually assess whether your account still qualifies for verification. For professionals who rely on personal branding — such as those in event photography — maintaining a consistent and trustworthy profile is especially important.

Once they complete the review and confirm your account is still eligible, your blue checkmark will automatically reappear. If your account fails to meet verification standards, you could lose the checkmark permanently. 

Follow X’s Rules

It’s important to stay on the right side of X’s policies. If you break the platform’s rules, you risk losing your verification badge or, in some cases, even getting your account suspended. 

So, what qualifies as breaking the rules? This includes trying to manipulate the system or bypassing any enforcement actions that X puts in place to maintain integrity on the platform. What does this mean? It means trying to exploit loopholes, deceive the platform, or use dishonest methods to gain or keep your verified badge. 

For example, this might be impersonating a public figure or creating a fake identity to seem more influential or credible. So, if you subscribe to X Premium and get verified, then change your profile details to impersonate a well-known person or business, X can revoke your verification.

Stay Compliant With Trade Laws

As part of maintaining your verification status, you also need to ensure that your account complies with international trade laws, such as U.S. sanctions. 

If you’re an individual or entity that’s listed on a restricted sanctions list, you can’t purchase X Premium to keep your verification. Violating these rules could lead to you losing your verified badge or potentially facing a suspension of your account.

Final Thoughts

X verification still holds value in the online space. It’s a signal, however subtle, of authenticity and can help you build trust with your audience.

The process for getting verified is pretty simple, but make sure you’re following the platform’s guidelines to keep your badge. And remember, the social media landscape is always changing. So, stay informed about any updates to X’s verification policies.

Whether you’re actively pursuing a verified checkmark or simply want to understand what it’s all about, we hope this guide was helpful. Good luck on your journey to X verification!

Author bio: Ryan Robinson

I’m a blogger, podcaster and (recovering) side project addict that teaches 500,000 monthly readers how to start a blog and grow a profitable side business at ryrob.com.