In a world where 280 characters can cause a scandal, start a revolution, or make us laugh till we cry, Twitter is a dominant force.
With 368 million daily active users, it’s evolved into a buzzing hub of information exchange, news dissemination, and meme creation. Twitter’s blue checkmark, a symbol of authority and authenticity, has long been a coveted status symbol in the Twittersphere.
But recently, Twitter has embarked on a new course that’s left some users seeing red over their blue checks.
The New Twitter Verification System
While Twitter verification was once seen as a badge of authenticity, it has evolved into a status symbol.
The verification checkmark was used to confirm the identities of accounts, including news outlets, politicians, and celebrities.
But the recent changes to Twitter’s checkmark system under Elon Musk’s leadership have made it less easy to differentiate between credible and fake users.
The company has introduced a pay-to-stay-verified scheme, asking businesses and organizations to cough up $1,000 monthly to keep their golden checkmarks intact, with an additional $50 per month per affiliate.
Governments and their accounts get a gray checkmark under this new system.
Elon Musk, who recently acquired Twitter for a cool $44 billion, seems to be steering Twitter’s verification process into uncharted waters. But, as it turns out, not everyone’s on board with this idea.
Verification System Controversy
From the White House to the New York Times, several organizations have publicly refused to pay for their checkmarks.
The New York Times stated bluntly, “We aren’t planning to pay the monthly fee for checkmark status for our institutional Twitter accounts.”
The Washington Post echoed a similar sentiment, saying they will not pay for a checkmark “as an institution or on behalf of our journalists.”
Even POLITICO joined the chorus of dissent, with a senior editor noting that a checkmark will simply mean “you are paying for benefits such as longer tweets and fewer ads” rather than serving as a seal of authority and authenticity.
This resistance isn’t limited to news outlets, either.
A November survey found that 53% of 300 marketing and advertising professionals were unlikely to shell out $8 monthly for Twitter verification.
Even celebrities such as “Star Trek” actor William Shatner and NBA player Lebron James have similarly given the thumbs down to paying for the checkmark.
Stephen King was ready to boycott too. However, it seems Twitter capitulated to the demands of particular celebrities and offered complementary verification.
So here’s the question… should you pay for verification?
In the face of such widespread resistance, it’s a question that demands careful consideration.
So let’s delve into the pros, cons, and key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Why You Need Twitter Verification
You might be wondering why you should even bother with Twitter verification. Let’s break it down:
Maximum Exposure
Imagine you’re on a busy street, trying to get the attention of passersby with your voice. Now imagine someone hands you a megaphone and suddenly, everyone’s heads turn towards you.
That’s what it’s like to buy Twitter verification.
Verified accounts are like the megaphones of Twitter, attracting attention and ensuring your tweets don’t just get lost in the crowd.
They enjoy higher visibility and have a better chance of being seen by a wider audience. It’s not just about the fancy blue checkmark—Elon Musk confirmed that verified profiles enjoy greater visibility in its newly-open-sourced algorithm.
Prioritization in the ‘For You’ Feed
Twitter’s ‘For You’ feed is a busy place. It’s like a bustling marketplace, with everyone trying to sell their ideas, opinions, or products.
But guess what? The sellers with the golden megaphones (yes, the verified accounts) get the prime spots. Their tweets are prioritized and appear at the top of users’ ‘For You’ feeds.
That means more eyes on your tweets and a better chance of engaging with your audience. So if you want to climb to the top of the Twitter marketplace, getting verified is a step in the right direction.
Advertising = The Golden Ticket
We all know that advertising is the lifeblood of any business, and Twitter is no different. But here’s the catch: you must be verified to advertise on Twitter.
It’s like a key that opens the door to the world of Twitter advertising.
Without it, you’re left standing outside, watching as other businesses reach their audience. So if you have a product to sell or a brand to build, getting verified is not just a good idea – it’s necessary.
However, keep in mind that Twitter’s recent move to charge brands $1,000 a month for verification has stirred up quite a debate.
Some organizations, like the White House, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, have refused to pay for the checkmark, raising questions about the value and significance of Twitter paid verification in the current scenario.
How to Become Verified on Twitter
Elon Musk, the new captain of the Twitter ship, decided that the blue checkmark needed a makeover.
In what could be considered a very “Elon-esque” move, the company announced that they would start charging organizations a baseline of $1,000 per month for the golden checkmark and an additional $50 per month for each affiliated account verification.
But there’s more! Twitter also introduced a separate system for individuals called Twitter Blue, which costs $8 per month and offers a blue checkmark among other features.
This means you don’t need to be a “notable figure” to get your hands on that shiny checkmark; all you need is $8 bucks!
You can join directly from your profile on the web app or via your iPhone if you’re an Apple user.
Keep in mind that subscribing via Apple is more expensive since Twitter marks up the price to compensate for Apple’s fee.
Current Pricing Structure for Twitter Verification
Decided to take the plunge and become part of the ‘verified’ elite on Twitter. Well, hold on to your wallets — this little endeavor may set you back a bit.
It’s like buying a ticket to a VIP lounge, only this time, the lounge is a social media platform, and the bouncer is an algorithm.
Twitter: Golden Checkmarks
If you’re a business or an organization, Twitter’s not holding back: a cool $1,000 per month will grant you the revered golden checkmark.
Want to bring the whole gang along for the ride? You can verify affiliated accounts for an extra $50 per month each.
Twitter: Blue Checkmarks
For people not quite ready to cough up a grand a month, Twitter has a more pocket-friendly option: Twitter Blue.
For just $8 per month, you can get your own shiny blue checkmark, making you a verified Twitter user.
FAQs
1. Who needs to be verified on Twitter?
In Elon Musk’s Twitter, it seems that the answer might be: “Whoever is willing to pay for it.”
However, some big names, including The White House, have declared they won’t be paying for verification. They seem to view the new verification as a departure from its original purpose—to authenticate identity—and now just as a sign of a paid subscription.
2. How has Twitter’s verification system changed?
Twitter has seen several changes to its verification system, especially after Elon Musk acquired the platform in October 2022.
The platform has begun to remove legacy verified checkmarks.
To remain verified on Twitter, users must pay the subscription fee.
3 How does Twitter’s new verification system affect its revenue?
The implementation of the new verification system seems like a strategic move by Twitter to increase its revenue.
The platform generated $4.4 billion in revenue in 2022, an 11% decline from its $5 billion revenue in 2021. 90% of Twitter’s revenue came from advertising in 2022.
