What is a verified account?

To prevent identity confusion, Twitter is experimenting (beta testing) with a 'Verified Account' feature. We're working to establish authenticity with people who deal with impersonation or identity confusion on a regular basis. Accounts with a Verified are the real thing!

What does it mean?

With this feature, you can easily see which accounts we know are 'real' and authentic. That means we've been in contact with the person or entity the account is representing and verified that it is approved. (This does not mean we have verified who, exactly, is writing the tweets.)

This also does not mean that accounts without the 'Verified Account' badge are fake. The vast majority of accounts on the system are not impersonators, and we don't have the ability to check 100% of them. For now, we've only verified a handful of accounts to help with cases of mistaken identity or impersonation.

One thing you can do if we haven't verified an account you're wondering about is to check the official web site of the person and see if there's a link back to their Twitter profile. (Again, lack of a link does not imply impersonation, either.)

Who has a 'Verified Account' badge?

We're starting with well-known accounts that have had problems with impersonation or identity confusion. (For example, well-known artists, athletes, actors, public officials, and public agencies). We may verify more accounts in the future, but because of the cost and time required, we're only testing this feature with a small set of folks for the time being. As the test progresses we may be able to expand this test to more accounts over the next several months.

I deal with impersonation problems; will I be able to verify my account?

Although we're not verifying all accounts, we'll try to work with you if your account is constantly competing with parody or impersonation accounts. Fill out this feedback form so that we know your situation. One thing you can do right away is to provide a link to your official website containing the Twitter badge or logo linking back to your profile.

What about businesses?

We're not testing this feature now with businesses. However, if you're interested in verification for your business, fill out this feedback form and let us know!

How to identify a verified account

  • The 'Verified Account' badge will appear in the top-right portion of a user's profile page just above the name, location and bio—as shown in the screenshot above. The badge will click-through to this page.
  • It will always have a badge followed by the words 'Verified Account'
  • If the verified account badge appears anywhere else on a user's profile page (e.g. in the avatar or the background) it is not a verified account
  • The Verified Account badge can not be used unless it is provided by Twitter. Accounts using the badge as part of profile pictures, background images, or in any way implying false verification will be permanently suspended.
  • The verified account badge will also appear next to usernames in the Find People section
  • The verified account badge will have the same color as shown above even if users customize the background of their profile page or change the color in the sidebar
  • See what a verified account looks like!