What is the blue checkmark and why do I want one?

When a follower sees a blue check mark following a name on a social media platform, it indicates that the account is verified. Followers can know that they are following the person or business they were hoping to follow, as opposed to fan pages, etc. That little blue check is very important for celebrities and others with a large following who are also targeted by imposters. If you see the mark, you know that you are following the genuine article. This is specially important for social accounts for NFT projects.

Blue Checks for Twitter

Who gets verified on Twitter? Currently the following types of accounts are eligible to be verified:

Government

News organizations, individuals in news & journalists

Companies, brands & organizations

Entertainment

Sports & gaming

Activists & organizers

Content creators & influential individuals

Twitter offers a thorough explanation for verification as well as a step-by step guide for applying. Be prepared by having an official photo ID, and official email address, and possibly an official website. Individuals are often required to provide proof of a valid website too.

It will also be necessary to prove that you are notable. Proof may require a high follower count and/or media articles or a Google Trends profile.

Once you have the needed proof, you will apply for verification through Twitter’s website. There are explanations available of subcategories on Twitter. 

Who doesn’t get verified on Twitter?

Parody, newsfeed, commentary, and unofficial fan accounts

Pets and fictional characters, unless directly affiliated with a Verified Company, Brand, or Organization, or with a Verified entertainment production. So, although you may follow a variety of Golden Retriever twitter feeds, unless your pet can meet the criteria, he or she probably won’t be verified unless you are willing to put in the time to make your pooch famous..

Accounts engaged in severe violations of Twitter’s manipulation and spam policy

Accounts of individuals or groups associated with coordinated harmful or hateful activity as defined in Twitter’s Ads Policies. 

Accounts that have a pattern of posting hateful or derogatory content targeting others. This includes content focused on harassing or shaming others on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, medical/genetic condition, status as a veteran, status as a refugee, or status as an immigrant. It also includes content that promotes the supremacy or interests of members of any group in a manner likely to be perceived as demeaning on the basis of these categories

Accounts promoting sale of the Verification badge itself or offering unauthorized assistance with the application process. Verification badges are never sold.

For more information or to apply, go to https://help.twitter.com/en/managing-your-account/about-twitter-verified-accounts

Blue Checks for OpenSea

As the platform OpenSea is designed to also serve as a buying and selling platform, it can be more difficult to be verified. First of all,  your account will need to own a collection(s) with at least 75 ETH of volume sold, or the equivalent in other crypto currency, and have a social presence with required minimum activity levels.

Accounts  that fulfill these initial requirements will see a banner on their account page directing them to apply for verification in their profile settings. Those account owners also receive an email from OpenSea if they have a verified email address listed. NOTE, in addition to other criteria, you will also need to have a verified Twitter account!

Think you’re ready to apply? Head to https://support.opensea.io/hc/en-us/articles/360063519133-What-is-a-verified-account-or-badged-collection- and start the process.

 

Are those blue ticks legit?

Over the past couple of years, there have been several high profile cases of verification scammers taking advantage of the system. Unfortunately this can happen but, increasingly steps are being implemented to prevent scamming. It is anticipated that AI and facial recognition will eventually be implemented to further tighten security.

Keep in mind that if someone offers to sell you a blue check mark, it is not legitimate and definitely not worth the risk. Overall, the process is designed to be thorough and intense. This helps keep the playing field level and the reputation of the blue check marks intact.

But don’t be discouraged. It is generally worth the effort to earn a blue check and, if you don’t receive one quickly it means the system is working to remain true.