Twitter finally removed the legacy verification checkmarks on the profiles of celebrities yet to pay for the Blue subscription. The microblogging platform had previously encouraged all users to subscribe to Twitter Blue to enjoy some of its premium benefits, including the verification badge, as Elon Musk hopes to generate more income since he took over at the helm.
This morning, many Tweeps reacted to the removal of the verification badges from the profiles of popular individuals, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jack Dorsey, and Aymeric Laporte. The Manchester City defender seemed particularly surprised at losing his blue tick.
Recall that the company had earlier announced that this would be done on the 1st of April before postponing its execution. Any accounts verified under the old system will no longer have the blue checkmark badge on their profiles unless they subscribe to Twitter Blue.
Many tweeps coveted the verification badge under the company’s last administration. It was seen as a means to authenticate accounts since many users could impersonate other high-profile users or entities.
This move is part of the company’s ongoing effort to make the verification process more transparent and streamlined. In December last year, Elon Musk announced via his official account that the company plans to remove all legacy blue checks as the method they were given out was “corrupt and nonsensical”.
The microblogging platform has stated that it will reach out to affected users and provide them with information on how to reapply for verification under the new system. The company has also said that it will prioritise users previously verified under the old system in the new verification queue.
Elon Musk paying for extra blue checks
Some public figures like LeBron James and Stephen King have refused to pay for blue checks. On Thursday, Elon Musk admitted to footing their Twitter Blue subscription bills — not that they asked.
He confirmed that he is paying for the accounts of William Shatner, Stephen King, and LeBron James to have their blue tick verification badges.
“I’m paying for a few personally,” the CEO tweeted in response to a claim from T(w)itter Daily News that “Some celebrities have been offered a complimentary Twitter Blue subscription ‘on behalf of Elon Musk.’”
“Just Shatner, LeBron and King,” the multibillionaire tweeted on Friday.
Read More; Netizens react as Twitter wants organisations to pay $1k for “easy” verification
Subscribing to Twitter Blue and getting a verification badge
Users with individual accounts can purchase Twitter Blue to get access to services such as the ability to undo tweets, access to a dedicated customer support team, and a customisable app icon.
Organisations can apply for verified organizations on the platform.
Applicants must ensure their profiles are eligible for verification even after subscribing to Blue by having up-to-date and accurate account information. The use of full names as display names and clear profile images are highly encouraged.
Also, the requirements state that active accounts would be verified, so applicants must ensure the account has been active (posting, replying, liking) in the last 30 days. Also, accounts must be over 90 days old to be verified. They also need a confirmed phone number — without this, there is no way to get verified, even with Twitter Blue.
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