A lot has changed on X — formerly Twitter — over the past few years, and one of the biggest shifts has been around verification. That little blue checkmark used to feel exclusive, almost mysterious. Today, the process is far more straightforward, and honestly, more accessible than ever.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how it works and whether it’s worth your time.
What Verification Actually Means No
The old system — where Twitter’s team reviewed your account and decided you were notable enough for a badge — is gone. Since April 2023, verification on X is tied to a paid subscription called X Premium. That’s the new reality, and it applies to everyone equally, from major celebrities to everyday creators.
The blue checkmark no longer signals fame. It signals that you’re a real, paying, active account holder who has passed X’s basic eligibility checks. Think of it less as a status symbol and more as a trust signal.
The Different Types of Badges
Not all checkmarks are the same. X currently offers three:
- Blue checkmark — For individual X Premium subscribers
- Gold checkmark — For verified organizations (starting at $200/month)
- Gray checkmark — Reserved for government accounts and officials
For most people — creators, journalists, musicians, publicists, small business owners — the blue checkmark is what they’re after.
What It Costs
Pricing in 2026 breaks down like this:
- Basic — $3/month (no checkmark included)
- Premium — $8/month on web, $11/month on iOS or Android
- Premium+ — $16/month on web, $22/month on mobile
One practical tip: always subscribe through the X website rather than the mobile app. The markup from Apple and Google’s app store fees adds up to over $36 extra per year for no reason.
The Requirements
Paying alone doesn’t guarantee the badge. Your account also needs to meet these conditions:
- A complete profile with a display name and profile photo
- A confirmed phone number linked to the account
- Active use within the last 30 days
- An account that is at least 90 days old
- No signs of deceptive behaviour, impersonation, or repeated branding changes
- A public account — private accounts are not eligible
X reviews each account after subscription. Approval typically takes anywhere from a few hours to seven business days, though accounts with a strong posting history tend to move through faster.
Step-by-Step: How to Appl
- Go to x.com in a browser (not the app, for cost reasons)
- Click your profile picture and select “Premium” or “Verified”
- Choose between Premium and Premium+ — both include the blue checkmark
- Verify your phone number if you haven’t already
- Complete the payment process
- Wait for X to review and approve your account
Once approved, the blue checkmark will appear next to your name across posts, replies, and search results.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
If you change your display name, username, or profile photo after being verified, the checkmark is temporarily removed while X re-reviews your account. Avoid making those changes during the review period, as it resets the process entirely.
Verification can also be removed if your account violates X’s rules — so maintaining consistent, authentic posting matters even after you get the badge.
Is It Worth It?
For anyone building a presence on X — whether in music, media, business, or content creation — there are real practical benefits. Verified accounts get priority ranking in replies and search results. You unlock access to X’s ad revenue sharing program. Longer posts, editing capabilities, and advanced analytics are all part of the Premium package.
The credibility question is more nuanced. Some people still see a paid checkmark as less meaningful than the old system. But in a world increasingly full of bots and impersonators, having any clear signal of authenticity still carries weight.
For those who are serious about their presence on X, the relatively modest monthly cost is worth considering.
