How to Differentiate between Twitter Blue and Verified Users

Twitter has undergone major changes since Elon Musk took over, especially when it comes to the verification system. The blue checkmark that was once a sign of authenticity is now available to anyone willing to pay for Twitter Blue.

This has created confusion between accounts that were organically verified under the old system and accounts that paid for verification under the new Twitter Blue program. In this guide, we‘ll explain the key differences and how you can tell them apart.

The History of Twitter Verification

First, some background. Twitter originally launched verification in 2009 as a way to authenticate high-profile and influential accounts. Accounts had to meet certain notability criteria and go through an application process to get verified.

The blue checkmark was intended to prevent impersonation and help users determine if an account was authentic. It built trust in the platform by verifying identities.

Over the years, verification expanded from just celebrities and public figures to include activists, journalists, government agencies, brands, and other entities that represented something substantial.

However, the process was criticized for being inconsistent and biased in who received a blue checkmark. Many argued the system needed reform.

Introducing Twitter Blue Verification

Everything changed in November 2022 when Elon Musk launched Twitter Blue, a $7.99 per month subscription that includes a blue checkmark.

Almost overnight, verification shifted from an earned status symbol to a paid feature anyone could access. Twitter Blue does not have any identity verification requirements.

Musk claimed this would help democratize verification and generate revenue for Twitter. However, it also led to chaos as pranksters changed their display names to impersonate brands and celebrities.

Twitter ended up pausing Twitter Blue registrations to improve identity checks. But when it relaunched in December 2022, the lax verification requirements remained mostly unchanged.

This means we now have two types of blue checkmarks: legacy verified accounts and Twitter Blue subscribers. Let‘s explore the key differences.

Legacy Verified Accounts

Legacy verified accounts refer to those verified under Twitter‘s old system before November 2022.

These accounts went through Twitter‘s identity verification process and met the notability criteria at the time. Legacy verification was free and reserved for prominent entities.

Accounts verified before the Twitter Blue launch typically represent:

• Government organizations
• Major media outlets and journalists
• Large companies and brand accounts
• Public figures like celebrities, athletes, and politicians
• Activists and organizers
• Experts/thought leaders in their field

In other words, legacy verified accounts tend to be authoritative sources and influential voices on the platform. The blue checkmark signals they are who they claim to be.

However, Elon Musk has indicated legacy verification will eventually go away. Accounts not willing to pay for Twitter Blue could lose their verified status. But for now, most legacy verified accounts have kept their checkmarks.

When looking at an account verified before November 2022, you can typically assume it‘s the legitimate person, brand, or entity it claims to be.

Twitter Blue Verified Accounts

In contrast to legacy verified accounts, Twitter Blue allows anyone to subscribe and instantly get a blue checkmark without meeting any notability criteria. It‘s an opt-in, paid feature rather than an earned status symbol.

Twitter Blue does not verify your identity. It simply grants display perks like the checkmark for paying a monthly fee. All Twitter Blue really verifies is that you paid for a subscription.

This means accounts verified through Twitter Blue could represent:

• Individual users looking for a status symbol
• Pranksters and parodied accounts
• Bots and fake accounts
• Businesses, content creators, and organizations seeking branding

Essentially, Twitter Blue opens verification to the masses – both authentic accounts and imposters alike. The checkmark no longer carries the same assurances it did under the old system.

Twitter has added identity confirmation steps before granting the blue checkmark to Twitter Blue subscribers. But the process remains limited compared to the in-depth verification it previously required.

The checkmark itself also looks identical for both legacy and paid accounts. So how can you spot the difference?

How to Differentiate Blue Checkmarks

Telling legacy verified accounts apart from Twitter Blue subscribers takes some detective work. Here are a few tips:

1. Click the Checkmark

On mobile apps and desktop, you can now click any blue checkmark to reveal more about the verification status.

For legacy verified accounts, it will say "Verified account" and when the account was verified.

For paid Twitter Blue subscribers, it will say "Verified with Twitter Blue."

This is the most straightforward way to double check a blue checkmark‘s status.

2. Joined Date

Legacy verified accounts were typically verified soon after creation. Check the join date listed on the profile.

If the account has been active for years or joined Twitter before November 2022, it was likely verified under the old system.

Newer accounts that suddenly have a blue checkmark are likely Twitter Blue subscribers.

3. Account Activity

Does the account tweet regularly? Does it engage with other accounts and topics? Or is there no history before the blue checkmark appeared?

Accounts verified organically tend to show consistent activity over time, while fake and parody accounts often have little engagement before getting a checkmark.

4. Follower Count

Legacy verified accounts usually have a substantial follower base, while newer Twitter Blue accounts often have few to no followers.

A high follower count signals an established presence on Twitter that predates paid verification.

5. Bio Description

The account bio can provide context clues about legitimacy. Phrases like "Parody account", prank names, or references to Twitter Blue show it‘s likely a paid subscriber and not officially verified.

6. Use Third-Party Tools

Browser extensions like Eight Dollars show different icons for legacy and paid checkmarks. This makes differentiation easier as you scroll Twitter.

Eight Dollars icons for legacy verification vs. Twitter Blue

7. Official Label

For extremely high-profile accounts like celebrities, brands, and governments, Twitter has added an "Official" label below the name to signal legitimacy.

But this selective label does not appear for most verified accounts. Don‘t assume its absence means an account is fake.

Should You Pay for Twitter Blue?

With all the changes, should you pay $8 per month for a checkmark? Here are a few things to consider:

• Are you already verified? If you‘re verified under the old system, you don‘t need to pay for now. But keep an eye out for future policy changes.

• Do you meet notability criteria? Paying for a checkmark when you don‘t represent a substantial account may undermine its value.

• Is it worth the cost? The other Twitter Blue perks like custom icons and ad-free articles may or may not provide value depending on how you use Twitter.

• How will it impact your brand? Having a checkmark could look more "official" but also dilute your brand if checkmarks lose prestige.

For established accounts that once may have qualified for legacy verification, paying for the blue checkmark seems questionable. But there are no longer clear "rules" under Musk‘s new regime.

Twitter Blue Controversy

The paid verification system has received a lot of criticism. Detractors argue Twitter Blue:

• Enables impersonation and misinformation by letting anyone buy verification

• Damages trust in the checkmark that was meant to signal legitimacy

• Devalues the status that legacy verified users previously earned

• Is primarily a cash grab that provides little benefit to users

• Defeats the purpose of verification as an identity confirmation tool

But others counter that it:

• Provides visual perks users want as a premium feature

• Offers verification to more people previously excluded

• Generates revenue to support Twitter based on optional subscriptions

• Allows organizations to look more professional

The controversy reflects just how polarizing these verification changes have been. There are reasonable arguments on both sides.

Twitter‘s Uncertain Future

It remains to be seen whether two checkmark classes can coexist in the long run, or if legacy verification will eventually fade out.

For now, most legacy verified accounts seem to be keeping their blue checkmarks, even as Twitter Blue subscriptions proliferate around them.

But having such fundamentally different account types with the same badge has clearly created confusion. Trust in verification has eroded.

Twitter will likely continue iterating on its policies and process. We‘ll have to wait and see if the Company can find the right balance between accessibility, identity integrity, and revenue.

But with the tools covered in this guide, you can better understand the verification differences today. Stay savvy out there!