Twitter will let you apply to become a verified user
Twitter's much-coveted blue tick of user verification is about to go mainstream.
The tech giant said today it will allow any user to apply to gain the verified user status – usually reserved to high profile tweeters and celebs – which is illustrated by a tiny blue tick alongside their profile picture.
Users will simply have to submit their profile information for review to the embattled social media company.
"We want to make it even easier for people to find creators and influencers on Twitter so it makes sense for us to let people apply for verification," said Tina Bhatnagar, Twitter's vice president of user services.
"We hope opening up this application process results in more people finding great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for these creators and influencers to connect with a broader audience."
Read more: Twitter changes 140-character limit (giving investors more room to moan)
The blue bird said today that an account "may be verified if it is determined to be of public interest".
But before you begin submitting your application, know that it pays to work for organisations (or even better, run their social media accounts) such as those in music, television, film, fashion, government, politics, religion, news media, sports, business.
The move is one of many Twitter's head Jack Dorsey has made since his comeback at the firm, in an effort to reinvigorate the company which is seen by some as not user-friendly and too focused on real-time events.
Recent additions to the Twitter userface include the ability to see older but popular tweets since your last login as well as extending the 140 character limit for tweets.
Read more: Lindsay Lohan's tweets about EU referendum send Twitter into tizzy
But investors – many of whom have seen Twitter's shares hit record lows lately – were less than impressed with Dorsey's new idea. Shares in New York are currently trading down 1.5 per cent at $18.37 following the announcement.