Checking this one off
Quiz time! The most followed person on Instagram and Facebook is:
A. Justin Bieber
B. Selena Gomez
C. Cristiano Ronaldo
D. Kylie Jenner
Find the answer in this list of The World's Top 50 Influencers Across Social Platforms!
In today's news:
Getting verified on Twitter — and the other socials
Are you a Geriatric Millennial?
And here are a few sweet (and salty) tweets of the week
Read on ⬇️
A Guide to Getting Verified
If you're looking for a summer social media project, consider adding "getting verified" on your list, particularly now that Twitter has relaunched its verification process. Here's what you need to know about how to get that special blue checkmark on Twitter — and other social media platforms...
Why Verify?
Having a blue checkmark or verification badge on your social media platform isn't ultimately going to impact the overall success of your account. But it does help to provide social proof and credibility when people look up your account. Tip: Being verified is great, but it may also put a target on your back when it comes to hackers. So if you do verify an account, make sure to use two-factor authentication for signing in.
Getting Verified on Twitter
Over the next few weeks, Twitter says they'll be rolling out an update that will allow users to apply for verification directly within the app in the Accounts Setting tab.
Users within six specific categories are eligible to apply for verification, including: government, companies/brands/organizations, news outlets/journalists, entertainment, sports/gaming, and activists/organizers/influencers. You'll also be required to have an active account and a complete profile.
After submitting your application for verification, Twitter says you'll receive a response within a few days, or up to a few weeks depending on how many requests are in the queue. If you're successful, the blue badge will magically appear on your account. If not, you'll be able to reapply within 30 days.
Follow the @Verified account on Twitter for more info and updates.
Twitter's Checkmark: A Timeline
2009 — Twitter launches a public verification process for "high profile" users
2016 — Twitter opens up the verification process to the public
November 2017 — Twitter suspends its verification process after being criticized for verifying the account of a white supremacist
January 2021 — Twitter introduces a more open and transparent verification process outlining six categories of accounts
May 2021 — Twitter officially relaunches the public verification process
Learn more
Getting Verified on Other Platforms
In addition to Twitter, other platforms offer the option of applying to have a verified account, including:
Facebook and Instagram: There are four requirements to being verified on these social media platforms — Be authentic, complete your profile details fully, be unique, and be notable. Learn more.
YouTube: Google says you can apply to verify a Channel once you have 100,000 followers. And again, they are looking for accounts that are authentic and complete.
LinkedIn: You can get a LinkedIn icon on your personal profile page by signing up for a Premium membership, similar to the gold icon you see on this account.
Pinterest: Here is a step-by-step guide to getting verified on Pinterest, courtesy of Hootsuite.
Snapchat: This one isn't very straightforward, but if you have 50,000+ views on your Stories, you might want to try this verification trick.
TikTok: Perhaps the rarest of all of the badges, there isn't an official process for applying. But according to the company's newsroom site, "There are a number of factors considered in granting a verified badge, including whether the notable account is authentic, unique, active, and – of course – adheres to our Community Guidelines and Terms of Service."
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ICYMI
🔴 Instagram launches new Insights for Reels and Live
🔴 Twitter now allows hosts to schedule Spaces
🔴 Pinterest launches Idea Pins
🔴 Snapchat introduces public profiles for Businesses
🔴 TikTok launches new tools to combat bullying
WORD OF THE DAY
Geriatric Millennials
You read that right — Geriatric Millennials are defined as those born between 1980 and 1985. The term was popularized after appearing in a viral Medium piece by Erica Dhawan, who argued that those aged 36-41 were best positioned to work across generational divides. Gen Z — your thoughts?
REPLY-LIKE
Sweet and salty tweets
Canadian swimmer and four-time Olympic medallist Penny Oleksiak appears to be ramping up her social media presence as the Tokyo Games approach. And I couldn't help but notice this exchange between her and Canadian tennis phenom Bianca Andreescu. This is the type of content I'm here for, amirite? Although, if you're looking for something a bit more edgy, this tweet reply from Monica Lewinsky might do it.
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