After Instagram and Twitter updating their verification
guidelines, Facebook is now redefining its approach to verification. The social
media company explained who qualifies for the blue tick mark on its platform.
Facebook revealed the precise meaning behind the blue
verification tick, saying that primarily, “verification is a way for people to
know that the notable accounts they are following or searching for are exactly
who they say they are.”
“Verification badges aren’t an endorsement from us, nor do
we consider them a symbol of importance,” the company further clarified.
Facebook further explained what criteria is required for someone to qualify for the verification icon on both Facebook and Instagram. This includes the following:
- Only one account per person or business is eligible for verification, with exceptions for language-specific accounts
- The account must be public and have a bio, profile photo and at least one post
- Lastly, the account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand or entity.
The last point emphasizes how it is not just necessary for a
user to have a big amount of followers to have their verification approved. Rather,
a certain level of media presence or status is required, which Facebook’s
assessment team checks to determine the account’s eligibility for the blue
tick.
Furthermore, Facebook has added more publication outlets
that can be considered within this process, “including those from additional
Black, LGBTQ+, Latinx media, and more outlets from around the world for
example.” The company wants to expand the verification access to a wider
breadth of communities this way.
Facebook further clarified that a blue tick does not
indicate extra reach or priority. “Being verified doesn’t mean that your
content is favored by our systems in terms of where your content shows up,”
explains the social company.
