Most users have probably seen verified accounts with blue check marks while scrolling through TikTok, but the purpose behind the verified badge and how to get it is a longer story. It’s no surprise that people like the badge, given its popularity on the Twitter platform and how some even consider it an endorsement. While it’s safe to say that the badge lends a sense of popularity to the super-users of any social media hub, the purpose TikTok describes remains utilitarian.
One of the foremost uses for verified badges is user-authenticity, and this is the case regardless of which website a user frequents. Instead of popularity, the verification of users is partly designed to display accounts that are trustworthy, and it isn’t for nothing. Recently, Twitter suffered a string of account breaches among several verified users, the news of which even led to the spread of misinformation. Taking the hacking of highly popular accounts and the tweets that followed immediately after as an example, it’s no wonder that social media giants need ways to inform people on whether they’re following the real deal or just another impostor.
TikTok states that as long as a blue check mark is visible below a username, that user has been confirmed as the person the account represents. The same verification is represented in search results and where the blue check mark is placed will not change. That means the same check marks found on user images or in their biography are unverified accounts and may be impersonating others. Well-known users, renowned public figures, and large brands are examples of those for whom TikTok grants verification so users will know they’re looking at the authentic account. It’s one way followers know who to trust.
How To Get A Blue Check Mark
In deciding which accounts to verify, TikTok doesn’t rely on just one criterion. One of the important factors named is whether an account is, of course, authentic. Another would be whether the account is unique, the interpretation of which isn’t clarified. What is made clear is that active accounts are more likely to become verified accounts, which echoes the old social media sentiment of ‘watch and learn’ from successful users and the way they post. Importantly, the community guidelines and terms of service are both factors listed. Users who’ve racked up account violations are therefore challenged to review and follow these rules, to have a hope of attaining verified status.
In an age of emerging cyber-threats and where security and authenticity are mandatory, these badges may be attractive, but there’s a reason they aren’t given out to just anyone, with recent news showing that verifying users and their content means more than just a blue check mark. To get one, users will need to make sure they abide by the guidelines of staying active, following the rules, and engaging others with interesting media that doesn’t violate the spirit for which TikTok was designed. That way, a consistent base of followers isn’t threatened or lost due to suspension or being banned. When in doubt, it’s good to check in with statements released by TikTok directly and learn from successful content creators whenever possible.
Source: TikTok
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