Twitter approval depends on what you mean by "approved"
Twitter does not have a single approval process. The term usually refers to one of three things: getting your account verified with a blue checkmark, joining Twitter's monetization program so you can earn money from your posts, or having your account restored after Twitter suspended or locked it. Each has different requirements and a different path forward.
If you are locked out of your account or Twitter flagged it for suspicious activity, you will need to verify your identity through email or phone. If you want the blue checkmark, Twitter now charges a monthly fee through Twitter Blue. If you want to earn money from posts, you need to meet follower and engagement thresholds. Understanding which one applies to your situation will save you time.
Key Takeaways
- Account verification (the blue checkmark) now requires a paid Twitter Blue subscription, which costs $8 per month on web or $11 per month on iPhone.
- If your account is locked or suspended, Twitter will ask you to confirm your email address or phone number before you can post again.
- The Twitter monetization program requires at least 10,000 followers, 500 million post impressions in the last three months, and compliance with Twitter's rules.
- Restoring a suspended account takes longer than unlocking a locked one, and Twitter may not restore it if the violation was severe.
Getting the blue checkmark through Twitter Blue
Twitter's verification system changed in late 2022. The blue checkmark is no longer something Twitter grants based on your notability or public status. Instead, anyone can buy it through Twitter Blue, a paid subscription tier.
To get the blue checkmark, you subscribe to Twitter Blue through the web version of Twitter or the Twitter app on iPhone. On the web, it costs $8 per month. On iPhone, it costs $11 per month because Apple takes a cut of in-app purchases. You will need a valid payment method — a credit card or debit card — and your account must be at least 90 days old. Twitter will verify your phone number or email address as part of the sign-up.
Once you subscribe, the checkmark appears on your profile within a few minutes. If you cancel the subscription, the checkmark disappears. This system applies to all accounts equally, regardless of how many followers you have or what you do.
Unlocking an account Twitter locked for suspicious activity
If you tried to log in and Twitter said your account was locked, it usually means Twitter detected something it thought was unusual — too many login attempts from different locations, a password change, or activity that looked automated. This is not a suspension; your account still exists, but you cannot post or send messages until you unlock it.
Twitter will ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email address or phone number. Check the email or text message Twitter sent you, enter the code on the unlock screen, and your account will be active again. This usually takes a few minutes. If you did not receive the code, ask Twitter to send it again or try the other method (email instead of phone, or vice versa).
If you cannot access the email address or phone number on file, you will need to update your recovery information. Twitter has a form for this on their help center, though the process can take several days.
Restoring a suspended account
A suspension is different from a lock. When Twitter suspends an account, it means Twitter believes you violated its rules — posting spam, harassment, hateful conduct, or other prohibited content. Your account is not just locked; it is taken down, and you cannot log in at all.
Twitter allows you to request a review of the suspension. Go to Twitter's support page, select "Suspended account" from the dropdown menu, and fill out the form explaining why you think the suspension was wrong. Twitter will review your request, but there is no may provide it will overturn the decision. Suspensions for severe violations — like posting child exploitation material or coordinating violence — are usually permanent.
The review process can take weeks. Twitter does not give you a specific timeline, and you will not receive updates while they are reviewing. If Twitter decides to restore your account, you will get an email saying so. If it declines, you will receive a brief explanation of why.
Meeting requirements for Twitter's monetization program
Twitter's monetization program lets you earn money when people view your posts. The program has three separate paths: Ads Revenue Sharing (you earn a cut of ads shown on your posts), Subscriptions (followers pay monthly to see exclusive posts), and Tips (followers send you money directly).
To join Ads Revenue Sharing, you need at least 10,000 followers, 500 million post impressions in the last three months, and you must be at least 18 years old. You also have to follow Twitter's rules — no spam, no hateful conduct, no misinformation about voting or elections. Twitter reviews your account before approving you, and this review can take a few weeks.
Subscriptions and Tips have lower barriers. You need at least 10,000 followers to set up Subscriptions, but Tips can be enabled with fewer followers depending on your region. Both require you to be 18 or older and in good standing with Twitter's rules.
Once you meet the requirements, go to your monetization settings in Twitter's creator dashboard. You will see which programs you are may be able to access for. Click to enable each one, and Twitter will review your account. If approved, the earnings will start appearing in your account within a few days.
What to do if Twitter rejects your monetization request
If Twitter denies your monetization request, it usually means you did not meet the follower or impression threshold, or Twitter found rule violations on your account. Twitter does not always explain which one, but you can check your own numbers: go to your analytics and look at your follower count and total impressions over the last 90 days.
If your numbers are below the threshold, keep posting and wait. There is no way to speed up the process. If your numbers are above the threshold but Twitter still rejected you, your account may have violations. Review Twitter's rules and check whether any of your recent posts could be seen as spam, hateful conduct, or misinformation. If you find a post that might be the problem, delete it and request another review after a few weeks.
Twitter does not have an appeal process for monetization rejections beyond requesting another review. You can request a review again after 30 days.
Verifying your phone number or email to unlock features
Some Twitter features require you to verify your phone number or email address. This is different from the blue checkmark verification. Twitter uses this step to confirm you are a real person and to help recover your account if you forget your password.
To verify your email, go to your account settings, click "Email and phone," and select "Add email." Twitter will send a code to the email address you enter. Check your email, copy the code, and enter it on Twitter. For phone verification, the process is the same — Twitter sends a code via text message.
You do not have to verify both. One is usually enough to unlock most features. However, some accounts — particularly those that have been locked before — may need both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the blue checkmark without paying?
No. Twitter removed the old free verification system in 2022 and replaced it with Twitter Blue, a paid subscription. The only way to get the blue checkmark now is to subscribe to Twitter Blue for $8 per month on the web or $11 per month on iPhone.
How long does it take to get monetization approval?
Twitter's review usually takes one to three weeks, though it can be longer during high-volume periods. You will not receive updates while they are reviewing. Check your monetization settings periodically to see if your status has changed.
What happens if I cancel Twitter Blue?
Your blue checkmark disappears immediately when your subscription ends. You will lose the checkmark even if you resubscribe later — you do not get to keep it permanently. Your account remains active and you can still post; you just lose the verification badge.
Can Twitter restore my account if it was suspended for breaking the rules?
Twitter will review your appeal, but restoration is not may provide. Suspensions for severe violations like harassment or hateful conduct are often permanent. Suspensions for minor violations like spam have a better chance of being overturned, but Twitter makes the final decision.
Do I need to verify my phone number to use Twitter?
No. Phone verification is optional for most accounts. However, if your account was locked or flagged as suspicious, Twitter may require you to verify your phone number or email before you can post again.