Many prominent Twitter users and tastemakers are no longer verified on the platform as of April 20—and they seem to share a widespread sentiment that they do not intend to subscribe to Twitter Blue to keep the check mark.

This move is significant and has the potential to influence Twitter’s efficacy and impact as a platform. 

Among those users who lost their verification status, we are seeing somewhat of an “anti-influencer” reaction — individuals who are outspoken and almost proud of this change. We are also seeing several brands react in different ways:

• Some organizations have adopted the new verified approach (i.e. The Washington Post, The White House, MTV, etc.) and signed on as official organizations. It is unclear if they are paying for their status at this time.

• Some organizations are remaining on the platform but have seemingly opted to not seek verified organization status (i.e. The New York Times, Boston Globe, Coca-Cola, JetBlue, etc.) despite some peers opting in.

• Some organizations have decided to leave the platform entirely or pause their official use of the platform (i.e. NPR, CBC, etc.) due to concerns about brand verification.

• Some organizations and individuals have also reported receiving verification checkmarks without applying or any additional context. In response, some users in that group have tweeted publicly that they have not applied or paid in response.

So far, there is no legitimate widespread prediction of a mass exodus from the platform. But these next few weeks will be crucial. Brands and organizations should remain mindful as the removal of verified check marks may lead to increased misinformation, identity confusion, viral communications crises and/or public harm.

Find our tips for navigating these and other Twitter changes here.