Twitter’s pushing out some new features for the special ones, ie. verified users.
The service’s exclusive group of blue-badged tweeters will be able to cosy up together a little more with ‘alerts’ for iPhone and Android that lets verified users know when another verified user starts following them.
Another new feature – though this one’s just for iPhone at the moment – allows verified users to view all their verified followers in a single list, which is likely to have a significant effect on their ego one way or another.
Twitter product manager Jinen Kamdar said the new features will be rolled out gradually starting Wednesday.
Last year the microblogging service did more to please its verified community by introducing filters offering “an easier way to manage the large number of conversations they’re in.” One of the filters lets verified users view mentions only from other verified users, enabling them to ignore the unwashed masses with a single tap.
Related: Why do Twitter’s verified users get nice things and we don’t?
On a dedicated webpage explaining everything you never needed to know about verified accounts, the social media site says that while it’s constantly updating the criteria for who can become verified, it usually gives the badge to “highly sought users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas.”
And in a bid to prevent commoners getting ideas above their station, the San Francisco-based company spells out its policy in no uncertain terms: “We do not accept requests for verification from the general public.”
Of course, Twitter hopes that offering famous folk a more streamlined experience will work in its favor over time, encouraging new big names to the service while keeping current users on board.
Hooking up celebs using the new features announced this week could ultimately lead to more publicity for Twitter and help to attract more (regular) users, with news outlets around the world always on the lookout for a meaty ‘Twitter spat‘ between household names to report on.
