Twitter is making it a bit easier for users to apply for "Verified" status — signified by a blue badge icon usually reserved for public figures. What was previously somewhat of a convoluted process has now been streamlined as an online application process.

Twitter streamlines application process for verified accounts

From Twitter:

Twitter announced today it has created an online application process for Twitter accounts to receive verified status. Verified accounts on Twitter allow people to identify key individuals and organizations on Twitter as authentic, and are denoted by a blue badge icon. An account may be verified if it is determined to be of public interest. Typically this includes accounts maintained by public figures and organizations in music, TV, film, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas.

Though not yet available as of the time of this writing, the application can be found on Twitter's help site, where users can fill out a form to request verified status. The form, Twitter notes, starts rolling out today, and should be available globally by week's end.

However, don't expect to join the ranks of the current 187,000 verified accounts unless yours is "of public interest." That's one of the requirements detailed on Twitter's verification support page, where you can find all of the information you'll need to get started.