Here's how to get verified on Twitter

That little blue checkmark next to a Twitter handle has long been held in high esteem.

Originally reserved for the likes of Tony Hawk, San Francisco 311, and NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, the checkmark, which denotes a verified account, has become a status symbol.

But it's long been a mystery as to how exactly one attained the coveted blue check.

Starting last summer, Twitter began allowing anyone to apply for a verified account. While this doesn't mean it'll be easier to become verified - according to Twitter, it only approves "account types maintained by users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas" - the process is at least more straightforward.

Here's how to apply.