What Is a Twitter Badge?
Twitter badges are a special piece of code that Web page and blog owners can use to provide Twitter updates publicly. These badges work anywhere on the Web, rather than just inside Twitter, and provide real-time updates based on the owner's Twitter feed. Twitter badges come in a range of different shapes and sizes. Custom or personalized badges are also available.
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Function
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Twitter badges allow page visitors not currently on Twitter to view a user's public tweets. They do not show private tweets or messages sent only to others. Users can obtain the code for a badge by accessing the "Resources" section of their Twitter accounts. Twitter provides badges and other "widgets," including search widgets to allow users to search tweets, as well as list and "faves" widgets, which show the tweets of other users.
Installation
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To add a Twitter badge to a website, users must first log on to their Twitter accounts, then click the "Resources" button at the bottom of the "Details" pane. Select "See all Widgets," then "My Website" to see available widgets and badges. To display public tweets on a website, choose the Profile Widget. Within Twitter, users can change the colors and size of their badge and test the settings. To obtain the code, click "Finish & Grab Code" at the bottom of the page. Paste the displayed code into the HTML for the target blog or website and save the file to display the widget.
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Customization
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Twitter allows some badge customization within the site, including size changes and different color schemes, but does not permit users to heavily adjust their badges. More advanced users can significantly change their Twitter badges by combining the update script with custom CSS code or additional JavaScript.
Other Badges
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In addition to update-displaying badges, Twitter also offers a type of badge for verified users. This badge appears on the user's account page, and includes a blue cloud containing a large check mark and the words "Verified Account." Originally, the verification service was open to the public, but as of May 2011 -- according to Twitter.com -- verification is currently available only to partners and advertisers. The site recommends users who wish to provide proof of their Twitter account's authenticity link to an official Web page. Twitter users who already have a verified badge can lose it if they change their email address, user name or Web page.
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References
- Photo Credit Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images News/Getty Images
