X Updates Rules for Parody Accounts

Starting April 10, X (formerly Twitter) will implement new guidelines for parody, commentary, and fan (PCF) accounts, building on the platform’s previous move to label parody profiles back in December.

According to a statement from X, the update is designed to improve transparency across the platform by making it easier for users to recognize when an account is not affiliated with the person or entity it represents.

“We’re rolling out updates to improve transparency for Parody, Commentary, and Fan (PCF) accounts on our platform. Starting April 10, all PCF accounts will be required to include PCF-compliant keywords at the beginning of their account names and avoid using identical avatars to the entities they depict. These requirements also apply to accounts that have the Parody label.”

What’s Changing on X?

Under the new rules:

• PCF accounts must include one of the following keywords at the start of their account name:
  “Parody,” “Fake,” “Fan,” or “Commentary.”

• Accounts can no longer use the same avatar or profile image as the person, brand, or organization they parody or reference.

• These requirements apply even if the account is already labeled as a parody in its profile description.

For example, an Elon Musk parody account must now be named something like “Parody Elon Musk” or “Fake Elon Musk” and use a different profile picture from Musk’s actual account.

X notes that requiring the keyword at the beginning of the profile name helps prevent confusion when usernames are truncated in feeds—an issue with names like “Elon Musk (Parody),” where the label is often cut off in display.

Why the Change Matters

The move is part of X’s ongoing effort to improve user clarity and reduce impersonation, especially after the platform’s shift away from its legacy verification model.

Previously, Twitter’s blue checkmark system helped distinguish authentic accounts, but under Elon Musk’s leadership, verification was converted into a paid subscription feature. This opened the door for impersonation and confusion, as blue checkmarks no longer indicated identity verification—only that an account holder was willing to pay for X Premium.

While Twitter’s old verification model had its flaws—especially inconsistent application across regions—it helped users quickly differentiate between official accounts and imitators. With the sale of verification status, X has since had to implement multiple layers of policy updates to curb misuse.

Will It Work?

Despite several platform changes, only a small portion of users have opted into the paid model. X Premium currently has around 1.3 million subscribers, or roughly 0.22% of its 600 million monthly active users.

While that number represents a meaningful revenue stream, it also reflects how limited the adoption of paid verification has been, which in turn has contributed to ongoing issues with user trust and content authenticity.

These new naming and image rules aim to provide clearer boundaries—especially for high-profile or sensitive impersonation cases—and may help address lingering confusion over account identity.

When Does the new X Policy Take Effect?

The updated PCF account rules will go into effect on April 10. Affected account holders will need to update their usernames and avatars to remain compliant.

More details are available through X’s official help center and policy updates.