How To Find People on Twitter - Expert Tips & Tools from GladIKnow

Using Twitter's Native Search Features

X has several search options that users can use to locate an account. These include, but are not limited to:

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  Username or Display Name Search

  One of the easiest ways to locate a person on X is to search for their account using either their @handle or full name.

  To search for an account using the @handle, open the X website on the web, locate the search bar in the top-right corner, and enter the exact handle in the search bar. Note that handles are unique and case-insensitive. After pressing Enter, X will reveal different information linked to the handle you entered. Select the people tab to limit the search results to user profiles only.

  You can bypass this process if you have the exact handle. All you need to do is go directly to X.com/@username in your browser and input the handle.

  To search for an account using the individual's full name, locate the search bar as mentioned earlier. Type the person's full name and press the Enter key. Select the people or accounts option to narrow the search results to profiles rather than posts. Note that full names may not always match the username, so it's best to double-check the account by reviewing the individual's bio or recent posts.

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  Advanced Search Filters

  You can also search for accounts using advanced search filters such as date ranges, hashtags, and keywords. Locate the search bar and enter the hashtag or keyword you want to search for. Press Enter and wait for results. Once the results are displayed, select the people or account option to narrow the search results to profiles rather than posts. Scroll through the profiles to locate the account.

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  Mutual Follows & Recommendations

  Another way to search for an account on X is by checking who follows whom for connections. To do this, go to the X profile of the account you are interested in. On their profile, click the "Following" tab. This will show the accounts they follow. Scroll through to see if the account you are looking for is on the list.

When You Only Have Partial Information

You can search for an account with partial information. However, the success of this type of search depends on several factors, including the details you can provide and the search method used.

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  Searching With Limited Data

  You can search for a person on X by providing only their first name and location. If the name is common, you may need to browse multiple results to find the correct account.

  Similarly, you can search by providing their job title, interests, or shared topics. While X will provide multiple results of accounts linked to the information you provided, you may need to scroll for several minutes to find the specific account.

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  Limitations of Twitter's Algorithm in Returning Results

  The limitations of X's algorithms in returning search results come from a combination of technical constraints and platform policies. Common examples of these limitations include:

  • Relevance and Ranking Bias: X's algorithm ranks search results based on several factors, including engagement, relevance, and recency. This means that popular or verified accounts show up first in the results. As a result, less popular accounts may not be as visible, even if they match your search.

  • Bias Toward Popular Content: Name-based searches typically favour accounts with vital posts, making it difficult to find less active accounts.

  • Limited Personalization: X tailors results based on your personalization. This means that the algorithm might include irrelevant accounts or posts if your search terms are aligned with topics you are interested in.

  • Limited Scope Results: If you are searching for an account using partial information, the results may not show all matches, especially for less active or private accounts.

  • API and Access Restrictions: Since 2023, X requires users to be logged in to access most search features, including advanced search.

  • Platforms and Technical Constraints: X's algorithm also generates results tailored to the type of device used to conduct the search. For example, the X mobile app lacks advanced search, limiting filtering options for hashtags or partial information.

Verifying the Right Person

After you submit a query and receive the search results, the next step is to identify the specific X account you are looking for. Note that there may be multiple results if you submit a common name or username.

Regardless of the number of results presented, it is essential to confirm the identity of the person you are interested in by examining their profile photos, tweets, or mutual connections. These elements will help ensure that you engage with the correct profile.

In addition to verifying the person using photos, tweets, or mutual connections on X, you can further confirm your findings by cross-referencing the information with GladIKnow results. This step is especially crucial in today's digital landscape, where identity theft is a common occurrence.

Common Use Cases from GladIKnow Users

GladIKnow offers specialized people search services designed to help individuals navigate various real-world situations daily. In one instance, Tracy, a resident of Florida, received a remote job offer from a writing agency based in Washington. Before accepting the offer, she searched for the business on the X platform and explored other associated accounts. After refining her results to a select few profiles, she employed the GladIKnow people search service to verify the credibility of these individuals. It was confirmed that the business was legitimate.

In another scenario, a young entrepreneur sought out small businesses on Twitter for potential investment opportunities. He made a public post on X soliciting individuals to submit applications in response. After evaluating the applications, he selected one business; however, he insisted on conducting additional verification before announcing the winner. Utilizing the GladIKnow people search service, the entrepreneur discovered that the business in question did not exist and that the X account claiming to represent the business owner was fraudulent.

Finally, John, a young football enthusiast residing in the United States, utilized the GladIKnow people search service to determine whether Dean Huijsen, a recently signed soccer player by Real Madrid, has an X account. This inquiry started after he encountered an account on X asserting to be the player and posting multiple updates regarding his transfer to Real Madrid. John found not only that the actual soccer player was not registered on X, but also that the account impersonating him was indeed a counterfeit.

Stay Safe and Respect Privacy

While it is legal to search for an account on X, users are advised to adhere to ethical search practices. These typically include respecting user privacy and adhering to platform rules. Listed below are common ways to respect ethical search practices:

• Ensure that your search has a legitimate purpose, such as research, networking, or collaboration
• Do not create fake accounts to follow a person to access private contact information without their knowledge
• Avoid using automated bots or scrapers to collect data
• Respect X's rate limits for searches
• Do not search for or share sensitive personal details unless publicly displayed by the account owner
• Do not repeatedly message or tag an account that does not respond
• Use trusted tools like GladIKnow for account searches

At GladIKnow, we are committed to complying with all applicable privacy regulations to protect our users' personal information.