Ever wondered how to get a blue check mark next to your Instagram handle?? You don’t need to be Paris Hilton to get verified on Instagram, but you do need to meet some specific requirements. If you’re curious about how to get verified on Instagram but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on Instagram verification, including tips for how to increase your chances of approval.
What is Instagram verification?
Instagram verification is a process that grants a blue check mark to accounts that Instagram deems notable and authentic. This badge signifies that the account is the official presence of a public figure, celebrity, or brand, helping users easily find and connect with genuine accounts.
Who can get verified on Instagram?
Anyone can apply for Instagram verification. However, Instagram prioritizes those with a significant public presence and high likelihood of impersonation like celebrities and brands.
To apply, an account must be complete with a profile picture, bio, and at least one post. Instagram looks for unique, active accounts that follow the platform’s community guidelines.
The benefits of getting verified on Instagram
This small blue badge can give you many significant perks, including increased visibility, higher trust with followers and brands, protection from impersonation, and access to advanced features and analytics.
Let’s get into each perk a little bit more:
Increased visibility
Having a tiny blue checkmark next to your name is akin to carrying a Birkin bag or driving a Maserati (I wish for that, too). It catches people’s attention, making them pause their scrolling thumbs and ponder who this person is, often leading them to visit your profile.
Being verified also ensures your profile appears prominently in searches and suggestions. That blue check mark signifies potential opportunities to collaborate with influencers or brands who may not have discovered your content yet.
Higher trust
The blue check mark signifies that you are who you say you are, not just some random or scammer on the internet. With internet crime on the rise, those check marks come in handy. They show that you are credible, which is crucial for attracting potential brand sponsors and more followers.
Protection from impersonation
I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it becomes alarming when imitation turns into identity theft. Verification not only shields you from fake accounts but also signifies credibility.
Access to features
Verified Instagram accounts get exclusive features like analytic tools and insights on audience demographics.
How to get a blue check on Instagram
Okay, we’ve covered what Instagram verification is and its benefits. Now, let’s dive into how to get verified on Instagram.
There are two ways to get a verification badge:
- Apply for free Instagram verification
- Pay for Meta Verified
The free option sounds like a no-brainer, but we’ll break down the details so you can choose the verification method that’s right for you.
Apply for a verified badge on Instagram (free)
To get verified for free on Instagram, you need to apply through their official process. However, before applying, make sure to meet the eligibility requirements.
Instagram looks for four main qualities to verify an account. To get Instagram verified, your profile needs to be:
- Authentic: You represent a real person, registered business, or entity, including pets.
- Notable: You can prove that you’re a well-known public figure, celebrity, brand, or organization.
- Complete: You have an active, public account with a full bio, profile picture, and recent posts.
- Unique: Each person and business should only have one Instagram account. There may be an exception for accounts in different languages.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you’ll receive the coveted verification badge.
If you’re eligible, follow these steps to get verified on Instagram for free.
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile
- Click the hamburger menu in the top right to go to Settings
- Scroll down and click “Account types and tools”
- Select “Request verification”
- Fill out Instagram’s short, two-step application for Instagram verification
Each step asks for information that helps confirm your account is authentic and notable.
To prove authenticity, you’ll need to submit a photo ID. If you’re verifying a brand, you’ll submit documents like articles of incorporation that show it’s a legal, registered business.
Notability is probably the biggest challenge to getting verified. You’ll need to show proof that you’re notable by submitting links to news articles and other press that mention you or your brand. Instagram doesn’t accept paid and sponsored content either.
Once submitted, it can take up to 30 days for Instagram to process your verification request. If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements or want to get verified quickly, you might consider Meta Verified.
Subscribe to Meta Verified (paid)
Meta Verified is a paid subscription service available to individual creators and businesses. The subscription service includes a Meta Verified badge, impersonation protection, and chat support.
The pricing plans start at $14.99 monthly for content creators and businesses and go up to $349.99 monthly for premium options.
To get verified on Instagram with Meta Verified, follow these steps.
1. Check eligibility
To get Meta Verified, you must meet these requirements:
- Be 18 years old
- Have a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your profile (for creators)
- Be located in a country that offers Meta Verified
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Have an active Instagram account
2. Sign up through the Instagram app
- Go to the Instagram profile you want to verify
- Click on the hamburger menu at the top right to view settings
- Scroll down to “Meta Verified”
Once you click on it, Meta will take you through the signup process. You’ll select a Meta Verified subscription plan and submit payment.
One of the perks of getting Meta Verified is that the verification process is sped up. You could get a blue check on Instagram in as little as 48 hours. However, you’ll be charged a monthly subscription fee. If you cancel your subscription and stop paying, you also lose the blue check.
Why am I not getting verified on Instagram?
If you’ve applied and still haven’t received a bluecheck mark yet, there are a few factors at play. Let’s dive into them.
Insufficient notability
Your account might not be considered notable enough. Unless you’ve paid your fee, Instagram typically only verifies public figures, celebrities, and brands that are widely recognized and often searched for.
Incomplete profile
Ensure your profile is complete with a profile picture, bio, and at least one post. Accounts without these elements are less likely to be verified.
Lack of authenticity profile
Instagram looks for authentic accounts. If your account doesn’t represent a real person, registered business, or entity, it won’t be verified. Also, inauthentic account activity like buying followers can disqualify you.
Low activity
Your account needs to be active. Accounts that post infrequently or have low engagement are less likely to get verified.
Violations of guidelines
If your account has a history of violating Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of service, this can affect your chances of getting verified.
Incorrect information
When applying for verification, ensure all the information provided is accurate and truthful. Providing false information can lead to a denial.
Improving these aspects can increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram.
Key takeaway: Get verified on Instagram to unlock all the perks the platform has to offer.
Having a verification badge offers many benefits. Firstly, the little check mark provides credibility and visibility, enabling potential collaborations with businesses and influencers.The badge makes your account more trustworthy and discoverable, thereby attracting more followers.
Secondly, verification grants access to special features like analytic tools and demographic insights. These tools can help you refine your content strategy and attract potential partners.
