If you want to know how to get verified on Instagram, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for Instagram verification (that’s the easy part) and provide some tips to help you qualify.
What does Instagram verification mean?
Instagram verification is how you prove that your Instagram account is the authentic presence of a notable public figure, celebrity, or global brand. You’ve probably seen a lot of verification badges. As with Twitter, Facebook and, yes, Tinder, the little blue checkmarks are meant to indicate that the platform has confirmed that the account in question is trustworthy, or at least they are who they claim to be. These badges are designed to make real accounts stand out, so Instagram users can be sure they’re following the right person or brand. They are easy to spot in search results and on profiles, and they are authoritative. it’s easy to see why verification badges are also a coveted status symbol. They are rare and exclusivity confers a certain prestige, which may or may not translate into better engagement. That said, Instagram is clear that verified accounts (just like business accounts) don’t get special treatment from the Instagram algorithm. In other words: if it’s true that verified accounts drive higher engagement on average, it’s because they post great content that resonates with their audience.
Who is eligible to be verified on Instagram?
Anyone can ask to be verified on Instagram. However, Instagram is notoriously picky (and in many ways mysterious) about who is actually verified. So, if you’re running an account that’s about to become “outstanding,” how do you know if you meet the criteria?
Just because you have a blue tick on Twitter or Facebook, for example, doesn’t mean you’ll get one on Instagram.
Here’s what we know about eligibility.
First, you must follow the Network Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. In addition, your account must meet each of these criteria:
Authentic: Are you a real person, a registered business or a brand? You cannot be a meme page or a fan account.
Single: Only one account per person or business can have Instagram verified, excluding language-specific accounts.
Public: Private Instagram accounts are not eligible for verification.
Complete: Do you have a complete bio, profile picture, and at least one post?
Notable: This is where things get subjective, but Instagram defines a notable name as one that’s “well known” and “highly sought after.”
If you’re relatively sure you meet these criteria, or just feel like rolling the dice, it’s time to go ahead and verify your Instagram account.
How to Apply to Be Verified on Instagram: 6 Steps
Getting verified on Instagram is actually a pretty simple process:
- Go to your profile and tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner
- Tap Settings
- Tap Account
- Verification request tap
- Complete the request form.
- Your legal name
- Your “Known As” or work name (if applicable)
- Select your category or industry (e.g., blogger/influencer, sports, news/media, company/brand/organization, etc.)
- You must also submit a photo of your official government ID. For individuals, this could be a driver’s license or a passport. For businesses, a utility bill, your articles of incorporation, or your tax returns will do.
- Tap Send.
According to Instagram, after their team reviews your application, you’ll receive a response in your notifications tab. Due to historical and ongoing issues with scammers, Instagram is very clear that they will never email you, ask you for money, or contact you. In a few days or a week, you will receive a direct yes or no. No feedback or explanation.
