On a fine day, an Instagram user receives a direct message from singer Kelly Rolland asking for money because she lost her credit card. She promises she will help that user meet Beyonce. What caught the user’s attention was that the account didn’t have the Instagram blue tick, which raised an alarm. It was later found that it was an impostor scamming in the name of Kelly Rolland. Such stories show how important it is to get verified on Instagram. Getting verified on Instagram stands as a need of the hour. This blog will dive deeper into the topic while explaining ways to get Instagram verification.
What Does Instagram Verification Mean?
When you get verified on Instagram, you get a blue badge, which you can consider as a stamp of approval. This approval signals that your account is legit, and all Instagram users can identify your actual account amongst the rest. It reduced the misuse of the name, which can even tarnish one’s image.
Think of it like a VIP pass on social media, showing the world that Instagram has confirmed your authenticity. Being a public figure, brand, or influencer, when you get verified on Instagram, you enhance your credibility. It might be possible that there could be ample accounts with the same name, or even some fan accounts. With the verification, one can point out the authentic Instagram account.
Who Can Get Verified On Instagram?
The simple answer is anyone who meets Instagram’s official eligibility criteria. Keep note that it is not restricted to famous personalities or brands. These criteria include:
1. Authenticity
Your account should represent a real person, registered business, or legally recognized entity. Fan pages, parody accounts, and meme pages aren’t eligible for verification.
2. Unique
Only one account per person or business can be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts (e.g., an international brand with separate pages for different regions).
3. Complete
Your profile needs to be fully set up, meaning it must:
- Be public (private accounts can’t get verified)
- Have a profile picture
- Include a bio that clearly represents you or your brand
- Feature at least one post
4. Notable
Instagram prioritizes verification for accounts that are well-known, frequently searched for, and covered by reputable news sources. If your name, brand, or business appears in major media outlets, it strengthens your application. Paid media or PR doesn’t fall under this category.
If you check all these boxes, you can apply for instagram verification directly through Instagram’s settings. While getting verified isn’t guaranteed, having a strong online presence and building credibility both on and off Instagram will improve your chances!
How To Get Verified On Instagram?
You can get verified on Instagram in two ways, each with its own criteria and benefits.
1. The Traditional Method
This is an old method for Instagram verification, and most of the celebrities and brands using the platform have only gotten their verification through this method. This method is designed for individuals and brands that Instagram deems notable, unique, and highly searched for. It’s typically reserved for public figures, celebrities, global brands, and organizations with a strong media presence. There is no monetary cost involved in this method, but keep in mind that approval is not guaranteed. You need to follow the steps mentioned below to apply for the Instagram blue check.
- Open your Instagram account, tap on your profile, and go to the menu.
- Scroll down. Below, ‘For professionals,’ tap ‘Account type and tools’ and tap on ‘Request Verification.’
- In the form provided, fill in the details asked. You have to mention details like your real name, industry, and a copy of your official ID (passport, driver’s license, or business documents).
- After filling in the details, submit your request and wait for Instagram’s review.
- Instagram will notify you whether your verification request is approved or denied.
2. The Meta Verified Program
Meta rolled out this method for users to get verified on Instagram in 2023. It is quite the opposite to the traditional method mentioned above. In the traditional method, you don’t have to pay any cost; this route is a subscription-based service. That means anyone can apply for verification, as long as they meet Instagram’s eligibility criteria. You pay a monthly fee for the verification and receive the Instagram verified badge. The Instagram verification badge offers proactive account protection, priority customer support, and increased visibility in searches and recommendations.
If you are in a double mind, what method you should apply for. Here is little piece of advice for you. If you’re already well-known with established media presence, the traditional method might be worth trying. However, if you’re an emerging brand looking to boost credibility and security, subscipton method of paying offers a more accessible path to verification.
Keep in mind that this badge doesn’t prove your status, it proves your authenticity. This is stating your audience where they can actually connect with brand, rather than trusting some one pretending.
Tips To Get Verified On Instagram
Here are five key tips to improve your chances of verification:
1. Don’t Trust Third parties for the Subscription model
If any third party claims they can get your verified on Instagram, don’t trust them, as it can be a scam. Instagram itself provides you the option to buy the badge. If you don’t want to purchase it, then you have a method that is available on the platform itself.
2. Engage Real Followers
You can get various platforms that can provide you with fake followers, but don’t fall for it. Fake followers won’t help you get verified on Instagram. You need to have real followers, and there are various ways to get them. Consistent engagement, meaningful interactions, and an active community make your account more credible.
You can even market your account on different platforms by sharing your posts, or simply embed an Instagram feed on your website. By this, you also redirect your website visitors to your Instagram account. Instagram Aggregators like Tagbox make this process simple and manageable.
3. Instead of Buying Clout, Get Help with Publicity
You might have now realised that any payment method to a third party is of no good. Instagram looks for accounts that are widely recognized and frequently mentioned in the media. Focus on building your reputation through PR efforts—get featured in credible news outlets, collaborate with influencers, start a hashtag campaign and create a hashtag feed, and showcase it on your website using an Instagram widget.
4. Optimize Your Profile and Bio
Don’t make the mistake various businesses commit: overlooking the profile and bio. An optimized profile and bio need the same attention as a post. A well-structured profile strengthens your verification application. Ensure your account is public, use a recognizable profile picture, write a clear and compelling bio, and include a link to your official website. Having at least one post is also mandatory.
5. Follow Meta’s Community Standards
The country you live in has laws and rules you should follow; similarly, on Instagram, you must follow the community guidelines. Instagram only verifies accounts that follow its rules. Avoid posting misleading, spammy, or inappropriate content. Staying compliant with Instagram’s guidelines ensures your account remains in good standing and eligible for verification.
Following guidelines, focusing on authenticity, building credibility, and getting engagement on Instagram can increase your chances of getting verified. Moreover, these measures can help you build a trustworthy online presence.
Things to Know Before Getting Verified on Instagram
In this digital space, security is important. Instagram values security, and so should you. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account from hacks. A compromised account can hurt your chances of getting the instagram verification or, worse, result in losing your profile altogether.
Instagram favors accounts that are active and engaging. Posting high-quality content consistently, interacting with followers, and staying involved in your niche will improve your credibility—and your chances of getting verified.
Who Should Get Verified on Instagram?
Like we mentioned above, anyone can get Instagram verification, but here are some notable industries that benefit the most from getting verified:
1. Brands & Businesses
We mentioned an example at the start of the blog. Imagine if one had fallen for the trick, people would believe that as a real person, the public image of that person would have been affected for sure. Similarly, it can happen to businesses; for them, Instagram verification is a mark of credibility. Customers also stay sure that they are engaged with the actual brand rather than some gimmick or scam.
Additionally, businesses also get:
- Stronger brand recognition – The verification badge distinguishes the official account from fake ones.
- Higher engagement rates – Consumers are more likely to interact with verified businesses.
- Protection against fraud – Verification prevents scammers from impersonating the brand.
2. Public Figures & Celebrities
Actors, musicians, athletes, politicians, and other well-known personalities are often targets for impersonation. There are fake accounts pretending to be them, or even fan pages that people often mistake for real accounts. All these can mislead people in scams. How can one forget the infamous scam that took place in the name of Brad Pitt? Instagram verification ensures that followers can easily identify the real account, protecting their reputation and preventing misinformation.
Beyond security, a verified account makes it easier for public figures to connect with their audience. Profiles with completed Instagram verification are prioritized first by Instagram algorithm, making them rank higher.
For companies using Instagram for marketing and customer engagement, verification strengthens their online authority and reputation.
3. Influencers & Content Creators
In the competitive world of digital content, influencers and creators need to stand out and establish credibility. A verified badge signals authenticity to followers, brands, and potential collaborators.
A verified influencer account can:
- Attract more brand partnerships – Companies prefer collaborating with verified creators.
- Increase audience trust – Followers are more likely to engage with content from a verified source.
- Improve discoverability – Verified accounts often appear higher in search results, making them more visible.
For content creators looking to build their careers and monetize their presence, verification adds legitimacy and opens doors to new opportunities.
4. Media Personalities & Journalists
News and information plays a vital role on today’s world. Hence, reporters, news anchors, and media professionals need to have verification. In an era where misinformation spreads quickly, verification confirms authenticity and credibility.
Why verification matters for media professionals:
- Builds trust with the audience – Readers can verify that they are getting information from a legitimate journalist.
- Prevents impersonation – Fake profiles often spread misinformation, and verification helps eliminate confusion.
- Enhances industry credibility – A verified journalist or media personality is more likely to be taken seriously.
Conclusion
We all know a how important it is authenticity in today’s world. Scams are flying all over the world, people are extracting money with name of celebrities, or misleading consumers. It in a way also tarnishes the image of said celebrity and brand. With the Instagram verification, you can prove your authenticity and your consumers can engage with you. No matter the route you take, be it a paid method or traditional, verification plays an important role, so get your verification now.
FAQs
There is no specific follower count required for Instagram verification. Verification is based on notability, authenticity, uniqueness, and completeness of your profile, rather than the number of followers.
You have two options: the traditional way and the subscription way. To get verified on Instagram, the traditional way:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu.
- Select For professional > Account types and tools > Request Verification.
- Provide your full name, identification documents, and proof of notability (such as media coverage).
- Submit the request and wait for Instagram’s review.
Instagram offers Meta Verified, a subscription service that provides verification for a monthly fee. The cost varies by country but generally ranges from $11.99 to $14.99 per month (for web and mobile subscriptions, respectively).
Instagram may reject verification requests if:
- Your account is not notable (not widely recognized or featured in media).
- Your profile is incomplete (missing bio, profile picture, or posts).
- Your account is not authentic or unique (fan pages and meme accounts don’t qualify).
- You provided false or insufficient information.
While there is no official minimum follower requirement, accounts with only 100 followers are unlikely to be verified unless they are highly notable (e.g., a celebrity, public figure, or brand covered in major media)
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