On Instagram, it’s beneficial for the community for certain users to be verified, as this process ensures that a brand or notable person is who they claim to be. If you’ve ever viewed a user’s Instagram to find a small blue check mark next to their name, that user has been verified, and you can better trust that the account is official.
Not anyone can become verified on Instagram, and the process is quite mysterious, but we’ll take you through it. Here’s how to get verified on Instagram — or at least try.
About Instagram verification
Being verified on social media has become a badge of prestige, as not just anyone can strut around with the coveted blue check mark. On Instagram, the verification process ensures the community can better trust accounts to be authentic. Here is the exact definition of Instagram verification from the company itself:
“A verified badge is a check that appears next to an Instagram account’s name to indicate that the account is the authentic presence of a notable public figure, celebrity, global brand, or entity it represents.”
A few example categories available for verification include News/Media, Sports, Government/Politics, Music, Fashion, Entertainment, Blogger/Influencer, and Business/Brand/Organization. When applying for your verification, you will also need to include a form of a government-issued ID or official business documents.
How to apply for verification
If you want to give verification a shot, you can follow our instructions. In most cases, Instagram will review the application in a few weeks, but sometimes in as short as only a few days. If denied, you must wait another 30 days before you can apply again.
Step 1: Open Instagram on your mobile device.
Step 2: Tap on your Profile tab.
Step 3: Click the Hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
Step 4: Tap Settings > Account.
Step 5: Select Request Verification.
Step 6: Fill in your full legal name, a working name if applicable, and your category.
Step 7: Upload a government-issued form of ID.
Step 8: Click Send.
Tips for verification
Solen Feyissa/Unsplash
When applying for verification on Instagram, understand that being approved is somewhat rare, and Instagram may use metrics to supplement their decision. The most likely individuals and businesses to be approved are those at risk of being impersonated. Users who have a large number of real followers and are highly searched for have a higher chance of approval. Your account should be authentic, public, and complete. If you seldom use the account, it likely won’t get approval.
If you represent a large business or are a notable individual, you may wish to work with an agency or your publicist on the process. If you’re an individual who’s not in one of those categories, fear not! You can always reapply, keeping in mind the factors Instagram considers when approving verified accounts and doing some work to make your account more of a fit.
How NOT to get verified
Most critically, do not attempt to buy verification badges. Becoming verified on Instagram is not something that can be purchased, and scam accounts and sites may try to convince you that a simple payment is all that’s needed. Even if the service looks legitimate or claims to offer full refunds, do not go that route. One simply cannot purchase the Instagram verification badge, and attempting to purchase a verification badge is asking for trouble.