If you’re looking to establish yourself as a public figure or grow your brand on Instagram, getting verified is a crucial step. The blue checkmark next to your username signifies that your account is authentic and verified by Instagram. This badge of authenticity can help you gain credibility, increase your followers, and even land brand deals.
To get verified on Instagram, you need to meet certain criteria set by the platform. While there’s no guarantee that your account will be verified, following these steps can increase your chances of getting that coveted blue checkmark. From optimizing your profile to providing proof of identity, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get verified on Instagram.
Understanding Instagram Verification
In this section, we’ll cover the basics of Instagram verification, the importance of the blue badge, and how it differs from Facebook verification.
What is Instagram Verification?
Instagram verification is the process of getting a verified badge, also known as a blue tick, on your profile. The blue checkmark tells other users that your account is authentic and belongs to the user, brand, or entity it represents. This badge is only given to accounts that Instagram deems to be of public interest.
To get verified, you need to submit a request to Instagram. The platform will then review your account to determine whether you meet their criteria for verification. Once you’re verified, you’ll have access to additional features that non-verified accounts don’t have, such as the ability to add links to your Instagram Stories.
Importance of the Blue Checkmark
The blue checkmark is a symbol of trust and authenticity. It tells users that your account is legitimate and not a fake or impersonation account. This is especially important for businesses and influencers who rely on their online presence to build their brand and reputation.
Having a verified badge also gives you more control over your online presence. It ensures that your profile is the only one representing your brand or entity, which can help prevent others from impersonating you or diluting your brand.
Instagram Verification vs Facebook Verification
While Instagram and Facebook are both owned by Mark Zuckerberg, the verification process for each platform is slightly different. To get verified on Facebook, you need to submit a request and provide documentation to prove your identity and ownership of the page.
Instagram, on the other hand, has a more subjective verification process. The platform looks at a variety of factors, such as the number of followers, the amount of engagement, and whether the account is featured in multiple news sources.
Eligibility Criteria for Instagram Verification
To get verified on Instagram, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure that only authentic public figures, celebrities, content creators, and brands are verified. Here are the key criteria you need to meet:
- Authenticity Requirement
Your Instagram account must represent a real person, brand, or entity. Instagram does not verify fake accounts or those impersonating someone else. You need to ensure that your account is not violating any of Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of service.
- Public Figure and Notability Requirement
Your account must be of a public figure, celebrity, or brand that is highly searched for. Instagram reviews accounts that are featured in multiple news sources and do not consider paid or sponsored media content as sources for review. You must also have a significant following on Instagram to be considered for verification.
- Unique Entity Requirement
Your Insta page should be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. This means that you cannot have multiple accounts representing the same entity. If you have multiple accounts, you need to merge them into one account before applying for verification.
- Community Guidelines and Terms of Service
Your account should also not violate any of Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of service. It should not promote hate speech, violence, or any other form of discrimination. Moreover, your content should not be spammy or engage in any other form of fraudulent activity.
How to Apply for Instagram Verification
The process of getting verified on Instagram is simple, but you need to meet certain criteria and provide some documents. Here’s how to apply for Instagram verification:
Step-by-Step Verification Process
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Account.
- Tap Request Verification.
- Enter your full name and provide the required form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID. Make sure the name on your ID matches the name on your Instagram account.
- Upload a photo of your ID. Make sure the photo is clear and legible.
- Submit your application by tapping the Submit button.
Required Documents for Verification Application
When applying for Instagram verification, you need to provide a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. Instagram only accepts certain types of IDs, so make sure you check the guidelines before you apply. You also need to provide a clear photo of your ID that shows your name and photo.
In addition to your ID, Instagram may ask for additional documentation to verify your identity. This could include a business license, tax filing, or other official documents. Make sure you have all the required documents before you apply.
Overall, the verification process on Instagram is straightforward, but it can take some time to get approved. Make sure you meet all the criteria and provide all the required documents to increase your chances of getting verified.
Optimising Your Instagram Profile for Verification
In addition, you need to optimise your profile to showcase your authenticity. Here are some steps you can take to make your profile more attractive to Instagram’s verification team.
Creating an Authentic Bio
Your bio is the first thing people see when they visit your profile. It’s also one of the first things Instagram’s verification team will look at when deciding whether to verify your account. Make sure your bio is authentic and accurate. Here are some tips:
- Be concise: Use clear, concise language to describe yourself or your brand.
- Use keywords: Use keywords relevant to your niche to help people find you more easily.
- Include contact information: Include your email address or other contact information to make it easy for people to get in touch with you.
Posting High-Quality Photos
Instagram is a visual platform, and the quality of your photos can make a big difference in how people perceive you or your brand. Here are some tips to help you post high quality pics that your followers will love.
- Use good lighting: Natural lighting is best, but if you’re indoors, use soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows.
- Use a high-quality camera: Use a good camera or smartphone to take your photos. Avoid blurry or pixelated images.
- Edit your photos: Use Instagram’s built-in editing tools or other photo editing apps to enhance your photos and profile picture.
Increasing Engagement and Followers
Having a large following and a high engagement rate can also increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram. Here is how you can increase engagement and followers:
- Post regularly: Post consistent, high-quality content to keep your followers engaged and attract new ones.
- Use hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to help your audience base find your posts.
- Engage with your followers: Respond to comments and messages to build relationships with your followers.
Remember, getting verified is not guaranteed, but by creating an authentic profile and engaging with your followers, you’ll be on the right track.
Common Myths and Misconceptions about Instagram Verification
Having a blue tick on Instagram is a sought-after status symbol for many users on the platform. However, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding Instagram verification that can lead to confusion. In this section, we will debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions about Instagram verification.
Myth about Follower Count
One of the most common myths about Instagram verification is that you need to have a large number of followers to get verified. However, the number of followers you have does not guarantee verification. While having a large following can increase your chances of getting verified, it is not the only factor that Instagram considers.
Misconception 1: Business Accounts
Another misconception about Instagram verification is that only business accounts can get verified. While it is true that businesses, brands, and organisations are more likely to get verified, individual users can also get verified if they meet Instagram’s criteria.
Misconception 2: Private Profiles
Some users believe that having a private profile can hurt their chances of getting verified. However, Instagram does not discriminate against private profiles when it comes to verification. As long as your account meets the verification criteria, you can get verified regardless of whether your profile is public or private.
Post Verification Tips and Best Practices
Congratulations! You’ve successfully obtained a verified status on Instagram. Now, it’s time to maintain your status and leverage it for brand awareness. Here are some tips and best practices to help you make the most of your verified account.
Maintaining Your Verified Status
Once you’ve obtained a verified status, it’s important to maintain it. Instagram can remove your verified status if you violate their terms of service or if you change your username. Here are some tips to help you maintain your verified status:
- Follow Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of service.
- Avoid using third-party apps that violate Instagram’s terms of service.
- Don’t change your username frequently. If you need to change it, make sure to notify Instagram and update your verification badge accordingly.
- Engage with your followers and respond to their comments and messages.
Leveraging Your Verification for Brand Awareness
Having a verified account on Instagram can help increase your brand awareness and authority. Here are some ways to leverage your verification for brand awareness:
- Use your verified badge in your Instagram bio, website, and other social media profiles to increase your credibility and trust.
- Collaborate with other verified accounts to increase your reach and authority.
- Use Instagram’s features such as Instagram Live, IGTV, and Instagram Stories to engage with your audience and increase your brand awareness.
- Share news and updates related to your industry to position yourself as an authority and increase your credibility.
- Develop an Instagram strategy that aligns with your brand values and goals.
Get Verified on Instagram
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to get verified on Instagram and earn your blue checkmark. Remember, the verification badge is not just a status symbol, it signifies authenticity and credibility. It is a valuable tool for public figures, influencers, and businesses to build their online presence and increase their reach.
The process for getting verified on Instagram involves submitting a verification request through the app. To do this, go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and select “Settings.” From there, select “Account,” then “Request Verification.” You’ll need to provide your full name and a form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove your identity.
To be eligible for Instagram verification, you must meet certain criteria. According to Instagram, your account must be:
- Authentic: Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
- Unique: Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents.
- Complete: Your account must be public and have a bio, profile photo, and at least one post.
- Notable: Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity.
The time it takes to get verified on Instagram can vary. Instagram says that it can take up to 30 days for your verification request to be reviewed. However, some users have reported receiving a response within a few days, while others have waited several weeks or even months.
No, it is not possible to pay to get verified on Instagram. Instagram does not offer a paid verification service, and any website or service that claims to offer verification for a fee is likely a scam.
Using hacks or fake methods to get verified on Instagram can result in your account being permanently banned from the platform. Instagram takes verification very seriously and has strict policies in place to prevent fraud and abuse.
If you can’t get verified on Instagram, don’t give up. Make sure your account meets all of the eligibility requirements, and consider building your online presence and reputation through other means, such as creating high-quality content and engaging with your followers. Remember that verification is not a guarantee, and there are many successful accounts on Instagram that are not verified.
