How to Get Verified on Instagram: A Detailed Guide 2024
Have you ever wondered how some profiles on Instagram boast that prestigious blue checkmark? This mark not only enhances your credibility but also elevates your social media presence. Whether you’re a brand, a public figure, or an influencer, getting verified on Instagram can significantly impact your digital footprint. Today, we’re diving into the essentials of how you can secure this symbol of trust and authenticity.
What Is Instagram Verification?
Instagram verification involves obtaining a blue badge that appears next to your profile name. This badge is Instagram’s way of confirming that the account belongs to the authentic presence of a public figure, celebrity, notable brand, or organization it claims to represent. It is a hallmark of authenticity and reliability in a platform teeming with potential fake accounts and impersonators.
The blue checkmark on an Instagram profile does more than just signify authenticity. It acts as a deterrent against impersonation, ensuring that followers connect with the genuine individual or entity. For public figures and brands, this can translate into better engagement rates and increased trust among followers. Moreover, verified accounts often stand out in search results, making them easier to find for users searching for authentic content.
Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?
Gaining the coveted blue checkmark on your Instagram profile can significantly boost your credibility and authenticity online. But who can get verified on Instagram, and what does it take? Let’s dive into the criteria and process you need to know to secure that blue badge.
Eligibility for Instagram Verification: Instagram’s verification is designed to authenticate the identities of notable figures, brands, and organizations, making it easier for users to connect with genuine accounts. Not just anyone can get verified; Instagram has specific criteria to determine eligibility:
Authenticity: Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a recognized organization. Accounts representing fictional characters, memes, or fan pages are not eligible for verification.
Uniqueness: You must be the sole holder of the account for your persona or brand on Instagram, except for accounts specific to language or regional variations, which Instagram does recognize.
Public Profile: To be eligible for verification, your Instagram account must be public. Private accounts do not meet the criteria as they limit audience access.
Complete Profile: Your profile must include a complete bio, a profile photo, and at least one post. These elements help establish the active and legitimate use of the account.
Notability: The account must be well-known or highly searched for. This typically means that the person, brand, or organization has a significant public interest or has been featured in multiple news sources.
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How to Get Verified on Instagram: A Step-By-Step Guide
01
Understand Eligibility Requirements
Before you apply, ensure your profile meets Instagram’s criteria:
Public Account: Your profile must be public.
Authenticity: You must represent a real person, registered business, or brand.
Complete Profile: Have a complete bio, profile picture, and at least one post.
Unique Presence: Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents, excluding any language-specific accounts.
Notability: Your profile should be well-known or represent a person, brand, or entity that is highly searched for and featured in multiple news sources.
02
Accessing the Verification Request Form
Navigate to Profile Settings: Open your Instagram app, go to your profile, and tap on the hamburger icon (three lines) in the top right corner.
Open Settings: Tap on 'Settings', then 'Account', and select 'Request Verification'.
03
Complete the Application
Enter Personal Details: Fill in your legal name and known as name (if applicable).
Category Selection: Choose a category that best describes your presence (e.g., Blogger/Influencer, Sports, News/Media).
Upload Identification: For individuals, upload a photo of their government-issued ID. For businesses, provide a document like a tax filing, utility bill, or official business document.
04
Submit and Wait
Submit the Form: Once you’ve filled out all necessary fields, tap ‘Send’ to submit your application.
Await Response: Instagram typically reviews applications within a few days to a month. Keep an eye on your notifications tab for Instagram's decision.
Alternative Path: Meta Verified
Subscribe to Meta Verified: For individuals not meeting traditional notability criteria, consider subscribing to Meta Verified for a monthly fee. Ensure you’re 18+, have a profile photo showing your face, and meet activity requirements.
Application via Instagram: Navigate to your profile, tap the hamburger menu, choose 'Meta Verified', and follow the prompts to subscribe and pay.
05
Increasing Your Chances
Stay Active and Engage: Regularly update your profile and engage with your audience.
Secure Media Mentions: Being featured in reputable publications can bolster your notability.
Time Your Application: Apply when your public visibility is at its peak, like after a viral post or significant media coverage.
tips to get verified on Instagram
Filling out the Instagram verification form is easy. The hard part is getting approved. These tips will help you get the green light for your new blue badge.
Ensure Your Profile is Complete and Engaging
Complete Your Bio: Make sure your profile includes a comprehensive bio, a recognizable profile picture, and at least one post. Your bio should clearly state who you are and what you do, reflecting the essence of your brand or personal brand.
Optimize for Engagement: An engaging profile isn't just visually appealing; it also communicates the uniqueness of your brand or persona. Consider using a professional touch to design your posts and bio layout.
Be Active and Authentic
Regular Posting: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your followers engaged and attract new ones. Active profiles are more likely to get noticed not just by followers but by Instagram's verification team.
Real Interactions: Engage with your audience through comments, live sessions, and stories. Authentic interaction helps build a loyal community around your brand.
Protect Your Brand Against Impersonation
Report Imposters: If you find accounts that impersonate you or your brand, report them immediately. A higher incidence of impersonation increases the odds of receiving verification as Instagram aims to protect users from confusion and fraud.
Leverage Publicity
Media Coverage: Strive to get featured in news outlets, blogs, and other media. Authentic, non-paid media mentions are crucial as they establish your noteworthiness.
Public Relations: If possible, work with PR professionals to increase your media presence. This not only boosts your profile’s visibility but also supports your verification claim by highlighting your public relevance.
Avoid Shortcut Tactics
No Buying Followers: Purchasing followers or engagement can backfire. Instagram’s algorithms are designed to detect such activities, which could lead to penalties instead of verification.
Stay Away from Scams: Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee verification, and be wary of third-party apps offering such services.
Time Your Verification Request
Strategic Application: Apply for verification when your brand is experiencing a peak in popularity, such as after a major product launch, during a high-profile event, or following significant media coverage.
Monitor Trends: Keep an eye on when your name or brand is trending and leverage this by applying for verification during these peak times.
Reapply If Necessary
Persistence Pays Off: If your initial request is denied, don’t be discouraged. Improve your profile based on feedback (if any), strengthen your online presence, and reapply after 30 days.
Maintain a Clean Profile
Cross-Platform Links: Instagram prefers that your profile does not contain links to other social media platforms. However, linking to your official website or online portfolio is encouraged as it reinforces your legitimacy.
Wrapping Up
Securing the coveted blue checkmark on Instagram is a valuable achievement for anyone looking to authenticate and elevate their online presence. Remember, the journey to Instagram verification requires not just meeting Instagram's criteria but also actively building and protecting your online brand. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your visibility, following these steps can set you on the right path to gaining that prestigious blue badge and establishing your authenticity in the digital world.