How to Get Verified on Instagram?

What is Instagram Verification?

Instagram verification is a process that grants eligible accounts a blue checkmark badge, which appears next to their profile name. This checkmark is a symbol of authenticity, confirming that the account genuinely represents a public figure, celebrity, brand, or business.

Originally, Instagram verification was exclusive to high-profile individuals and well-known brands. However, with the introduction of Meta Verified, more users—including small businesses and emerging influencers—can now access the verification process.

The blue checkmark serves as proof of legitimacy, helping users distinguish real accounts from impersonators or fan pages. It prevents identity theft and ensures that followers engage with the actual person or brand behind the profile. Whether you’re a business, influencer, or entrepreneur, Instagram verification provides instant credibility, making it easier to establish trust with your audience.

Why Does Instagram Verification Matter?

Being verified on Instagram offers several advantages that can significantly impact an account’s visibility and credibility.

1. Enhances Trust and Credibility – Followers are more likely to trust and engage with an account that carries the blue checkmark, as it signals authenticity.
2. Prevents Impersonation – Verification helps protect high-profile individuals and brands from fake accounts, copycats, and scammers trying to deceive followers.
3. Boosts Search Visibility – Verified accounts often appear higher in search results, making them easier to find. This can lead to greater exposure and follower growth.
4. Strengthens Brand Image – For businesses, the blue checkmark reinforces brand authority and positions them as a reputable entity in their industry.
5. Access to Exclusive Features – Verified accounts may receive early access to new Instagram features, such as special stickers, enhanced security options, and additional support from Instagram.
   

Instagram verification is more than just a status symbol—it’s a powerful tool for personal branding, business growth, and online security. Whether you’re an influencer looking to build credibility or a company aiming to increase brand trust, obtaining the blue checkmark can provide substantial long-term benefits.

Instagram Verification Requirements

Basic Criteria for Instagram Verification

Instagram has specific requirements that accounts must meet to qualify for verification. The platform assesses applications based on four key factors: authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability.

Authenticity 

Is essential,  meaning the account must represent a real person, registered business, or recognized entity. Users must provide legal documents, such as a government-issued ID or business registration, to confirm their identity. Instagram does not verify fan pages, meme accounts, or accounts representing broad topics without a clear individual or brand identity.

Uniqueness 

Another crucial requirement. Each person or business is allowed only one verified account unless they operate multiple language-specific versions. General interest accounts, such as those dedicated to reposting content or aggregating information, do not qualify for verification.

Completeness 

Plays a significant role in the approval process. A verified account must be public and feature a profile picture, a well-crafted bio, and active engagement on the platform. Having a history of consistent posting and interaction with followers helps establish credibility.

Notability

Is often the most challenging criterion to meet. Instagram prioritizes accounts that belong to highly searched individuals, brands, or public figures. Applicants should have their names featured in reputable news sources that are not sponsored or paid promotions. This ensures that the verification badge is reserved for those with a significant presence and impact in their field.

Who Can Apply for Instagram Verification?

Instagram verification is no longer exclusive to celebrities and major brands. Any individual, business, or brand that aligns with Instagram’s eligibility guidelines can apply. Entrepreneurs, influencers, journalists, and content creators can seek verification if they can demonstrate a strong online presence and media recognition.

Small businesses and startups can also apply, provided they have an established brand identity and a significant level of engagement on the platform. Artists, athletes, public speakers, and industry experts who receive regular media coverage stand a better chance of being verified.

Instagram does not require a minimum follower count to apply. Instead, it evaluates whether an account is widely recognized and at risk of impersonation. Having a website, external press mentions, and a history of organic growth can strengthen an application.

Ultimately, anyone who meets Instagram’s verification criteria and follows its community guidelines has the opportunity to apply. However, approval is never guaranteed, and users may need to enhance their visibility, credibility, and digital footprint before securing the blue checkmark.

How to Get Verified on Instagram

Instagram offers two main methods for obtaining verification: the traditional free verification process and the Meta Verified subscription. Each option has different requirements and benefits, allowing users to choose the method that best suits their needs.

Method 1 – Free Instagram Verification Application

For those who meet Instagram’s eligibility criteria, the standard verification process is free and relatively straightforward. However, approval is not guaranteed, as Instagram evaluates applications based on authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability.

The process begins by logging into the Instagram account that you wish to verify. Once logged in, navigate to the Settings menu by tapping the three-line icon in the top-right corner of your profile page. From there, select “Account” and then tap “Request Verification.”

The verification application will require several key details. You must provide your full legal name or business name, as well as your industry category. To confirm authenticity, Instagram will ask for a government-issued ID (for individuals) or official business documents (for companies). These documents help prove that the account represents a legitimate person or entity.

Additionally, Instagram encourages applicants to provide supporting links that demonstrate their notability. These can include links to press mentions, news articles, or other verified social media profiles. The stronger the external recognition of your brand or personal identity, the higher the chances of approval.

Once all necessary information is provided, the final step is to submit the application. Instagram typically reviews verification requests within 30 days. If approved, the account will immediately receive the blue checkmark badge. If denied, users can apply again after a 30-day waiting period.

Method 2 – Meta Verified (Paid Verification)

For users who do not meet Instagram’s traditional verification requirements, Meta Verified provides an alternative route to securing the blue checkmark. This subscription-based service allows individuals to pay a monthly fee in exchange for verification, along with additional account benefits.

The Meta Verified subscription is available for $14.99 per month for mobile users and $11.99 per month for desktop users. Unlike the free verification process, Meta Verified does not require users to be notable public figures or brands. However, applicants must still meet basic eligibility requirements to qualify.

To apply for Meta Verified, users must ensure that their Instagram account is active and complete, with a clear profile picture and a public profile. Additionally, they must enable two-factor authentication for added security. The verification process requires government-issued ID verification, ensuring that the account is linked to a real individual rather than an anonymous entity.

Beyond the blue checkmark, Meta Verified offers several premium features. Subscribers gain increased account protection, making it harder for impostors to steal their identity. They also receive priority customer support, allowing them to resolve account issues faster. Additionally, verified users may have access to exclusive Instagram stickers and features that are not available to regular users.

Once the subscription is confirmed and the verification is approved, the blue checkmark badge appears immediately on the profile. Unlike the free verification method, Meta Verified is not a one-time approval—it requires an ongoing monthly payment to maintain the verified status. If the subscription is canceled, the blue checkmark is removed.

While the traditional free verification process remains the gold standard for proving authenticity, Meta Verified offers a faster and more accessible way to obtain Instagram verification for those willing to pay for additional benefits.

Instagram Verification Tips for Success

Securing the blue checkmark on Instagram isn’t just about filling out an application. It requires strategic preparation to meet Instagram’s eligibility criteria and stand out from the millions of users applying for verification. Whether you’re opting for the free verification process or Meta Verified, following these tips will increase your chances of success.

Optimize Your Profile Before Applying

A well-optimized profile is the foundation of a successful Instagram verification request. Instagram favors complete, active, and professional accounts when granting verification badges.

Start by ensuring that your profile picture is clear and recognizable. If you’re a brand, use a high-quality logo that aligns with your business identity. For individuals, a professional headshot or a well-lit personal image is ideal. Your Instagram bio should be concise yet informative, clearly stating what you do and why people should follow you. Including relevant keywords related to your niche can also help with discoverability.

Additionally, make sure your account is public and actively engaging with followers. Post regularly, respond to comments, and use Instagram Stories, Reels, and other features to maintain a dynamic presence. The more consistent and professional your account appears, the more credible it will look when Instagram reviews your verification application.

Build a Strong Online Presence

Instagram prioritizes accounts that are notable and widely recognized. If you want to increase your chances of verification, work on establishing a strong online presence beyond Instagram.

Being featured in news sources, interviews, podcasts, and reputable blogs can significantly boost your credibility. Instagram looks for accounts that are frequently searched and mentioned in trusted publications. If you haven’t been featured in any articles, consider hiring a PR agency or reaching out to journalists who cover your industry.

Collaborating with verified influencers or brands can also add legitimacy to your profile. Partnering on projects, guest appearances on social media live streams, or shoutouts from established accounts can improve your visibility. The more external recognition your brand or personal identity receives, the more likely Instagram will consider you worthy of verification.

Grow Your Instagram Following Organically

While Instagram does not require a minimum follower count for verification, a large and engaged audience can strengthen your application. Focus on growing your followers naturally, rather than resorting to paid services or bots.

Engagement is key—interact with your audience by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and using interactive features like polls and quizzes in Stories. Creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience will increase shares and boost visibility.

Using relevant hashtags strategically can help attract the right audience. Research trending hashtags in your niche and include a mix of popular and industry-specific tags. Collaborating with other content creators and participating in viral trends can also expose your account to a broader audience, making your profile more attractive to Instagram’s verification team.

Avoid Instagram Verification Scams

One of the biggest mistakes users make is falling for verification scams. Scammers often claim they can get you verified for a fee, but Instagram does not allow third-party verification services.

If someone offers to sell you a verification badge, it’s a red flag. Buying followers, likes, or engagement in an attempt to appear more notable can also backfire, as Instagram actively removes fake accounts and engagement fraud. These shady tactics can result in your account being flagged or banned, making verification impossible.

Stick to Instagram’s official process and avoid services that promise instant verification. The only paid option approved by Instagram is Meta Verified, which provides verification through a legitimate subscription.

Maintain Compliance with Instagram Guidelines

No matter how strong your brand is, if your account violates Instagram’s guidelines, you won’t get verified. Instagram expects verified users to adhere to its community standards, which means avoiding hate speech, spammy behavior, copyright violations, and misleading content.

Before applying, review Instagram’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines to ensure your account is in good standing. Avoid posting controversial or policy-violating content, and refrain from any activity that could be seen as inauthentic or deceptive.

Instagram has been known to remove verification badges from accounts that break the rules. Once verified, maintaining your reputation and compliance is essential to keeping the blue checkmark.

What to Do If Your Instagram Verification Request is Denied?

Getting verified on Instagram isn’t guaranteed, and many applications are rejected. If your request for the blue checkmark is denied, don’t worry—you can take strategic steps to improve your chances before reapplying. Understanding the common reasons for rejection and working on your digital credibility can significantly boost your odds of approval in the future.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Instagram has strict verification criteria, and applications may be denied if an account does not meet the platform’s requirements. One of the most common reasons for rejection is a lack of notability. Instagram prioritizes accounts that belong to widely recognized individuals, brands, or public figures, so if your name or business isn’t frequently searched or mentioned in media, your application might not pass the review process.

Another major reason for rejection is an incomplete profile. If your account doesn’t have a clear profile picture, a compelling bio, and consistent activity, Instagram may see it as inactive or not fully established. Accounts that have few posts, minimal engagement, or inconsistent content may also be flagged as ineligible.

Additionally, having insufficient media coverage can hurt your chances of verification. Instagram checks for third-party press mentions in reputable publications. If your name only appears on paid press releases or low-quality blogs, it may not be considered valid proof of notability.

Steps to Improve and Reapply

If your verification request was denied, take time to strengthen your online presence before reapplying. Instagram allows users to submit a new verification request after 30 days, so use this period wisely.

Start by enhancing your digital footprint. Aim to get featured in credible media outlets, such as news articles, interviews, or industry-related websites. You can also boost your public recognition by participating in podcasts, guest blogging, or collaborating with influencers.

Growing engagement on your account is another key factor. Post high-quality content consistently, interact with your followers, and use Instagram features like Reels, Stories, and Live videos to stay active. The more engaged your audience is, the more likely Instagram will see your account as a valuable public presence.

Before reapplying, double-check that your profile meets Instagram’s verification requirements. Ensure your account is public, has a strong bio, and represents a real person, brand, or business. The more complete and professional your account looks, the better your chances of approval.

Alternative Ways to Boost Credibility

Even if you don’t get verified, there are still effective ways to enhance your credibility on Instagram. One of the easiest strategies is to link your Instagram account to your official website and other verified social media profiles. This reinforces your authenticity and helps establish your identity.

Leveraging public relations (PR) strategies can also make a difference. Work on getting organic media coverage in respected publications rather than relying on paid promotional articles, which Instagram does not count as valid notability.

Another great approach is to collaborate with already verified users. Engaging in shoutouts, partnerships, or interviews with verified influencers or brands can help elevate your reputation. Being tagged or mentioned by well-known accounts increases your visibility and strengthens your case for verification.

While rejection can be frustrating, it doesn’t mean you’ll never get verified. By refining your online presence, engagement, and credibility, you can increase your chances of approval when you reapply.

Conclusion

Earning the blue checkmark on Instagram is more than just a status symbol—it’s a powerful tool that can elevate your brand, boost credibility, and enhance visibility. Whether you’re an influencer, business, or public figure, verification helps distinguish your account as authentic and trustworthy, protecting you from impersonation while solidifying your authority on the platform.

Getting verified on Instagram requires more than just applying. You need to optimize your profile, establish a strong digital presence, and engage actively with your audience. Instagram prioritizes accounts that demonstrate notability and public interest, so ensuring your name appears in reputable media sources, collaborating with verified users, and growing your organic reach can significantly increase your chances of approval.

For those who don’t meet Instagram’s traditional verification criteria, Meta Verified offers an alternative solution. This subscription-based service allows users to obtain verification by paying a monthly fee while also providing added security, exclusive features, and priority customer support. However, whether you apply for free or opt for Meta Verified, maintaining an authentic, consistent, and active presence is crucial.

Instagram verification isn’t just about obtaining a badge—it’s about building a brand that stands out. By following the right strategies and staying committed to long-term growth, you can position yourself for success and make the most of the opportunities that come with being Instagram verified.

FAQs 

How many followers do I need to get verified on Instagram?

There is no official follower count requirement for Instagram verification. Unlike other social media platforms that may prioritize accounts with a large audience, Instagram focuses more on an account’s notability and authenticity rather than its number of followers. This means that even an account with a few thousand followers can get verified if it meets Instagram’s eligibility criteria.

However, having a highly engaged following can improve your chances. If your account consistently receives likes, comments, shares, and media mentions, Instagram may see it as notable and valuable to the platform. Engagement signals that your account is actively contributing to the Instagram community, making it more likely to be recognized as an influential presence. While a large following can help, verification is more about your public presence and credibility rather than your follower count alone.

Can I pay to get Instagram verified?

The only legitimate way to pay for Instagram verification is through Meta Verified, Instagram’s official paid verification program. With this subscription service, users can pay a monthly fee (starting at $14.99/month) to receive a verification badge, enhanced account security, and priority support. However, Meta Verified still requires users to verify their identity with a government-issued ID, ensuring that only real individuals receive verification.

Outside of Meta Verified, buying verification from third parties is against Instagram’s policies. Many scammers claim they can sell verification badges, but these services are fraudulent and can result in account suspension or permanent bans. Instagram strictly prohibits users from purchasing verification, followers, or engagement. To avoid falling for scams, always follow the official verification process outlined by Instagram.

How long does Instagram verification take?

The timeline for Instagram verification varies, but for those using the free verification process, Instagram typically reviews applications within 30 days. During this time, Instagram’s team evaluates whether an account meets the authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability criteria before approving or denying the request.

For users subscribed to Meta Verified, the verification process is much faster. Since Meta Verified does not require media recognition like the traditional process, approvals can happen within hours or a few days once identity verification is completed. This makes Meta Verified the quickest way to obtain the blue checkmark, but it requires a monthly subscription to maintain verified status.

If your verification request is denied through the free application, you can reapply after 30 days, giving you time to strengthen your profile and improve your notability.

Can Instagram remove my verification badge?

Yes, Instagram can revoke verification badges at any time if a user violates its rules. Verified accounts must comply with Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines, and any breach of these policies could result in losing the blue checkmark.

Common reasons for losing verification include changing your account type, such as switching from a personal account to a business account, or engaging in prohibited activities like misleading content, spam, or hate speech. Instagram also regularly audits verified accounts to ensure they still meet the verification criteria. If your account becomes inactive, violates policies, or is linked to fraudulent behavior, Instagram may remove your verification badge without warning.

If your verification is revoked, there is no guarantee of getting it back, but you can reapply for verification if you believe it was removed unfairly. To maintain your verified status, always follow Instagram’s rules, stay active, and continue building a strong and credible presence on the platform.