How to Get Verified on Instagram - Updated 2024

What are those little blue checkmarks next to some Instagram profiles? That little badge is more than just a fancy icon. It’s a mark of distinction that sets certain accounts apart, and guess what? It’s not as inaccessible as it looks—you can have a slice of the pie, too.

What does Instagram verification mean?

That coveted blue badge implies Instagram verifies the account. It’s like a VIP pass on social media, showing everyone that Instagram has confirmed your account’s authenticity. Whether you’re a public figure, a brand, or an influencer, having Instagram personally hype you up online gives you major street cred.

To get a verified badge, you can either use the traditional method—limited to notable and unique individuals like public figures, celebrities, and well-known brands—or opt for the subscription-based verification program Meta Verified, which is open to anyone providing value through their Instagram page. Just note that the traditional method requires you to have an Instagram business account.

There are four subscription plans to choose from.

☑️ Meta Verified Business Standard 

This package helps protect and support your business by providing several key benefits: a verified badge, email and chat support, an enhanced profile with the ability to add links with images, search optimization, and impersonation protection.

☑️ Meta Verified Business Plus 

You will have advanced support and features to help your business stand out. Benefits include a verified badge, prioritized email and chat support, an enhanced profile with the ability to add links with images, three business addresses, and three other business accounts or Pages. 

Additional perks include search optimization, impersonation protection, a featured account, and links in 2 Reels per month.

☑️ Meta Verified Business Premium 

You get comprehensive support and enhanced features to optimize your business. Benefits include a verified badge, prioritized email and chat support, phone call requests from support agents, an improved profile with the ability to add links with images, five business addresses, and five other business profiles or Pages. 

Additional advantages include search optimization, impersonation protection, employee impersonation protection for two employees, a featured account, links in 4 Reels per month, and customized chat themes.

☑️ Meta Verified Business Max 

With this package, you can expect the most robust support and enhanced features to optimize your business. Benefits include a verified badge, prioritized email and chat support, phone call requests from support agents, dedicated monitoring for active support cases, an enhanced profile with the ability to add links with images, eight business addresses, and eight other business profiles or Pages. 

Additional perks include search optimization, impersonation protection, employee impersonation protection for five employees, a featured account, links in 6 Reels per month, customized chat themes, and a semi-annual account review.

Who can get verified on Instagram?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just celebrities and mega-brands who get to snag the blue badge. Instagram verification is open to anyone who meets its criteria. If you’re a public figure, a brand, or an influencer with a following and you’re at risk of being impersonated, you’ve got a shot. 

The key is proving you’re the real deal and bringing value to the Instagram community. It’s not as exclusive as it seems, so if you’ve built some type of presence and have the chops to back it up, you could be next in line for that shiny blue badge.

Why get verified on Instagram?

When your account is verified, it shows users that you’re authentic and trustworthy. This is essential if you’re a small-medium-sized brand looking to build your reputation.

Verification grants access to analytics tools and priority support from Instagram and unlocks exclusive features like stickers for Instagram Stories and Reels, enhancing your content's visibility. Moreover, it distinguishes your account in search results and safeguards it from imposters trying to steal your identity. 

Take Stüssy, for example. When you search for this clothing brand on Instagram, numerous fake accounts also pop up. However, because it’s verified on Instagram, I can quickly identify the authentic account since Instagram places it at the top of the search results.

Ultimately, getting verified isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about strengthening your online presence and making it easier for your audience to find and connect with you.

How to get verified on Instagram

There are two methods to obtain the verified badge:

1. Request the verified badge as a public figure, celebrity, or brand.
2. Subscribe to Meta Verified, which is a paid monthly subscription. 

Method 1: Request the verified badge

Step 1. Tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner of your Instagram profile.

Step 2. Go to Settings and Privacy, then:

• First, ensure you have an Instagram business account set up. Then, go to ‘Business tools and controls.’
• Scroll down and select ‘Request verification.’

Step 3. Complete the application form. This section requires you to confirm authenticity by uploading 1-2 identification documents. Your driver’s license, passport, national identification card, tax filing, or recent utility bill will do.

🔔 Once your account is verified, you won’t be able to change your username, so ensure it meets your satisfaction before submitting your application.

Step 4. Demonstrate that the brand your account represents is considered 'in the public interest.' Choose a category and select the country or region where your account is most recognized. Optionally, describe your audience and include any additional names under which your business operates.

Step 5. You can include up to 3 links demonstrating your account's relevance to the public interest. These include articles, social media profiles, or other relevant links. While this section is optional, Instagram recommends it. 

🔔 Please note that Instagram does not consider paid-for news sources or sponsored media content valid for verification.

Step 6. Once you’re done, hit the ‘Submit’ button. The button will be grayed out until you’ve completed all the required information.

Step 7. Look out for a message from Instagram on your notifications tab. To prevent scams, Instagram emphasizes that they will never contact you via email, request payment, or reach out in any other manner.

You can expect to receive a response within a few days to a week, although it may take up to 30 days in some cases. Instagram does not provide feedback or reasons for its decision, but you can reapply after 30 days if it declines your request. 

Method 2: Subscribe to Meta Verified

Step 1. Click on the hamburger menu in the top right corner of your Instagram profile.

Step 2. Click on ‘Meta Verified.’

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Step 3. Choose between a personal profile or a business profile.

Step 4. Choose the profile(s) you’d like to subscribe.

Step 5. You will see this confirmation panel if you’ve chosen to subscribe with a single profile:

You can also sign up for Meta Verified to verify your Facebook profile together with your Instagram profile for a discount:

Step 6. Complete the rest of the verification steps in the Instagram mobile app. Meta will verify your identity and issue your blue checkmark within 48 hours.

What happens if your Instagram verification gets rejected?

If Instagram doesn’t accept your application for verification, you’ll receive a notification in the app informing you of the decision. Keep in mind that you can reapply after 30 days. However, Instagram does not provide specific feedback on why your application is denied.

5 tips for getting verified on Instagram

☝️ Play by the rules

If you break Instagram's guidelines, they can yank your badge or even deactivate your account. To avoid this, don't advertise, transfer, or sell your badge, and don't misuse your profile picture, bio, or name to promote services that violate Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of use. 

Switching your account from public to private too many times or attempting verification through a third party can also get you in trouble with Instagram.

☝️ Don’t try to buy the badge 

Stay away from third-party offers promising instant verification. Those sketchy accounts are scams. Instagram will never ask for payment for the traditional verification process, so if someone DMs you about selling their badge, it's a red flag. 

☝️ Avoid fake followers

Instagram wants to verify genuine accounts that represent real people or entities. Having fake Instagram followers can undermine the authenticity of your account. Fake followers don’t engage with your content, which can negatively impact your engagement rates, and high engagement is a crucial factor Instagram considers for verification. 

Additionally, having fake followers can make your account look less trustworthy and credible, which is the opposite of what Instagram looks for in verified accounts.

☝️ Be active

Consistently posting high-quality image and video content keeps your audience engaged and shows Instagram that you’re an active user. Aim to post at least a few times a week to maintain visibility. Additionally, actively engaging with your followers by responding to comments, liking posts, and participating in conversations boosts your profile’s activity level. 

Use Instagram’s features, like Stories and Reels, to advertise your business and increase your activity and reach. This level of involvement signals to Instagram that you’re genuine, active, and a committed community member.

☝️ Honesty is the way

Honesty will get you far when applying for verification. Use your real name, select the appropriate category, and never falsify documents. Stretching the truth can get your verification denied and might lead to Instagram disabling your account. 

Instagram verification FAQ

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

Contrary to popular belief, no specific number of followers is required to get verified on Instagram. While having a large following can help, Instagram focuses more on your account's authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability. So, even if you have a modest following, you still have a shot at that blue checkmark if you meet the other criteria.

How to get a blue check on Instagram

Getting verified on Instagram involves a few steps:

1. Go to your profile and tap the menu icon in the top right corner.
2. Select ‘Settings’ and then ‘Account.’
3. Tap ‘Request Verification.’
4. Fill out the form with your account name, full name, and a government-issued ID or official business documents.
5. Submit your request and wait for Instagram to review it.

Can a normal user get verified on Instagram?

You don’t have to be a celebrity or a big brand to get Meta Verified. If you can prove that your account is authentic, unique, complete, and notable, you have a chance. That means even regular Instagram users who are public figures, influencers, or have an online presence can get verified. 

For the traditional verification method, you will need to have an Instagram business account though.

Where can I buy Instagram account verification?

This is how you buy a verification badge:

• Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
• Tap on the burger menu in the top right corner.
• Look for ‘Meta Verified’ and follow the prompts to apply for a subscription.

Why can’t I see the Meta Verified option in my settings?

If you can’t see the Meta Verified option in your settings, it might be because the feature isn’t available in your region yet. Instagram rolls out features gradually, so it might take some time before it’s accessible to everyone. Keep your app updated, and stay tuned for announcements from Instagram.