Having the Instagram blue tick check mark means that Instagram has officially recognized your profile as legitimate, giving you an edge over competitors and improving engagement with your audience. Verified users enjoy higher visibility in search results, making it easier for people to find your profile.
If you’re wondering how to get verified on Instagram, we’ve prepared this guide that covers everything you need to know, including free and paid options.
How to get verified on Instagram: the two most common options
Getting the verified badge on Instagram can be achieved through two primary methods:
- Applying directly to Instagram for free.
- Paying for Meta Verified.
Below, we break down these approaches in detail.
1. Applying for Instagram Verification (Free method)
Instagram allows users to request verification for free by applying. This method is ideal for public figures, brands, and businesses that meet Instagram’s verification criteria.
Steps to Apply:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon and select Settings > Account > Request Verification.
- Fill out the required form, which includes:
- Your full name
- Uploading official business documents (ID, Passport, Driving License, Tax Filing)
- Confirming your identity and explaining why you or your business is notable
- Adding links to external sources (excluding sponsored articles)
- Submit your application and wait (up to 30 days) for confirmation.
Instagram's Verification Criteria:
Instagram evaluates applications based on the following criteria:
- Authenticity: The account must represent a real person, business, or entity.
- Uniqueness: Only one account per individual or business can be verified.
- Completeness: A fully filled-out profile is required, including a profile picture and bio.
- Notability: Your social presence must be significant, with media mentions in reputable sources.
To improve your chances of approval, make sure you are regularly posting, engaging with your audience, and maintaining a marketing strategy that highlights your influence on other social media platforms.
2. Paying for Meta Verified (Paid method)
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, offers a paid verification option called Meta Verified, providing a second option for obtaining the blue check mark.
Benefits of Meta Verified:
Subscribing to Meta Verified offers multiple advantages, including:
- Proactive account protection against hacking attempts.
- Improved account support from Instagram.
- Protection against fake impersonations and account theft.
- Increased visibility and reach in search results.
- A verified badge enhances credibility and boosts your business reputation.
Meta Verified Requirements:
To apply for Meta Verified, users must meet specific conditions:
- Be 18+ years old.
- Have a personal or creator profile.
- Have a profile picture and name that meet Meta Verified naming standards.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Meet Instagram’s minimum activity requirements, such as recent posting history.
- Be in a country where Meta Verified is available.
Which Accounts Are Eligible for Meta Verified?
Meta Verified is available for:
- Personal and creator Instagram accounts.
- Personal and creator Facebook accounts.
You can verify up to two eligible profiles (one Instagram and one Facebook) linked through the same Accounts Center.
For businesses looking to establish a stronger social presence, using Meta Verified can help build credibility and increase engagement with your audience.
With its added security features and enhanced visibility, it is an excellent option for those serious about marketing their brand effectively on their Instagram account and other social media platforms.
Benefits of Having IG’s Blue Tick
The blue check on Instagram has become a symbol of legitimacy, trust, and social influence. Having this verification on your Instagram account can bring numerous advantages, both for individuals and businesses alike. Below are the key benefits that come with acquiring IG's blue tick:
1. Trust and Authenticity
The blue checkmark is widely recognized as a sign of credibility and authenticity. It tells your followers that your account is genuine, not a fake or impersonated version. This is especially important at a time when social media fraud and impersonation are common.
People who see the blue check next to your name are more likely to trust the information you share. Whether you're an influencer, a business, or a public figure, trust is vital, and this verification proves your legitimacy to the online community.
2. Better Visibility
Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor verified accounts, often ranking them higher in search results. This increased visibility is crucial for growing your audience.
As a verified user, your content has a better chance of appearing on the Explore page, reaching more potential followers, and gaining organic engagement. This improved positioning leads to a larger reach, driving more traffic to your profile and creating more opportunities for content interaction.
3. Enhanced Brand Appeal
The blue tick can significantly boost your brand’s appeal. Brands and businesses are more likely to collaborate with verified influencers, as the verification marks you as an authority or someone with a trusted audience.
With a verified badge, you're more likely to attract brand partnerships, increasing your chances to monetize your account. These partnerships can lead to lucrative opportunities, such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and collaborations with top-tier companies.
4. Marketing Advantage
Having a verified account gives you a marketing edge that competitors may lack. It shows your audience and potential partners that you take your online presence seriously. This perceived professionalism can help you stand out in a crowded market.
Whether you’re running an e-commerce business, promoting a personal brand, or working as a content creator, the blue tick establishes you as someone reputable, making it easier to gain trust and engage your audience in meaningful ways.
People are more likely to respond to offers, promotions, and content from verified accounts, as they know they’re engaging with someone credible.
5. Protection Against Impersonation
One of the main reasons to get verified is the protection against impersonation. The blue check mark acts as a safeguard to help prevent scammers and fake accounts from using your name or likeness. Impersonation is a significant problem on social platforms, especially for well-known influencers, celebrities, and businesses.
With a verified account, Instagram helps ensure that followers interact with the real you, reducing the chances of someone misleading your audience or causing harm to your reputation. This is especially crucial for those with large followings who might be targeted by impersonators looking to exploit their credibility.
6. Networking Opportunities
Being verified opens doors to exclusive networking opportunities. You are more likely to connect with other influencers, businesses, and public figures who share similar interests or goals. Being recognized as a verified account can help you secure collaborations, attend events, and build relationships with people in your industry.
Whether you’re looking to expand your business reach or simply grow your social connections, the blue tick enhances your networking potential, allowing you to access a wider range of opportunities.
7. Increased Engagement and Credibility in Marketing
As a verified account, you’re often seen as an authoritative figure in your niche. This increased engagement can lead to more people commenting, liking, and sharing your posts.
Your content also carries more weight, making it more likely to be shared among your audience. This kind of organic growth is highly beneficial in building long-term relationships with followers and increasing your credibility in marketing efforts.
8. Access to Exclusive Features
Instagram offers verified accounts access to exclusive features not available to non-verified users. For example, verified accounts may receive early access to new tools, updates, and features on the platform. This can give you a competitive edge by allowing you to experiment with new ways of engaging your audience before others.
Obtaining Instagram’s blue tick is not just about gaining a shiny badge; it offers real, tangible benefits for growing your brand or business.
From increased trust and visibility to enhanced opportunities for monetization and collaboration, the verification unlocks a variety of advantages that can elevate your presence on the platform. By improving your credibility and protecting your identity, the blue check is an essential tool for anyone serious about leveraging Instagram for growth and influence.
FAQs About Instagram Verification
How long does it take to get verified on Instagram?
The process of getting verified on Instagram typically takes 7 to 30 days. During this period, Instagram will review your verification request to determine if your account meets the required eligibility criteria.
If your application is denied, you will have to wait 30 days before reapplying. It's important to ensure that your account is complete, with a clear bio, profile picture, and active posts, before submitting your request. If your request is denied, reviewing your profile and making necessary improvements before reapplying is crucial.
How many people are verified on Instagram?
Less than 1% of Instagram accounts are verified, making the blue check a rare and sought-after badge. Instagram has stringent eligibility criteria for verification, focusing on public figures, celebrities, brands, and influencers with high notability.
This makes the blue check mark a significant accomplishment and often a symbol of credibility and trust on the platform. The verification process is selective and ensures that only notable accounts with a strong presence and public interest are granted the verified badge.
How to get verified on Instagram with a business account?
The process for getting verified with a business account on Instagram is quite similar to that of personal accounts. To start the verification process, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Business Tools.
- Select Request Verification.
From there, follow the same steps as the personal verification process. You will be required to submit a request form and provide your account name, category, and a government-issued ID (or other documents for business accounts).
Instagram will then review your request to determine if your account meets their eligibility requirements. Having a well-established online presence and notability can increase your chances of getting verified as a business.
How many followers do you need to get verified on Instagram?
There is no official follower count requirement for getting verified on Instagram. While some might assume that having thousands or even millions of followers is necessary, Instagram prioritizes notability and public interest over the sheer number of followers.
If your account has media coverage, is well-known in your industry, or has strong engagement with your audience, you may still qualify for verification, even with a smaller follower count. Quality over quantity is the key here. Accounts that have gained recognition through press mentions, collaborations, or their work within their niche are more likely to get the blue check.
Do you need to be IG verified to work as an influencer with DRIM?
No, you do not need the verified badge to work as an influencer with DRIM. However, having the Instagram verification badge can help you stand out in a competitive influencer market and increase your chances of working with brands. Verified accounts often attract more attention and are seen as more credible and trustworthy by potential partners.
While the blue check isn’t a requirement to start working with DRIM, it can be a useful tool in monetizing your Instagram account more effectively. A verified account often leads to higher engagement, making it an attractive asset for brand partnerships and collaborations.
Final Thoughts
Getting verified on Instagram offers several advantages, including building credibility, enhancing marketing opportunities, and strengthening your overall Instagram presence. Whether you apply for verification through the standard process or opt for Meta Verified, the blue check mark can significantly impact your account's growth and visibility.
Having the blue check signals your audience that your account is authentic and boosts your profile's trustworthiness. This can lead to better engagement, as followers are more likely to interact with verified accounts.
Additionally, the verification badge helps increase your profile's visibility on Instagram and other social media platforms. Verified accounts tend to rank higher in search results, making it easier for users to find your content.
For businesses and influencers, the blue check mark opens up valuable marketing opportunities. Verified accounts are more likely to attract brand partnerships, collaborations, and other monetization options. The credibility associated with the badge makes your profile more appealing to potential business partners looking for influencers or content creators to work with.
In conclusion, becoming verified on Instagram is a crucial step in elevating your online presence. It helps establish your account as a trusted source, increases your profile’s visibility, and enhances your overall marketing potential.
Ready to Take Your Influence to the Next Level?
At DRIM, we specialize in social marketing strategies that help influencers and brands grow. Whether you’re verified or not, we can help you build your presence, increase engagement, and monetize effectively.
Join DRIM.one today and start growing your brand with influencer marketing!