How to Get Verified on Instagram: Blue Checkmark Guide

The Instagram blue checkmark confirms your account is authentic. While Instagram doesn't charge for verification, getting approved requires meeting specific criteria and following the right process.

What Is Instagram Verification?

Instagram verification is a blue checkmark badge that appears next to your username. It tells people your account represents a real public figure, celebrity, brand, or organization.

The blue checkmark:

Confirms account authenticity
Helps users find the real you among copycats
Appears in search results and on your profile
Cannot be bought or sold

Instagram Verification Requirements

To get verified, your account must be:

1. Authentic

Represent a real person, business, or organization
Have complete profile information
Upload a profile photo
Include bio information

2. Unique

Only one account per person or business can be verified
Fan accounts and general interest accounts don't qualify
Must be the sole presence of the person or business

3. Complete

Profile must be public
Bio section filled out
Profile photo uploaded
Recent posts visible

4. Notable

Represent a well-known person, brand, or organization
Featured in news stories across multiple sources
High search volume for your name or business
Significant following or cultural impact

Who Can Get Verified?

Instagram typically verifies:

Public Figures

Celebrities and entertainers
Musicians and artists
Athletes and sports figures
Politicians and government officials

Brands and Organizations

Major companies and corporations
News organizations and journalists
Non-profit organizations
Government entities

Content Creators

Influencers with significant reach
YouTube creators with large audiences
Authors and thought leaders
Industry experts

How to Apply for Instagram Verification

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet all requirements. Your account should be:

Complete with bio, profile photo, and recent posts
Public (not private)
Active with regular posting
Following Instagram's Terms of Service

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You'll need to provide:

Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, national ID)
Business documents (if applying for a business account)
Articles or news coverage about you or your business

Step 3: Submit Your Application

On Mobile:

Go to your profile
Tap the menu icon (three lines)
Select "Settings and Privacy"
Tap "Account Status and Settings"
Select "Request Verification"
Fill out the form with your information
Upload required documentation
Submit your request

On Desktop:

Go to your profile page
Click "Settings"
Select "Privacy and Security"
Click "Request Verification"
Complete the application form
Upload supporting documents
Submit your application

Step 4: Wait for Response

Instagram typically responds within a few days to several weeks. You'll receive a notification through the app about your application status.

Tips to Increase Your Approval Chances

Build Your Online Presence

Get mentioned in news articles or media coverage
Build a strong following across multiple platforms
Create high-quality, consistent content
Engage actively with your audience

Optimize Your Profile

Use your real name or official business name
Write a clear, professional bio
Add contact information
Link to your official website

Document Your Notability

Save links to articles mentioning you
Collect screenshots of media coverage
Gather proof of your public recognition
Keep records of your achievements

Stay Active

Post regularly and consistently
Engage with followers and other accounts
Use relevant hashtags
Share stories and updates

Follow Instagram Guidelines

Avoid buying followers or engagement
Don't violate community guidelines
Keep your content appropriate
Respect intellectual property rights

Common Verification Mistakes

1. Applying Too Early

Don't apply until you meet all requirements. Rejected applications can hurt future attempts.

2. Incomplete Applications

Fill out all required fields completely. Missing information leads to automatic rejection.

3. Poor Documentation

Submit clear, official documents. Blurry or unofficial papers get rejected.

4. Private Accounts

Your account must be public during the application process and after verification.

5. Fake Information

Never provide false information or fake documents. This results in permanent rejection.

What Happens After Verification?

If Approved

Blue checkmark appears next to your username
Account gains credibility and trust
Easier for users to find the real you
Protection from impersonators

If Rejected

You can reapply after 30 days
Review and improve your application
Build more notability before reapplying
Check that you met all requirements

Verification vs Other Instagram Badges

Blue Checkmark

Free verification for notable accounts
Confirms authenticity
Cannot be purchased

Meta Verified (Paid)

Monthly subscription service
Blue checkmark for paying users
Includes customer support
Available in select countries

Choose free verification if you meet notability requirements. Meta Verified is for accounts that don't qualify for traditional verification.

Maintaining Your Verification

Once verified:

Keep your account active
Continue following Instagram's guidelines
Maintain your public presence
Update your information when needed

Instagram can remove verification if:

You violate community guidelines
Account becomes inactive
Information becomes inaccurate
Account changes ownership

Alternative Verification Strategies

Build Media Coverage

Pitch stories to journalists
Create newsworthy content
Partner with other verified accounts
Participate in industry events

Cross-Platform Presence

Get verified on other platforms first
Build consistent branding across platforms
Create content for multiple channels
Link accounts together

Professional Networks

Join industry organizations
Speak at conferences and events
Write for publications
Build professional relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Instagram Verification?

No. Instagram verification is free. Anyone offering to sell verification is running a scam.

How Long Does Verification Take?

Instagram typically responds within a few days to several weeks after application.

Can I Reapply If Rejected?

Yes, you can reapply 30 days after rejection. Use the time to build more notability.

Do I Need a Certain Number of Followers?

No specific follower count is required, but you need to be notable and have public interest.

Can Business Accounts Get Verified?

Yes, businesses can get verified if they meet the notability and authenticity requirements.

Verification Checklist

Before applying, check: ✅ Account is complete with bio and profile photo ✅ Account is public, not private ✅ You have media coverage or notable achievements ✅ Account represents the real you or your business ✅ You have required identification documents ✅ Account follows Instagram's guidelines ✅ You post regularly and stay active ✅ Profile information is accurate and up-to-date

Ready to Get Verified?

Instagram verification takes time and effort. Focus on building genuine notability rather than trying shortcuts. Create valuable content, engage authentically, and let your reputation grow naturally.

Track your verification journey with SocialRails:

Monitor your account growth
Schedule consistent content
Analyze engagement patterns
Build authentic community

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Build your Instagram presence authentically. Focus on creating value, getting media coverage, and building genuine community engagement to increase your verification chances.

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