Getting verified on Instagram can boost your brand and authority. But how do you go about it? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get verified on Instagram.
For businesses, influencers, and public figures, having a verified account on Instagram can be a game-changer, providing an official mark of authenticity and credibility.
While you can always generate more leads by increasing your advertising budget, having an Instagram verification is one of the most prestigious social media status symbols money can’t buy. As a result, this makes this a highly-coveted and valuable status.
Getting that coveted blue checkmark on Instagram isn’t always easy. Instagram’s verification process is selective and mysterious, leaving many users wondering how to increase their chances of getting verified.
Are you looking to get verified on Instagram? Then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the steps you can take to get verified on Instagram, including the requirements, the application process, and some tips and tricks to improve your chances of success.
Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or public figure, these tips on how to get verified on Instagram can significantly boost your brand.
What is a Verified Badge on Instagram?
A recent study revealed that 73.4% of Instagram accounts with more than a million followers were verified. 22.4% of those with 100,000 to a million followers had the verification badge. Less than 1% of accounts with up to 5,000 followers have been verified.
From these statistics, we see that accounts with a verification badge tend to have more followers as their public perception changes for the better. People start to trust verified accounts, hence the reason they gain a massive following.
So, what exactly is Instagram verification?
Simply put, an Instagram verification badge is the blue checkmark next to your profile name. This check signifies the account is owned by the said public figure, like a celebrity or brand, and confirms that the account in question is trustworthy, or at least, they are who they say they are.
Instagram verification is designed to make the real accounts stand out. This assists Instagram users in being sure that they are following the right brand. These profiles often convey authority and are easy to spot in search results.
Why Get Verified on Instagram?
If you are a celebrity, a public figure, an authority figure, or a brand, you need to stand out from the competition. You also need to make people trust you and your content, as you stand out from impersonators.
Verified Instagram accounts are generally seen to be trustworthy and often receive 30% higher engagement rates, on average.
There are many other reasons why you should get verified on Instagram, including:
- It prevents impersonation: The verification badge exists to ensure that account holders are who they say they are. The badge filters out fake accounts, and Instagram users can be sure of who they follow.
- Add credibility: The blue tick is a status symbol that proves to your users that your profile is worth following. It also adds credibility and trustworthiness to your brand.
- You get access to special Instagram features: There are many special features that verified Instagram profiles can access that standard accounts cannot. Using these features can ultimately boost your brand.
- Helps with Instagram SEO: When users search on Instagram for content related to your category, you may appear higher in the search results.
- Attract more followers: Even users who know little about you may be compelled to follow and learn about you. This is one of the biggest powers of the verification badge on Instagram — getting you new followers without much of a hassle.
Getting verified on Instagram sure comes with loads of benefits. But who can get verified?
Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?
Anyone can request a verification badge on Instagram. You don’t have to be a big celebrity or politician to request a verified badge.
However, the platform is notoriously picky about who gets verified. But how do you know if you qualify to get a verification badge?
Instagram says, ‘Only some public figures, celebrities, and brands have verified badges on Instagram.’ In other words: “only accounts with a high likelihood of being impersonated.”
To know if you qualify for a verification badge, you must first adhere to the platform’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.
Furthermore, your account must also meet the following criteria:
- Be authentic: Ensure the account represents a real person or brand. General use accounts like meme pages or fan accounts do not count.
- Be unique: According to Instagram, only one account per person or brand can get the verification badge.
- Be notable: Instagram defines a notable person or brand as ‘highly searched for’ and ‘well-known.’
- Have a public profile: Those that prefer to keep their Instagram accounts private do not qualify for verification.
- Complete profile: You must have a complete bio, profile picture, and at least one post to qualify for Instagram verification.
If you are relatively confident that you meet these criteria, or you just feel like taking a shot at it, you can go ahead and request an Instagram verification badge.
How to Get Verified on Instagram: 6 Simple Steps
If you meet the set criteria and are confident that you meet them, requesting a verification badge on Instagram is as simple as these six steps:
1. Log in to your Instagram account through the app and tap the hamburger icon (the one with three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
2. Go to settings.
3. Tap on Account.
4. Tap on Request Verification.
5. Fill in the application form.
The application form requires you to input correct personal details, including your legal name and your pseudonym or ‘known as’ if applicable. You will also need to submit a copy of your official government-issued ID and select your category or industry.
6. Hit send.
That’s it: How to get verified on Instagram.
According to the platform, once their team reviews your application, they will send you a response in our notifications tab. Instagram does not send you an email, ask for money, or reach out in any other way besides through your notifications tab, as it is part of their resolution to fight off scammers.
You will receive a direct yes or no within a few days or weeks. You shouldn’t expect any feedback explanation accompanying the yes or no response.
7 Tips to Help You Get Verified on Instagram
Anyone can get verified on Instagram, and the process is as simple as the six steps highlighted above. However, getting approved is usually a lot tougher.
As a business leader, coach, or public figure, getting Instagram verified can have a massive impact on the success of your business. So, what can you do to increase your chances of getting verified?
I have compiled the entire secret in seven easy-to-understand tips.
1. Don’t try to buy an Instagram verification badge
Let me get this one out of the way first: that guy who tells you they have a friend on Instagram that can get you verified? Please don’t pay attention to them, and don’t give out any money to get verified.
The same goes for websites or apps that guarantee verification, with some promising ‘fund refunds’ if it doesn’t go through. If you see some random person sending you a DM that they can sell you their badge because they ‘don’t need it anymore,’ ignore them.
Instagram scammers already know that people and businesses have outsized emotions regarding the verification badge. They will take advantage of this, so you’re safer staying on your guard.
Remember, Instagram will never request a payment to verify your account and will never contact you in any other method besides through your notifications panel.
2. Monitor for imposter Instagram accounts
If you are a public figure and constantly have to deal with numerous fake accounts pretending to be you, I have some good news. You are a prime candidate for getting the Instagram verification badge.
After all, the main purpose of the badge from Instagram is to distinguish real accounts from fake ones.
3. Delete cross-platform links on your bio
This may sound petty, but Instagram doesn’t like Instagram accounts that want verification to have cross-platform links. For instance, if you have an “add me on Twitter” or a link to any other social media platform, you should get rid of it before requesting verification.
You may include a link to your website or landing page, just don’t link to another social media profile.
4. Get more (real) followers
Instagram doesn’t state that your account needs many followers to get verified.
However, to be on the safe side, I do recommend that you get more real followers to your account. At least, this will give an impression that there are some people that actually do know you.
As you strive to add more followers to your account, just don’t try to take a shortcut and ‘buy Instagram followers.’ Breaking Instagram’s Community Guidelines and then asking them to review your profile is pretty much preparing your account to be shut down.
Although Instagram doesn’t explicitly state the number of followers you need to be verified, having an engaged community might help. This is why you should employ a few follower growth tactics, such as:
- Using the right hashtags to target your audience;
- Publishing a mix of content to keep your audience engaged;
- Encouraging user-generated content.
5. Be highly-searched for
Instagram doesn’t mention this as part of their verification badge process, but from all the lessons I have gathered over time, it is a good thing to have.
Essentially, the main purpose of getting the verification badge is to separate you from imposters. This means that people must care about you enough to spontaneously type your name onto the search bar.
Although the data on the number of people that search for your name on Instagram isn’t made public, it is possible that Instagram’s team has access to that information and will use it to determine if your profile is worth the verification badge.
6. Request a verification when your name is in the news
Have you recently experienced a windfall of attention? Have you recently been featured by multiple news sources? Do you have a profile in a major international publication that gave you prominence?
Google yourself, and if your name is still hot in the news or online, it is time to apply for that checkmark. Since there is no place to submit your proof of how ‘notable’ you are, and Instagram does its own research, you have a better shot when your name is still trending.
Remember, paid or promotional content does not count.
7. Get publicity
Don’t have the publicity to prove how notable you are? Do not fret. You can always start by getting the required publicity that is sure to catch Instagram’s attention.
Team up with a PR agency or reputable publicist that can help you get your name out there. Some PR agents or agencies even have access to Facebook’s Media Partner Support tools. This makes it possible for them to submit account verification requests through the portal.
Getting the right publicity to get Instagram-verified requires you to do things newsworthy. However, whatever is deemed newsworthy depends on your industry. Nevertheless, your publicist will guide you on the best ways to get you the publicity needed.
These seven tips do not guarantee an Instagram verification badge. However, they will boost your chances of getting verified.
As you consider these seven tips, ensure that your profile and bio is complete, and do not falsify any government documents. According to Instagram, they will not just deny you the verification badge but may delete your account altogether when you provide falsified information.
What if You Don’t Get Verified?
Even if you follow all the right steps, including the tips above, there is still a chance that Instagram may deny your verification approval.
If this happens, what should you do?
Here are two key things to do in case your verification request doesn’t go through:
1. Double-check verification requirements
As simple as this sounds, once your verification request doesn’t go through, it is important to double-check your verification requirements that we went through earlier: authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and your notability.
Compare your level of completeness to the profiles of those already verified. Remove any other accounts that you may have set up and ensure that when you Google your name, there are other credible mentions that you have besides your personal website.
2. Wait and apply again
If your verification request to Instagram doesn’t go through, all is not lost. You can re-apply after 30 days of the response. Ensure you are patient, as repeated applications within 30 days may cancel your request.
You can use this period to gain more publicity and ensure that you tick all the tips above, as re-applying without doing anything may not get you any different results.
Is Instagram verification worth it?
Not unless you are a super famous celebrity or public figure, there’s a lot of planning and effort that goes into getting your Instagram account verified. This is why you must ensure that you have a good reason for wanting it before starting.
There are many benefits of getting verified, from a stronger social search presence to adding to your brand’s credibility. The verification badge makes it easier for you to reach your target audience, and when used correctly, it can make you more trustworthy.
All you have to do is to show that you are worthy.
Let the experts help you get verified
Getting that verification badge takes a lot of time and effort. You can do it independently, but it can even take years. For you to get verified, you need to be notable and searchable. Your brand must appear on some reputable platforms when someone Googles your name.
I have helped many people to get their PR in check and increased their chances of getting verified on Instagram.
Let’s talk and discuss your goals and how you can get your Instagram account verified, the easy and fast way.
