Instagram is one of the best ways to promote your brand or business. And, it is so popular that there are already over 1 billion users! With the amount of IG users, most people want to get noticed and establish their credibility. So, how do we do that?
The Instagram Verification Badge! A verified badge is a blue checkmark that appears next to an Instagram account’s name on its profile and in search. This is a huge indicator for people to know and trust you, your brand, and your business. If you have a public account on Instagram, you may be eligible for a verified badge.
It’s a seal of approval! If you see a blue badge on an account, it means that Instagram has confirmed that this is the authentic account for that public figure, celebrity, or global brand.
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What Is the Instagram Verification Badge?
A verification on Instagram represents the authentic account of the public figure, celebrity, or brand. The verification symbol is the blue tick beside your usernames. It can be seen on the profile or in search results.
See how that blue tick is so validating? It’s why this verification badge is considered a status symbol on Instagram. It’s rare, and its exclusiveness gives off that value of prestige. And, this blue tick gives verified accounts higher engagements on average.
It’s essential to take note that this blue tick only shows authenticity and not authority or subject matter expertise. Also, you cannot change the username when you are verified. So, better be sure with your usernames!
Okay, but who else is qualified for the verification badge? Well, read the next one!
How to Request the Verification Badge
Now, here is an easy guide of 6 step-by-step to help you request for that blue tick next to your username:
- Go to your profile and tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Request Verification.
- Fill in the application form. Enter your full name and provide the required form of identification (ex: passport, driver’s license, national ID card).
- Tap Send.
Wow, you have done it and sent the request for the blue tick! If your request is approved, you’ll receive a notification letting you know that your account has been verified. Okay, so, anyone can apply for Instagram verification. But, getting accepted is a much more difficult task!
Instagram Verification Requirements
Instagram considers a number of factors when evaluating Instagram accounts to determine their verification criteria. There are some requirements you cannot escape from, and they are as follows;
- Your account is a public account.
- Your account has a profile photo.
- Your account has a bio.
- Your account must be well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity. Multiple supporting news article features are necessary to be considered for review.
- Connect your Instagram account to a Facebook Page.
What Types of Accounts Can Get Verified on Instagram?
Anyone can request to get that blue tick with a few changes to their account. But, Instagram is rather picky (in many mysterious ways) on who gets verified. How would you know if you’re qualified?
Celebrities, public figures, and brands
The most obvious type of account that can get verified on Instagram is a celebrity, public figure, or brand. If you are a well-known figure in your industry, you can apply to have your account verified.
Businesses and organizations
Another type of account that can get verified on Instagram is a business or organization. If you represent a well-known business or organization on Instagram, you can apply to have your account verified. You will need to provide your business or organization’s name, address, and phone number.
News organizations and websites
If you represent a popular news organization or website on Instagram, you can apply to have your account verified. You will need to provide your news organization or website’s name, address, and phone number.
However, even if you fit one of these categories, you must provide evidence to verify the following criteria…
- Authentic. Your account should meet this criteria, no questions asked. You can’t get verified if you’re running a meme page or a fan-made account.
- Unique. You can only have one account per person or company verified on Instagram.
- Public. Your account needs to be public, not private. Private profiles are not eligible for verification.
- Notable. Your account must be well-known. And, in Instagram vocabulary, “well-known” means you are “highly searched for”.
- Active. Your account must be active. Make sure you are sharing posts before and during your applicant.
If you’re confident enough that you meet these terms, or if you want to take a chance, go and request that blue tick for your Instagram account.
How Many Followers to Get Verified on Instagram?
This is a frequently asked question! The answer is, none.
Providing you meet Instagram’s verification requirements above, you don’t need a huge amount of followers to get verified. While this is speculated to help, Instagram recognizes celebrity outside its platform, arguably more so when it comes to the verification process! If you have multiple, authentic and credible news sources supporting your notability, and you can verify ownership of the account, you will get verified regardless of how many followers you have.
Can I Change My Username After Instagram Verification?
Once verified, you cannot change the username on your account without losing the blue check, and verification cannot be transferred to a different account.
Additional Tips on How to Get Verified on Instagram
Some of the following verification tips are speculative. Instagram does not go into great detail on specifically who and what accounts will get their blue check, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your account in good standing with Instagram.
Monitor for Fake Accounts. If you’ve been dealing with unapproved, fraudulent, or fake accounts misrepresenting your brand or business. You could be a candidate for Instagram verification! After all, authentication is in the criteria. Make sure to report these accounts when they pop up.
Remove Cross-Platform Links in your Bio. It is an open secret that Instagram doesn’t like links to competitor social media platforms on profiles. But, you can connect your Instagram account to your website, or even news article. Try not to link to your TikTok or Twitter accounts.
Be an Active User. Keep posting valuable content that gets your audience’s attention and engagement. Do this by exploring different content formats such as reels, stories, highlights, posts, and so on. Engage regularly with your audience on your posts and include relevant hashtags.
Don’t Be a Rebel Against IG Community Guidelines. Well, this one’s a no-brainer. Follow Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines if you want to be verified.
If You Got Denied the First-Time, Apply Again. As they say, the magic is in the follow-ups. Well, it’s just that this follow-up is requesting another response from Instagram to get the verification badge. Just remember, applying for a verified badge multiple times before receiving a decision will cancel your application, so be patient!
The reputable Instagram verified blue tick beside your username gives your Instagram account credibility, and it may encourage more people to follow you.
So, what will you do to your account to get the blue tick and be verified?
