Instagram Blue Check: How to Get Verified on Instagram in 3 Easy Steps

August 10, 2020
By
Hugh Stephens

Want to get verified on Instagram? Learn how the Instagram verification works and how you can get the Instagram blue check on your profile.

Are you intrigued by the Instagram blue check symbol that shows up on various accounts? Wondering what it is and how you could get verified on Instagram to get one too?Well, keep on reading, then.We’ll show you how to get verified on Instagram, what having the blue check means for your account, and how to give it a go.So, let’s begin.

What is the Instagram Blue Check, and What Does Instagram Verification Mean?

Instagram launched verification to allow people to establish their own authentic presence.The blue check that shows up on many accounts is a verified badge that confirms your identity. You can find it on accounts that “represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity.

Example of a blue check on an Instagram profile.

In other words, it’s an easy way to guide followers to your genuine social media account. It helps you avoid the danger of the audience confusing you with fake accounts or fan accounts others might have set up for your brand.For notable personalities, the blue check is a sign of status. Only public figures, celebrities, global brands, and big influencers have access to it. Thus, Instagram blue check serves as an accomplishment when you’re building your profile.So, how can you tell if you’re eligible for the verification badge and how to apply for verification?

Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?

First of all, not every account can get a blue checkmark on Instagram. What's more, your number of followers may not be enough to get you verified.According to Instagram, you need to be a public figure, celebrity or global brand to be considered for the verification.Moreover, you should adhere to their Terms of Service and their Community Guidelines. Also, just because you’re already verified on Facebook, doesn’t mean that you will instantly get verified on Instagram.Your Instagram account should fit all of these criteria to get verified. You need to be:

  • Authentic. You obviously need to be a real person, registered business, or brand.
  • Unique. There will be only one account per person or business to be Instagram verified. General interest accounts are not verified (eg. @puppymemes)
  • Public. Your account should be public. Private accounts won’t qualify for verification.
  • Complete. You need to fill in all the details in your bio along with a profile photo and at least one post.
  • Notable. Not everyone can be verified. Thus, your account must represent a “well-known, highly-searched for person, brand, or entity”

Now that you know all the criteria to get verified, let’s look at the practical steps to achieve it.

How to Apply to Get Verified on Instagram - 3 Steps Process

It’s very easy to request a verified badge.In just three steps, you can go through the process.

Step 1 - Go to your profile

Click on the top right to find the Settings.

How to get verified on Instagram - process - step 1.

Step 2 - Request verification

While you’re at Settings, click on Account > Request Verification.

How to get verified on Instagram - process - step 2.
How to get verified on Instagram - process - step 3.

Step 3 - Confirm identity

How to get verified on Instagram - process - step 4/

Now you need to enter your full name and provide the required form of identification, such as a government-issued photo ID or a driver's license.You will also need to add the category of your profile (news/media, sports, music, blogger/influencer, etc) and what you are known as. This could be the name of your business (especially for business accounts), your nickname or your first name if you’re only using this one for your public profile.Just like that, you have now completed the verification process.As you can see, it is a very easy process and everyone can give it a try.So what happens after you submit your request?

How Long Does it Take to Get Verified on Instagram?

Once you submit your verification request, Instagram will review your application.The social media platform will notify you once your request is approved or denied and it will pop up as a notification. There might not be a set timeline on when to expect a reply but it certainly won’t take a few seconds to show up.There should be at least a few days until you hear back.If you find out that your request is denied, you can send a new request after 30 days.If you find out that your request is approved, congrats! You now have the much-desired blue check on your profile.However, keep in mind that your badge can be taken away if you:

  • advertise, transfer or sell your verified badge
  • use your profile picture, bio, or name to promote other services
  • attempt to verify your account through a third party

In other words, you should be careful with the way that you’re managing your account to ensure you don’t lose your credibility.

Tips to Get Verified on Instagram

It’s not enough to have a large number of followers to get verified on Instagram. Let’s look at the best practices to consider before going through the verification request.

Be active

You need to show that you’re active on Instagram to prove that you are taking your profile seriously. If you are a public figure or a global brand planning to use Instagram more often, then you need to prove it.Instagram is not rewarding accounts that are inactive and haven’t used the platform for years.

Work on your bio

Your bio should provide all the important details about you. It’s one of the first things that your followers notice so you don’t want to leave it blank.Describe yourself, your work, and how they can find out more about you.How about using the Instagram highlight covers to showcase your best work?

Get featured in multiple news sources

A good way to prove your popularity is to be featured in multiple news sources. It is an indication for Instagram that you are “newsworthy” and that you are already popular enough beyond Instagram.

Be authentic

What makes you stand out? How is your presence different from everyone else? Don’t be afraid to show off your personality on your Instagram posts.Be creative, think of the best practices that work and be yourself!Your authentic presence can ultimately be the key to your success.

Be engaging

The number of followers can still be an indication of your popularity. However, it’s still important to combine it with your level of engagement. Don’t underestimate the power of engagement when measuring your popularity.Create content that your followers would enjoy liking, commenting, and sharing with their friends.

Takeaway

Getting verified on Instagram can help you take your profile to the next level. It’s a great way to build trust and credibility and make it easier to turn your visitors into followers.If you’re ready to submit your verification request, make sure you follow the best practices to keep your profile active.If you got rejected, don’t be discouraged. Take the time to improve your profile, find out more on Instagram’s criteria and try again after 30 days.Good luck!

Collaborate effortlessly, save time and spend less

Why settle for a lackluster social media management tool when you could be using Sked Social? With unlimited collaborator access, streamlined approvals and advanced auto-post technology that lets you schedule to all major platforms, Sked Social offers everything you need.

Get Started for FREE

Contents

What to read next

BRAND AWARENESS AND LOYALTY

The Best Social Media Management Tools for Agencies of 2024

October 8, 2023

Want to know the best social media management tools for agencies this year? Click to read and get an edge over your competition.

BRAND AWARENESS AND LOYALTY

Freshen Up Your Social Media Presence with a Brand Audit

October 14, 2022

Refresh your brand, get a fresh audience

Sked Social is your all-in-one social media management platform

Brands and agencies with an eye for aesthetics use Sked Social to plan, schedule, and engage customers with visual content—on your favourite socials, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn.