It isn’t easy to verify whether people are who they say they are on social media. How do you know if you are following Nike or Beyonce? The best way to determine whether a social media account is genuine or not is to check for a verification badge. And in this guide, we are going to show you how to get verified on Instagram.
The official symbol for verification varies from one social media platform to another. A verification symbol on a social media account is a sign that the brand’s accounts, celebrity, or social figure using that account is legitimate. That simple checkmark on your profile name can make a difference when it comes to brand awareness and increasing followers.
Some of the most popular social media platforms that verify brands include:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Pinterest
Among all the above five most popular social media platforms, obtaining Instagram verification is the most challenging.
What is Instagram Verification?
Instagram verification is a way of preventing social users from following fake celebrities and brands. Creating an Instagram account is easy, but getting the verified badge is not that easy. Anyone can create an Instagram account and use Beyonce as the username. But if you are not the real Beyonce, you might not be able to get the verified badge.
Instagram is among the most popular social media platforms. Many businesses are now using Instagram to promote their products and services. While you are doing any transaction online, you need to be careful. Many hackers are always looking for ways to con people. You must know who you are dealing with before signing any deal.
Identity thieves are creating fake Instagram accounts intending to impersonate celebrities and global brands. Because they use a name similar to that of the brand or person they are pretending to be, they get many followers.
To help prevent fraud cases, Instagram came up with the verification feature. Instagram is now verifying whether you are who you call yourself. Once Instagram has verified your account, a little blue check symbol is automatically added next to your username.
Since the goal of Instagram verification is to prevent impersonation, verified accounts are exclusive for public figures, celebrities, and global brands that have the possibility of being impersonated. According to Instagram, accounts displaying a verified badge next to the username means that Instagram has confirmed that it is the authentic presence of the celebrity, public figure, or global brand it represents.
Instagram verification also makes it easier for users to find and follow their favorite brands. The Instagram badge says that this is the official account of this person or company. Instagram verification carries more authority than just confirmation. When a person sees a blue check next to your username, he or she thinks that you have some credibility, and you are well known.
How to Get Verified on Instagram
Instagram has not yet disclosed the process and the criteria it considers when deciding on which accounts should be verified. It also doesn’t inform users when the account has been verified. All it does is to add the verification badge next to the username. Here are the steps to apply for Instagram verification.
Steps to request a verified badge for your Instagram profile
1. Launch your Instagram app and navigate to your accounts settings by tapping on the three-line icon at the top of your profile and hitting Settings at the bottom.
2. Click on Account in the next page
3. On the Account’s settings page, scroll down and click on Request verification
4. After step three, you will be prompted to submit the following:
Instagram Username (It can either be the username of the account you are currently logged in or another account you want to be verified.)
Your Full Name (Enter your real names as per your legal identification documents. If it is a business account, enter the name of the primary holder.)
Known As (Enter the name of your company or business here)
Account Category (Select the industry your business or account belongs to.)
A picture of your ID (You can either attach your national identification card, driver’s license, or passport.)
5. After submitting all the above data, click Send, and then wait. The waiting time can be either a few hours, days or even weeks.
Things to note after submitting Instagram verification request
1. Instagram does not give reasons for denying your verification request
If your account does not meet the set qualifications, Instagram will send you a notification saying that your account has not met the criteria. You can apply for verification again 30 days after receiving this notification. Instagram can take more than a week to respond to your request. You only know your application wasn’t successful after receiving a message from Instagram. No matter how long it takes before Instagram responds to your verification request, the best thing you can do is to be patient.
2. Instagram doesn’t consider the number of followers you have to verify your account
You don’t need to have a certain number of followers for Instagram to approve your verification request. Having millions of followers on your account is not a guarantee that you will get verification. It is all about meeting the above-listed qualifications but not the number of followers you have.
3. Instagram doesn’t charge for account verification
Instagram account verification is free. You will not get an email from Instagram or a third party company asking you to get verified at a fee. Don’t click any link promising to help you verify your Instagram account easily. Clicking links from unknown sources is how hackers get access to your accounts. Don’t pay anyone to get verified on Instagram. There is no shortcut. If your account doesn’t meet the above qualifications, it can’t be verified no matter what you do. This is the best guide to read if you are wondering how to get verified on Instagram.
By following the above steps and meeting the above requirements, your Instagram account is likely to be verified. If Instagram fails to verify your account, you can apply for verification again after one month.
What Instagram will consider when reviewing your verification request
There are some qualifications your account must meet for it to get the verification badge. To increase the chances of approval, you should make sure your account complies with the following:
1. Authentic
Your Instagram account must be a real entity (a real person or business). Fan accounts for celebrities can’t get Instagram verification badge because they don’t represent the real celeb.
2. Public and complete
For your account to get the verification badge, it must be public and have a complete bio. It must have a profile picture and some posts.
3. Unique
Instagram doesn’t verify repost or general interest accounts. The content you are creating and posting on Instagram should be your own.
4. Notable
Having a popular brand with zero press outside your website is not enough to get Instagram verification. Instagram wants to know that you are globally recognizable and notable. Your account must have been featured in some well-known new sources. Remember, Instagram considers promotional and paid content as invalid.
5. No Cross-Promotion
The link on your Instagram account should only direct traffic to your website. Instagram won’t verify your account if you have the add me links telling people to follow you on other social media platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tips to get verified on Instagram
It is quite clear that submitting a request for Instagram verification is not a guarantee that your account will be verified. Here are some tips that will help improve the chances of approval on your next application to verify your Instagram account.
1. Have a great bio
Instagram looks for a complete profile when deciding whether to verify your account or not. Completing all the bio fields with accurate information about you or your business will help increase the chances of approval. Don’t fill your bio with inaccurate and irrelevant information when you want to get the verification badge for your account.
2. Be honest
When applying for Instagram verification, make sure you are accurate and truthful. Submit your real names and select the best category of your account. To prove identity, submit a picture of your real ID, passport, or driving license with no alterations or changes.
Before you attempt to cheat the system, keep in mind that Instagram can either remove the verification badge and also go ahead to deleting your account when you use false information during the verification process.
3. Be newsworthy
Instagram reviews account verification manually. If you have been featured in multiple news sources, your request is more likely to be approved. The best approach to be featured in news sources is sending out press releases, and reaching out to local news organizations with information about what you do. You can also post stories on the press section of your website. Remember, promotional and paid content doesn’t count when it comes to Instagram verification.
4. Have an online presence outside Instagram
The only way to convince Instagram that you are notable is by having a presence outside Instagram. No matter how many followers you have, if you are not visible outside Instagram, your account is less likely to be verified.
The Instagram account verification team Googles you when reviewing your application. Having your blogs and websites appearing on search results will improve the probability of successful account verification. You can grow your online presence by guest posting on other sites that are well-known in your niche.
5. Post regularly
For Instagram to verify your account, you must have at least one post. But you shouldn’t apply for verification until you have a robust online presence and several posts.
An active account is the best for Instagram verification. Posting new content every day will boost your chances of getting the blue badge.
6. Get more followers
Instagram doesn’t consider the number of followers you have, but it requires you to be notable. Having more followers is an indicator that you are noteworthy.
Instagram considers how likely your account can be Instragram-copied. If you have more followers, the more likely you are to be Instagram-copied. If your account is genuine and has more followers, the more likely Instagram is to give you a verification badge.
7. Don’t use a third-party service to apply
Instagram doesn’t allow its users to verify their accounts through a third party. Don’t sign a deal with a third-party claiming to offer Instagram verification services at a fee. They are scams. Instagram’s verification badge is free to everyone.
8. Don’t add links to other social channels on your Instagram bio
Don’t cross-promote your social accounts on your Instagram bio. Instagram will not approve your verification request if your bio has the add me link.
9. Don’t give up until you get the verification badge
After Instagram denies your verification request, don’t give up. Find out why and make the appropriate changes. There is no harm in trying again after thirty days.
10. Don’t lose your verification badge once you get it
After getting the Instagram verification badge, you still need to follow the terms and community guidelines. Instagram can take away your badge and even go ahead to disabling your account if you use your bio, profile picture, or Instagram name to promote another business.
Benefits of being Instagram verified
1. Increased brand awareness
Instagram verification will help increase your brand awareness and followers count. Verified Instagram accounts appear on top of suggested accounts and search results. The Instagram algorithm also favors content by verified accounts giving you higher engagements per post.
Instagram verification can also mean that your company is a superior leader in the industry. It can spark influencer’s and potential partner’s interest in communicating and collaborating with your business.
2. Higher trustworthiness
Instagram verification increases your brand’s credibility. Only less than 1% of Instagram accounts are verified, having that checkmark on your profile shows that your brand is both important and relevant.
Most Instagrammers are cautious when they see deals or giveaways, suspicious it could be a scam. Seeing a verification badge next to the account name makes them consider that account as trustworthy and accept the new deals.
3. Early access to special features
Are you looking for ways to earn money from Instagram? Instagram verification will give you early access to features that will help you monetize your accounts. The Swipe-up feature on Instagram Stories is one of the many great features you will get direct access to, but if your account is not verified, you will need at least 10,000 followers to get access to this tool.