Getting verified on Instagram can help establish credibility and make it easier for people to recognise an authentic account. The familiar blue verification badge tells users that Instagram has confirmed the account belongs to the person, creator, business, or organisation it represents.
However, Instagram verification has changed significantly over the years. Today, users may have different ways to obtain verification, including Meta Verified, which is a paid subscription, while certain notable accounts may still be eligible for Instagram’s traditional verification process.
If you’re wondering how to get verified on Instagram, this guide explains the available options, eligibility requirements, application process, and mistakes you should avoid.
What Does the Instagram Verified Badge Mean?
The blue checkmark on Instagram indicates that an account has been verified by Instagram. Its purpose is primarily to help people identify an authentic account and distinguish it from fake or impersonator profiles.
However, a verification badge does not necessarily mean that someone is a celebrity, highly influential creator, or officially endorsed by Meta.
The meaning of the badge can depend on how the account obtained verification.
For users who subscribe to Meta Verified, verification is connected to identity confirmation and subscription benefits. These may include enhanced account support and protection against impersonation.
Businesses and professional accounts can also have access to Meta Verified offerings, depending on availability and eligibility in their region.
How to Get Verified on Instagram With Meta Verified
For many creators, individuals, and eligible professional accounts, Meta Verified is one of the most straightforward ways to apply for verification.
Instead of relying entirely on public recognition or media coverage, Meta Verified uses an identity verification process.
Steps to Apply for Meta Verified
The exact menu names can vary depending on your account and region, but the general process is:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Open the main menu.
- Look for Meta Verified in the available account or settings options.
- Select the Instagram account you want to verify.
- Review the subscription price, benefits, and eligibility requirements.
- Follow Instagram’s identity verification instructions.
- Provide an accepted government-issued identification document if requested.
- Complete any additional verification steps required by Instagram.
- Wait for Instagram to review and process the verification request.
Meta may require information that confirms your identity and matches the details associated with your account.
Depending on the verification process, Instagram may also request additional authentication information, such as a selfie video or other identity-related verification.
Who Can Use Meta Verified?
Eligibility requirements can vary by product, account type, country, and current Meta policies. Generally, applicants may need to meet requirements such as:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Having an eligible Instagram account.
- Maintaining some history of activity on the account.
- Providing valid identification when required.
- Meeting Meta’s account and policy requirements.
- Using information that can be verified by Meta.
Having a large number of followers is not necessarily required for Meta Verified.
How to Get Traditional Instagram Verification
Meta Verified isn’t the only verification route. Instagram also has a traditional verification system for accounts that have a strong public presence.
This route is generally associated with notable people, brands, organisations, public figures, and entities that are at risk of impersonation.
Traditional Instagram verification is different from purchasing Meta Verified. Instead of simply subscribing, an account must demonstrate that it meets Instagram’s verification criteria.
Historically, Instagram has evaluated factors such as:
- Authenticity
- Uniqueness
- Completeness
- Notability
How to Request Traditional Verification
To request verification, you can generally:
- Open Instagram.
- Go to your profile.
- Open the Instagram menu.
- Find the account verification option.
- Complete the requested information.
- Provide identification or organisation documents if requested.
- Submit your application for review.
Instagram may ask you to provide information about yourself, your business, organisation, or the entity represented by the account.
Keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
How Important Is Notability for Instagram Verification?
Notability is one of the biggest differences between traditional verification and Meta Verified.
For traditional verification, Instagram has historically looked for evidence that an account represents someone or something that is genuinely well known and frequently searched for or discussed publicly.
Examples of evidence may include legitimate media coverage, established public recognition, or a significant presence outside Instagram.
Having 10,000, 50,000, or even millions of followers does not automatically guarantee traditional verification.
Follower count alone is not the same as notability.
For example, a smaller account belonging to a widely recognised public figure may have stronger verification eligibility than a large account with no significant public presence outside Instagram.
Prepare Your Instagram Profile Before Applying
Before requesting verification, make sure your profile looks authentic, complete, and professional.
Use an Authentic Name
Your profile name should accurately represent you, your brand, business, or organisation.
Avoid unnecessary name changes or misleading information that could make it difficult for Instagram to determine who owns the account.
Use a Recognisable Profile Picture
Choose a clear profile image that represents the person, brand, or organisation behind the account.
For businesses, using an official logo can make the account easier to identify.
Complete Your Bio
Your Instagram bio should clearly explain who you are and what your account represents.
Include relevant information without making exaggerated claims about your popularity or status.
Keep Your Account Active
An abandoned or barely used account may not present a strong case for verification.
Regularly publishing genuine content and maintaining a consistent presence can help demonstrate that the account is active and authentic.
Link Your Official Website
If you operate a business, organisation, or personal brand, connect your Instagram presence with your official website and other legitimate online profiles.
Consistent branding across platforms can make your identity easier to establish.
Secure Your Account
Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong, unique password.
Account security is important regardless of whether you are applying for verification.
Follow Instagram’s Rules
Your account should comply with Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines.
Repeated policy violations, misleading behaviour, impersonation, artificial engagement, or other violations can create problems for your account.
Verification is not a replacement for following Instagram’s rules.
Even verified accounts can potentially lose their verification status if they violate applicable policies or no longer meet relevant requirements.
Can You Buy Instagram Verification?
You should be extremely careful when someone claims they can guarantee Instagram verification for a fee.
There is no legitimate shortcut where you pay an unofficial agent and automatically receive traditional Instagram verification.
Avoid services that promise:
- Guaranteed blue badges
- Instant verification
- Fake media coverage
- Guaranteed approval
- Paid followers for verification
- Direct access to Instagram employees
- Verification through secret contacts
These services can put your account and personal information at risk.
Meta Verified Is Different
Meta Verified is an official paid subscription offered by Meta. If you choose this route, use the official Instagram or Meta process.
Do not send your government identification, passwords, authentication codes, or account credentials to an unknown person claiming to be a verification agent.
Does Buying Followers Help You Get Verified?
No.
Buying followers does not automatically make an account eligible for verification. Artificial followers can actually make your profile look less authentic.
The same applies to fake likes, comments, views, or fabricated media coverage.
If you want to strengthen your Instagram presence, focus on genuine audience growth, useful content, engagement, and legitimate public recognition.
What If Instagram Rejects Your Verification Request?
A rejected verification request does not necessarily mean you can never become verified.
Instead of immediately submitting another application, review your account and identify areas that could be improved.
Consider:
- Completing your profile.
- Correcting inaccurate information.
- Improving your public presence.
- Building genuine media recognition where appropriate.
- Removing misleading content.
- Avoiding artificial engagement.
- Strengthening account security.
- Maintaining consistent activity.
If you’re applying through the traditional verification route, focus particularly on whether your account has a legitimate reason to be considered notable.
Avoid repeatedly submitting rushed applications without making meaningful improvements.
Why Instagram Verification Is Valuable
The blue badge can provide several practical advantages.
For creators and public figures, verification can make it easier for audiences to identify the genuine account.
For businesses, authenticity can be particularly important when multiple fake profiles are attempting to imitate a brand.
Meta Verified may also provide additional subscription benefits, such as account support and impersonation protection, depending on the plan and availability.
However, verification should be viewed as a credibility and authenticity tool rather than a guarantee of popularity or success.
Instagram Verification: Meta Verified vs Traditional Verification
| Feature | Meta Verified | Traditional Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Paid subscription | Yes | No |
| Identity verification | Yes | Generally required |
| Notability | Not the primary requirement | Important |
| Government ID | May be required | May be requested |
| Available to eligible users | Yes, where available | Select accounts |
| Guaranteed approval | No | No |
| Follower requirement | No fixed follower threshold | No fixed follower threshold |
| Main purpose | Identity + subscription benefits | Authenticity and public recognition |
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for how to get verified on Instagram, the best approach depends on your account and eligibility.
For many eligible users, Meta Verified offers the most direct official route, using identity verification as part of the subscription process. Traditional Instagram verification remains a separate path intended for notable accounts representing recognised people, brands, organisations, or entities.
Whichever route you choose, make sure your profile is authentic, complete, secure, and compliant with Instagram’s policies.
Most importantly, don’t buy followers, fake publicity, or unofficial verification services. A genuine online presence is far more valuable than a blue badge obtained through questionable methods.
The safest approach is always to apply through Instagram or Meta’s official verification process and provide accurate information when requested.
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