How To Get Verified on Instagram and Earn That Blue Check

Getting verified on Instagram is a huge moment for creators — sometimes even more so than gaining likes and followers. It validates your success on the platform and shows your authenticity, which is important for users who want to know who they’re interacting with.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get verified on Instagram, including the application process and tips for getting accepted.

What Does It Mean To Be Verified on Instagram?

When you’re verified on Instagram, a small blue checkmark appears beside your username. Initially, Instagram gave these checkmarks to confirm celebrity and business profiles as legitimate. Only famous people or organizations — like brands, public figures, and popular influencers — were likely to receive verification from Instagram, and account holders had to show proof of their fame.

Since then, Instagram verification has changed. While you can still apply for a verification badge as a noteworthy person or organization, you can now get the badge by subscribing to Meta Verified — a system that proves you are who you say you are. This has made it easier to get the Instagram blue check because you don’t have to be famous. However, the platform still doesn’t give it out to just anyone.

The Benefits of Being Verified on Instagram

Not everyone needs an Instagram badge. If you’re just using Instagram to share content with friends, it isn’t necessary because they’ll know who you are without verification.

However, verification can prove your legitimacy as a creator, influencer, or business, which can make a huge difference in your online reputation. Consider applying for a verification badge if any of the following benefits apply to you:

• You need to prove your identity — If you don’t want anyone to impersonate your brand or personality, verification shows Instagram users which account really belongs to you. Any fan pages or fake accounts won’t be able to get verified, which sets them apart from your real account.
• You want to boost your image — People see verification as a marker of success. If you’re a rising influencer or artist, the checkmark could show potential followers that you’re legitimate and committed to Instagram. 
• You want to help people find you — Many Instagram accounts have similar names. If your business or profile name is similar to others, get a verification badge. People will immediately know they’ve found the right account when they search for you. 

Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?

If you go through Instagram’s traditional verification process, you will need to prove that there’s a strong chance people will try to impersonate you. It’s not about the number of followers you have, but your level of fame or notability. This can be difficult to do, but here are the general Instagram verification requirements: 

• Authenticity — You have to provide documents that prove your or your business’ identity. As a content creator, this means uploading government identification.
• A public profile — Instagram doesn’t give verification to private accounts. Your profile needs to be public, have a bio, and have a profile photo to show that you're not an impersonator.
• Newsworthiness — Instagram will check that you or your business has been in the news. Paid or promotional coverage won’t count as evidence. 

5 Steps To Getting Verified on Instagram

When you’re ready to apply for verification, here’s how: 

1. Log in to the Instagram account you wish to seek verification for.
2. Go to your account settings, and under “For professionals,” tap “Account type and tools.”
3. Select “Request verification.”
4. Fill out the application. You’ll have to provide documents affirming your identity — like a driver's license for individuals and a utility bill for businesses — so have those files ready to go. 
5. Submit your application and wait for a response. Instagram will send its answer within 30 days via a notification you can find in “Activity.” If it doesn’t accept your request, you can apply again in another 30 days.

How To Get a Blue Checkmark Through Meta Verified

If you don’t think you meet the verification requirements of Instagram’s traditional application process, you can still get a blue checkmark. You just have to use Meta Verified, a paid subscription service, to show that your account really belongs to you or your business. The only requirements are that you’re over 18, have an active and legitimate account, and enable two-factor authentication.

Here’s how to apply for Meta Verified: 

1. Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. 
2. Click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and choose “Meta Verified” from the list of options. 
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to pay for a Meta Verified account subscription. 
4. Verify your account by uploading identifying documentation, which should be government identification. 
5. If everything goes through, the blue checkmark should appear on your profile. If you don’t see it, revisit the eligibility requirements and try again. 

3 Tips for Earning a Blue Checkmark 

Even if you meet all the requirements when you apply for verification, you may not receive the blue checkmark. The traditional (non-Meta Verified) application process is difficult to pass — but not impossible. 

The following tips can boost your chances of verification:

1. Don’t Buy a Badge, Followers, or Likes

Trying to buy a verification badge can get you banned from Instagram. Services that claim to offer blue checkmarks are scams, and similar ones that let you purchase followers or likes are against Instagram’s guidelines. Using these methods to get verification or make yourself look “famous” is unlikely to help you obtain a real blue check — now or in the future.

2. Stick To the Community Guidelines

Remain in good standing with Instagram by following the Community Guidelines. Post original content, never bully or harass other users, and don’t break the law or suggest dangerous activity. Instagram could shadowban or remove your account if you don’t follow the guidelines. 

3. Keep Trying

If you don’t succeed in getting verification on your first try, you’re not alone. Hundreds of legitimate accounts don’t succeed right away. Try again after a minimum of 30 days, and improve your account in the meantime. Polish your profile with a new photo and witty Instagram bio, post more great-looking original content, and interact with your audience to show you’re active. 

You can also make sure your profile page matches who you say you are so Instagram doesn’t get confused during verification. For example, if you claim that you own a fashion boutique, don’t post photos of other types of products. Stick to posting about one topic.

Take the time between applications to build up your follower base, too. Although the number of followers you have doesn’t guarantee verification, it does indicate your success. Look at which of your posts and Stories get the most interaction, and continue creating that content people are enjoying. You can also collaborate with other creators and put popular hashtags in your post descriptions to improve your visibility.

Create Stand-Out Instagram Content With Captions

When Instagram reviews your verification application, it wants to see high-quality content that represents your account — and if you’re a video creator, that starts with Captions. 

Use the Captions app to create impressive content that deserves verification. Its user-friendly editing tools have everything you need to make the most polished Instagram videos possible, helping your profile stand out and become worthy of that blue badge.