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At some point, you’ve probably fantasized with that blue checkmark next to your Instagram handle. Maybe you thought it was exclusively for celebrities like Taylor Swift, brands like Nike, or influencers with millions of followers. Yet, you’ve likely come across accounts with fewer than 20K followers sporting that same blue badge and wondered, "How did they get verified?"
The truth is, you don’t need to be a mega star to get verified. With Meta Verified, users can now pay for verification without waiting for Instagram’s traditional review. But if paying doesn’t appeal to you, the organic route is still an option.
This guide covers how to apply for Instagram verification, why it matters for your brand or business, how many followers are required to get verified, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection. We’ll dive into Instagram’s verification requirements, authentic engagement, and how press features, notable mentions, and consistent branding can boost your chances.
Get ready for tips and strategies to help you stand out and secure that blue badge. Let’s dive in!
Instagram verification is the process in which the platform confirms that an account is authentic and belongs to the person, brand, or organization it claims to represent.
An example of a verified Instagram account is @EmiliaMernes, a popular Argentinian singer and songwriter. The blue checkmark next to her username signifies authenticity, helping her followers trust that they are interacting with her official profile.
When you’re verified, a small blue checkmark appears next to your username. This famous little icon is more than just something nice to have. It’s Instagram’s way of saying, “this account is legit.” For both creators and brands, it represents credibility and can make others feel more confident about engaging with your content. Let’s say, it makes people trust you more easily.
Verification can also help protect your account from impersonators — something that becomes more relevant as your presence grows. If someone searches for you and multiple accounts pop up, that blue check helps users instantly recognize which one is the real you.
As we’ve previously mentioned, Instagram verification isn’t for celebrities only. It’s open to anyone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone who applies will get the blue check.
Instagram offers two ways to get verified:
This is the “easiest” option. If you pay your subscription to Meta you’ll most likely get your account verified. Of course, you must meet Meta’s eligibility criteria.
If paying isn’t an option, you can apply for verification the traditional way. Instagram typically approves verification for public figures, celebrities, and brands. As long as you meet the necessary requirements, you have a chance to get that blue check.
We’ll take a closer look at both of these verification options later in the article, so keep reading for more insights!
Here’s what Instagram looks for:
Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or legitimate entity. Fan accounts, parody pages, or meme profiles don’t make the cut.
Only one account per person or brand can be verified – no duplicates (unless you have language-specific profiles). General interest pages like @puppymemes aren’t eligible.
Your profile needs to be public and fully filled out. This means you should have a profile photo, a bio that clearly explains who you are or what your brand represents and your account should have regular activity. Inactive accounts won’t get verified.
Here’s the “tricky” part – your account needs to represent someone or something that’s well-known and frequently searched for. Instagram reviews media coverage from credible sources, but keep in mind that sponsored or paid media won’t count.
Make sure your username is what you'd like it to be before you apply for a verified badge. Once verified, you may not change the username on your account.
Getting verified on Instagram isn’t just for show – that blue check actually comes with some real advantages. It can help grow your profile, strengthen your personal brand, and unlock new opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
Having a verified Instagram account instantly tells your audience that your account is authentic and recognized by the platform. It reassures people that you’re a legitimate creator, brand, or public figure. This credibility makes your profile more appealing and helps establish trust with potential followers, clients, or customers.
Verified accounts are more likely to show up at the top of search results, making it easier for users to find you. This increased visibility not only puts you ahead of others in your niche but also expands your reach and audience.
The more your account grows, the greater the chance that someone might try to impersonate you. Verification clearly distinguishes your profile as the real one, reducing confusion and protecting your brand’s identity. It ensures your followers know exactly who they’re engaging with.
Brands are naturally attracted to verified accounts. The checkmark represents professionalism, influence, and a level of authority that brands look for in partnerships. Whether it’s sponsorships, collaborations, or paid campaigns, verification can open the door to more profitable opportunities.
Looking to Collaborate with Brands? If you're ready to take your influencer journey to the next level, check out our article How To Find Brands Looking For Small Influencers
Verified accounts typically see significantly more interaction, with engagement rates averaging 30% higher than those of non-verified accounts. The presence of that small blue check naturally attracts users, encouraging them to engage with your content more frequently and perceive it as credible and worthwhile.
Want to Know the Best Time to Post for Maximum Engagement? If you're looking to boost your engagement even further, check out our article What Is The Best Time To Post on Social Media to discover the ideal times to post for the highest interaction on your content.
Instagram offers two main paths to obtaining the verification. Either paying for your badge through Meta Verified or applying through the platform’s traditional verification process. Each option comes with its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria. Let’s dive in!
For a quicker and more direct path to verification, you can subscribe to Meta Verified. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements the process is simple and can be completed in a few steps.
Eligibility Requirements:
Open your Instagram app, go to your profile and tap the menu (☰) on the top right corner.
Look for the “Meta Verified” option within the settings menu.
If you manage multiple accounts, select the one you’d like to verify.
Select either a monthly or annual subscription plan. Enter your payment details to complete the subscription process.
Once your application is submitted, Instagram will review your information and typically notify you within 48 hours.
If paying for verification isn’t something you're interested in, and you believe your account meets Instagram’s criteria, you can apply for verification directly through the platform.
This option is available for public figures, celebrities, and brands that meet the requirements we outlined earlier in this article. While approval isn’t guaranteed and the process can take some time, it offers an alternative way of getting the verification badge. Here’s how to apply:
Go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu (☰) in the top right corner.
Under the "For Professionals" section, select "Creator Tools and Controls."
Scroll down to the bottom and tap "Request Verification."
Fill in the required fields detailing your authenticity and notability. Use this space to provide links and sources that showcase your profile's credibility and public presence.
Once you've completed the necessary steps, submit your application and wait for Instagram’s review.
A fully completed profile is essential. Make sure your bio is up to date and your profile picture is of high quality and clearly represents you or your brand. Your content needs to be relevant to your niche.
Arena Roja (@arenarojabrand), a Spanish jewelry brand, works as a great example of a complete Instagram profile. Their username matches the brand name and the profile picture features their clean logo.
In the bio, Arena Roja clearly communicates who they are, what they offer, and their slogan, giving visitors a quick understanding of the brand’s essence. They also include a link to their website.
What stands out about their profile is their cohesive Instagram feed. Every post aligns with their brand's aesthetic, creating a professional look.
Being consistent across different platforms helps. Make sure to regularly post high-quality content and engage with your audience. The more active and visible you are, the more likely Instagram is to recognize your importance and worthiness for verification.
Hannah Pearson is a great example of consistency across platforms. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and 900k on Instagram, Hannah actively posts content tailored to each platform, giving followers a full 360-degree view of her life.
On Instagram, her feed remains clean and cohesive, adhering to a specific aesthetic that reflects her personality. Her followers engage heavily with her content, leaving numerous comments and likes on every post.
She even hosts giveaways to allow her followers to win gym apparel and of course encourage engagement even more!
Her Instagram profile is complete, from a well-chosen profile picture to a bio that clearly communicates who she is and what she stands for.
Want to Boost Your Engagement Even More? Check out our article How To Find Trending Hashtags On Instagram to discover strategies for using the right hashtags to get your content seen by a larger audience.
Engaging with your audience can demonstrate your influence and importance. Respond to comments, messages, and interact with your followers regularly. Active engagement reflects the level of connection you have with your community, which can be a deciding factor in Instagram’s review process.
Nora McInerny (@noraborealis) is a great example of a creator who engages deeply with her followers. She often responds to comments and shares aspects of her personal life.
Her Instagram is a mix of heartfelt moments, humorous anecdotes, and reflections on her own journey, which has fostered a strong, supportive community. Through her transparent and authentic approach, Nora makes it clear she’s there to connect with her audience, not just broadcast content.
Having a large following isn't a must for getting verified, but it can definitely increase your chances. Instead of focusing on numbers alone, prioritize building an engaged community. Create content that resonates with your audience and encourages genuine interaction. This organic growth through consistent posting, collaborations, and giveaways will show Instagram that your presence is valuable and worth verifying.
Destiny Davis (@destinyamberdavis) is a wonderful example of a creator who prioritizes building a genuine, engaged community over just growing her follower count. As a motherhood influencer, she shares daily glimpses of her family life, offering authentic content that truly connects with her audience.
Destiny regularly engages with her followers through interactive stories, using polls and question boxes to spark conversations and invite them to share their thoughts. She also hosts giveaways, creating opportunities for her community to feel appreciated and stay involved.
Though she doesn’t have a massive following yet, Destiny is consistently growing a loyal audience. Her focus on authentic engagement rather than just numbers is a great reminder that a small, highly engaged community is often far more valuable than a large following with little interaction.
If you've been rejected after applying for verification, you're not alone—and we get it, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry, understanding why Instagram might have said no can give you the insights you need to readjust your profile and boost your chances the next time around.
Here are the most common reasons why your verification request might not have been approved:
One of the hardest requirements to meet when applying for verification is the "notable" criteria. As we mentioned earlier, Instagram needs to see that your account represents a well-known public figure, brand, or entity that people are actively searching for.
If you haven't yet built a strong presence or gained significant media coverage, Instagram might not consider you notable enough to get the blue check. This can be one of the more challenging obstacles to overcome, as it requires more than just a strong following, it demands visibility.
To meet this requirement, you'll need to increase your exposure through press coverage, media features, or strategic collaborations with influencers and brands in your field.
To get verified on Instagram, having a complete and consistent profile is crucial. If your profile is missing a bio, profile picture, or key details, Instagram may not see it as fully set up for verification.
It’s also important to stay active. If your posts are inconsistent or don’t align with your niche, Instagram might not consider your account professional enough for the blue check.
Keep your bio fresh and updated, use an appealing profile picture, and ensure your content consistently reflects your identity.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when applying for verification is using fake engagement or buying followers.
Instagram’s algorithms are sophisticated enough to detect fake followers and artificial engagement, such as bots or purchased likes and comments.
Relying on these tactics can damage your credibility and result in an immediate rejection. Please don’t do it!
If your account has violated Instagram’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service in the past, this can lead to a rejection of your verification request.
While you may not have intended to break any rules, issues like harassment, spamming, or inappropriate content can disqualify you from receiving the blue check. Be mindful of Instagram's rules to ensure your account stays in good standing when applying for verification.
If you've applied for verification and been rejected, don’t rush to submit another application. Instagram recommends waiting at least 30 days before reapplying.
During this time, work on improving your profile, increasing your following, and securing media coverage or press recognition. Reapplying too soon without making any changes or improvements to your account will only result in another rejection.
If your Instagram verification badge is removed, the consequences will depend on the reason for its removal. Instagram takes the verification process seriously, and badges can be revoked for several reasons, such as:
Regardless of the reason for its removal, you’ll need to fix the issue and ensure that you’re not breaking any rules before reapplying. While you can reapply if you're still eligible, there’s no guarantee that Instagram will approve your request again.
There are several myths and mistakes that people make when applying for verification. Here’s what you need to avoid:
It’s a common misconception that you need a huge following to get verified on Instagram. In reality, the number of followers doesn’t matter as much as the authenticity and notability of your account.
Instagram is looking to verify public figures, well-known brands, and individuals who might be at risk of impersonation. There are accounts with just a few thousand followers, around 2K to 4K, that are verified, while some with millions of followers still aren’t.
A Reddit discussion explores this topic, with many users sharing their experiences and insights about the verification process. Most participants concluded that follower count plays a minor role compared to meeting Instagram’s criteria for notability and authenticity. If you’re eligible and meet the requirements, such as being featured in credible news sources or representing a notable brand, the number of followers you have becomes far less significant.
The key is to focus on building a genuine presence and creating great content. Verification is about your impact and authenticity, not just follower count.
As we’ve previously seen, Meta now offers a paid subscription service called Meta Verified, which provides a legitimate way to obtain the blue check on Instagram. However, it’s important to note that this is the only official way you can pay for verification.
If you choose to buy a verification tick from a random person or service promising a verified account, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Instagram takes authenticity and adherence to its policies very seriously.
Verification obtained through illegitimate methods can easily be revoked, and in some cases, your account could be flagged or banned altogether.
While the blue check adds credibility to your profile, it doesn’t guarantee increased reach, followers, or engagement. As discussed by users on Reddit, the main value lies in the extra features it offers, not in dramatic growth.
However, some benefits can indirectly help you stand out. For instance, Meta Verified ensures your comments appear at the top, making it easier to catch the attention of bigger accounts or even celebrities. Reddit users noted that many have reported gaining notable followers as a result.
Additionally, the blue check protects your brand by verifying your identity, giving your profile authenticity and attracting potential collaborations. This perspective was shared by several users in the Reddit discussion, where the focus was on how Meta Verified enhances trust and security.
Instagram typically takes a few days to a few weeks to process verification requests, but this timeline can vary based on factors like demand or account activity. If your application is denied, it’s often due to reasons like not meeting Instagram’s eligibility criteria, having an incomplete profile, or lacking sufficient public interest.
Once you apply through the official process, be patient and don’t accept offers from anyone claiming they can get you verified faster. These are likely scams that could compromise your account. If denied, focus on building your online presence and reapply after 30 days.
While getting verified on Instagram can feel like a challenge, it’s definitely within reach if you follow the right steps. Make sure your profile is complete, active, and authentic, and focus on building a genuine online presence. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about engagement, credibility, and showing that your account truly represents something worth recognizing. Whether you apply through the traditional route or use Meta Verified, staying patient and consistent will help you increase your chances of earning that desired blue check. Good luck!
