Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying Your Instagram Account

Instagram’s blue verification badge is a symbol of authenticity, confirming that an account truly belongs to the individual, brand, or entity it represents. It can boost credibility, increase visibility, and offer protection against impersonation. Whether you’re a public figure, brand, or aspiring influencer, getting verified on Instagram can enhance your presence. However, the verification process requires meeting specific criteria and following a series of steps. This guide will walk you through the process of how to verify your Instagram account successfully.

What Is Instagram Verification?

Instagram verification is the process by which Instagram grants the blue checkmark to a user’s profile, symbolizing that Instagram has confirmed the authenticity of the account. It’s typically reserved for public figures, celebrities, global brands, and entities that are prone to impersonation.

Verification does not grant you any additional functionality on Instagram, but it offers a range of benefits:

• Increased credibility: Users trust verified accounts more, especially when interacting with celebrities, brands, or businesses.
• Enhanced visibility: Verified accounts may receive priority in search results.
• Protection from impersonation: It deters copycat or fake accounts from stealing your brand identity.

Eligibility Criteria for Instagram Verification

Instagram does not verify everyone. To increase your chances of being verified, your account needs to meet specific criteria:

• Authenticity: The account must represent a real person, business, or entity.
• Uniqueness: Instagram only verifies one account per entity or individual (with exceptions for language-specific accounts). Meme pages, fan accounts, or general interest accounts typically don’t get verified.
• Public Account: The account must be public, meaning anyone can view your posts and stories.
• Complete Profile: Your account must be fully set up with a bio, profile photo, and at least one post.
• Notable: The account must represent a person, brand, or entity that is well-known and frequently searched for.
• Abide by Instagram’s guidelines: The account must follow Instagram’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying Your Instagram Account

1. Prepare Your Profile

Before applying for verification, ensure that your Instagram profile is complete:

• Profile Photo: Make sure to have a clear and recognizable profile picture. For businesses, using a company logo works well.
• Bio: Write a compelling bio that describes who you are or what your brand represents. Include keywords relevant to your industry or niche.
• Username: Your username should reflect your personal or brand identity and be easily associated with you.
• Post Content: Make sure your posts are aligned with your public persona or brand image. Consistent and high-quality content improves the chances of Instagram recognizing your authenticity.

2. Ensure You Are a Notable Public Figure or Brand

Instagram focuses on verifying accounts of people, brands, or businesses that are in the public eye. If you haven’t gained much media attention or your brand is still growing, work on building visibility:

• Get Press Coverage: Press coverage from credible sources can significantly boost your chances of being recognized as notable.
• Engage on Social Media: Being active and engaging with your followers helps build your reputation as an influencer or public figure.
• Create a Strong Online Presence: Be active on other platforms like Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok, and link these platforms to your Instagram account.

3. Apply for Verification

Once your profile is ready and you believe you meet Instagram’s criteria, follow these steps to apply for verification:

1. Go to your profile: Open the Instagram app, and navigate to your profile by tapping your profile picture at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Access Settings: Tap on the three lines (menu icon) at the top right corner and select Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Find the Verification Request Option: Scroll down and tap on Account, then select Request Verification.
4. Fill Out the Application Form: You’ll be prompted to provide some personal information, including:
   • Full Name: Your full legal name or the name of your business/brand.
   • Known As: This could be your stage name, brand name, or any other name people may know you by.
   • Category: Choose the category that best describes your account (e.g., news/media, sports, government, fashion, business, etc.).
   • Upload Identification: Instagram requires documentation to verify your identity. You’ll need to submit a government-issued ID for personal accounts (driver’s license, passport) or official documents (tax filings, articles of incorporation) for businesses.
5. Submit the Form: Once everything is filled out, tap Submit to send your request to Instagram for review.

4. Wait for Instagram’s Response

After submitting your application, Instagram will review it. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During the review process, Instagram will check for:

• Account activity and whether your account follows Instagram’s guidelines.
• Press or public mentions that signify you as a notable public figure or entity.

Once your request is reviewed, Instagram will notify you through the app:

• If approved, you’ll receive the blue verification badge.
• If denied, you can reapply after 30 days. Use the time to improve your online presence and visibility.

5. What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected

If your verification request is rejected, don’t be discouraged. Here’s what you can do next:

• Review Instagram’s Feedback: Make sure your account is in good standing and adheres to the community guidelines.
• Increase your visibility: Focus on getting more public attention through PR, collaborations, or gaining media features.
• Enhance your Instagram activity: Be active on the platform by regularly posting content and engaging with your audience.
• Reapply after 30 days: After one month, you can submit a new verification request. This gives you time to strengthen your profile.

6. Best Practices to Boost Your Chances of Verification

• Stay Authentic: Only submit truthful information. Instagram thoroughly verifies accounts and will revoke the badge if fraudulent information is detected.
• Avoid Buying Followers: Organic growth and engagement are key. Buying fake followers can harm your chances of verification and credibility.
• Engage with Followers: Interaction with followers shows Instagram that you are actively managing the account, which increases credibility.
• Cross-Promote: Link your Instagram account on your official website, other social media platforms, and any media coverage that features you. This shows Instagram that your presence extends beyond their platform.

Common Myths About Instagram Verification

There are several misconceptions about the verification process. Let’s debunk a few:

• You need millions of followers: The number of followers doesn’t directly affect verification. What matters is authenticity, uniqueness, and notability.
• Only celebrities can get verified: While many celebrities are verified, Instagram verifies brands, businesses, influencers, and public figures from various fields.
• Paying for verification works: Be wary of services offering to verify your account for a fee. Instagram’s verification is free, and third-party services can’t influence the process.

Conclusion

Getting verified on Instagram can provide you with credibility, protect your brand identity, and boost your influence. While the process can seem competitive, focusing on building an authentic, notable, and active presence on Instagram and other platforms increases your chances of receiving the coveted blue badge.