Verification on social media platforms like Instagram is a coveted achievement for many individuals and businesses. It signals a certain level of trustworthiness and success, providing an aura of authority on the platform. Furthermore, it assures users that the account they are viewing is authentic.
Social media verification provides a sense of credibility, recognition, and authority to users and businesses. Being verified on social media platforms such as Instagram means that you have achieved a level of influence and visibility. As such, the requirements for having a verified account can be quite strict.
This article explains everything you need to know about the Instagram verification requirements: the criteria for eligibility, how to apply and the steps required for successful verification. We will also discuss some common mistakes people make during their applications and provide tips on increasing their chances of getting verified.
An introduction about the requirements.
You must fulfil the required conditions to be eligible for social media verification. For example, you must have a certain number of followers on your social media account. In addition, your account must be in good standing with the social media platform you use. Specifically, you cannot have any pending violations or suspensions on your account.
It is necessary for users to take the time to familiarize themselves with Instagram’s guidelines in order to ensure that their verification requests go through. This is the very first step towards a successful application. If you have a history of violations, your chances of approval are thinner than accounts with a pristine reputation.
Those struggling with active account suspensions or violations can refer to our “Instagram restoration service“. We can effectively remove almost any kind of violation and restore your account’s reputation, allowing you to proceed with the verification process. It’s important to note our service does allow you to “clean up” previous suspensions, which will also influence the final verdict.
Instagram verification is a crucial step in building your online presence. Since the process of getting verified can be time-consuming and complex, it’s essential to come prepared and understand the requirements set by Instagram. This includes having at least one post, a clear profile picture, relevant bio content, and information about who you are or what you do. All four elements must be included to be considered for verification.
Additionally, posting photos and videos relevant to your field of business can also support your application for Instagram verification. Instagram does not tell you that a few posts and videos are usually insufficient. Although there is no exact number, ideally, you should have at least 10 posts visible in your feed. Instagram values active users who post regularly.
In short, eligible Instagram accounts should be:
- Active (1+ post per week)
- Public (no private profiles)
- Authentic (representing an actual entity, business or person)
- In good standing (no active violations)
- Complete (Biography and profile info)
- Notable (Sufficient web presence)
- Secure (Active phone number and 2FA enabled)
We disclose more details about requirements in the article “How to get verified on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and other social networks“.
Common mistakes when applying for Instagram verification.
When applying for verification on social media platforms, it’s easy to make mistakes. Most people make at least one mistake. In fact, most requests are rejected by the platform.
Three common mistakes include not fully meeting the criteria for verification, not filling out the application form correctly, and not providing sufficient information. Let’s examine them these 3 common mistakes:
- The first common mistake involves people lacking in one or more of the areas that Instagram considers when evaluating an account for verification, such as having a certain level of popularity, authenticity, and, most importantly, public interest. Instagram will not even consider your request if there is not enough public interest.
- There are several ways an individual may not fill out the application form correctly for Instagram verification. The application may be rejected if any of the information provided is false, misleading, or not up-to-date. Double-check every piece of information you enter before submitting your request.
- If the Instagram verification application does not provide enough information to demonstrate that the proper criteria have been met, the application may be rejected, even if you meet all requirements. You must be able to prove your account is eligible.
Another common mistake is assuming that verification will be granted automatically. That is not the case unless you are a public figure or a government-owned page.
As explained above, one of the most common mistakes people make during their application for Instagram verification is not meeting the minimum verification requirements on their profile. This goes beyond the number of followers. Your web presence is thoroughly analyzed, looking for articles and other noteworthy mentions.
It is also important to note that personal account applications for verification typically won’t be approved unless you are a public figure or have a large following on the platform. The good news is that you can still become eligible and get verified even if you are not a public figure. For more information, refer to our Instagram verification service.
What exactly is a “large following”?
Platforms like Instagram are often vague when it comes down to criteria. Although they extensively describe their guidelines, the exact requirements are never disclosed. This is because each case is examined individually rather than approved automatically, depending on the follower count.
You may be wondering: what is considered a large following? That depends on your country and your niche. While ten thousand Instagram followers may be considered a lot in Eastern Europe countries, the same criteria don’t apply in the United States. Although followers are not the first measure in a rank of importance, they play a role in the final outcome.
With that said, don’t be discouraged if you are seeking for a blue badge and you don’t have thousands upon thousands of followers yet: you can still get your hands on the Instagram blue-tick, with a bit of help. Our Instagram verification service will allow you to obtain what you’re lacking to be considered eligible, whether it’s followers or reputation.
Do not send multiple requests, ever.
People looking for Instagram verification often wonder: how long does it take? Will they ignore me? Have I been rejected? Even if we work closely with influential figures that are eligible for the blue checkmark, it’s challenging to provide an exact answer. Please read “How long does it take to get verified?” for more information regarding wait times.
Applicants should not make multiple attempts or send requests frequently, as this could adversely affect their chances of being selected for Instagram verification in the future. If you didn’t receive any response after your first submission, it’s time to wait. Your request might be pending or perhaps it was rejected.
Even if your verification request was ignored and rejected, that doesn’t mean you should submit a new application shortly after. Instagram may view multiple verification requests as a sign that you are not a genuine candidate for verification. It is generally best to only send a single verification request and to carefully follow the guidelines set forth by Instagram for the verification process.
Be as specific as you can, but don’t go overboard.
When filling out the verification application form, it is vital to ensure that all information is accurate and provide as much detail as possible. Failing to do so could result in the application being rejected. Be specific and descriptive without diluting your message with unnecessary information. For example, it’s better not to mention your Tumblr profile with ten followers, as it will not add any value to your application.
The application should clearly and concisely explain why the account meets the criteria for verification. If the case for verification is not strong, the application may be rejected. Focus on providing relevant information about yourself or your company. This includes articles that mention your (business) name, Wikipedia pages, Youtube videos and other noteworthy mentions.
The more online mentions and information you can provide about yourself or your business, the higher the odds of getting your request approved. Last but not least, don’t forget that a human will review your request. Although machines can filter requests, a person will always make the final decision. Keep this in mind.
What about the benefits?
Social media verification is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations to increase their reach and visibility. It is a way to demonstrate that a brand or organization is legitimate and credible by providing a visual indicator. Verification is also an effective way to stand out from the competition and build customer trust.
Verified accounts on social media are seen as more trustworthy and authoritative, allowing businesses to cultivate a more significant, more engaged following. Verified accounts stand out in comments and personal messages, exponentially increasing your reach and profile visits. With the proper setup, this can turn into leads, sales and cash.
Getting your account verified will have many benefits, such as more authority within your niche, increased reputation, more trust among potential followers, and more engagement on your posts due to higher visibility on Instagram’s platform. Although the exact benefits of the algorithm and post visibility are unknown, comments from verified profiles tend to rank higher than others.
Did you ever notice how the first comments in popular pages are almost always from verified accounts? Or the fact that messages from pages with the blue badge never land in the message requests folder? Instagram attributes some authority to those who went undergo the verification process.
Read more about the Instagram verification benefits in our article “What are the benefits of being verified?”
How do I become eligible?
If you are still reading this, your chances of becoming eligible for Instagram verification have grown immensely. This is because we have prepared the ultimate guide for social media verification. However, not even a social media verification bible can make miracles if you don’t meet the most basic requirements imposed by the platform.
With that said, the right knowledge can skyrocket your possibilities of getting your hands on the blue tick everyone is looking for. Suppose you want to learn methods used by influencers and social media agencies. In that case, we suggest you read “How to get verified on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and other social networks” as mentioned earlier.
To become eligible, you simply must meet all the requirements explained above. Your request will be rejected if you don’t meet one or more of the requirements. As simple as that. Ensure you are eligible before submitting your request. As Eminem said: “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow”.
This should be taken too literally, as Instagram allows you to send multiple requests. However, sending multiple requests is often detrimental, as explained earlier. Whatever you do with your Instagram verification request, make it count and consider it your only chance.
To quote Eminem one last time: “Success is my only motherfuckin’ option, failure’s not“. Since failure is not an option, you need a checklist. We have prepared an extensive checklist. It contains all the boxes your account should tick to qualify for the blue tick. No pun intended. Find the ultimate checklist below.
The ultimate Instagram verification checklist.
- Make sure your account is public. Private profiles are not eligible for verification.
- Use a high-quality profile picture that clearly shows your face or your brand’s logo. Grey profiles are not welcome.
- Fill out your bio entirely. Optionally, you use relevant keywords that accurately describe your account and your industry/niche.
- Post high-quality content on a regular basis that is consistent with the theme of your account. 3+ posts per week and 3+ months of activity are recommended.
- Verify the email address and phone number associated with your Instagram account. Optionally, enable 2FA (second-factor authentication) to add an extra layer of security.
- Engage with other influencers via private messages on the platform. As a bonus, have prominent profiles in the same industry follow you. Mutual follow is recommended.
- Avoid violating Instagram’s community guidelines, such as posting spam or inappropriate content. Ensure there are no active violations.
- Gather as many followers as possible, as having a large following can increase your chances of being verified. Your followers should be real and active.
- Engage with your followers and other users in the Instagram community by liking and commenting on their posts and responding to comments on your own posts.
Once you feel that your account meets the eligibility requirements and have completed the steps above, you can apply for verification through the Instagram app. Go to your profile, tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner, tap “Settings,” then tap “Account,” and finally tap “Request Verification.” Follow the prompts to complete the verification process.
How to apply for the Instagram verification
Once you feel that your account meets the eligibility requirements and have completed the steps above, you can apply for verification through the Instagram app. We suggest you double-check the “ultimate checklist” above before proceeding. It is not advisable to send multiple requests; the first time you apply is when you have the highest chance of approval. Here is how to apply for the Instagram blue checkmark via the app.
- Open the Instagram app on your smartphone.
- Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings.”
- Click “Account.”
- Tap “Request Verification.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the verification process.
At the time of this article, it is not possible to apply for verification on Instagram’s website. This information may be outdated, as the platform may have introduced new ways to submit a verification request.
Wrapping up
To summarize, the Instagram verification process seems complex when it’s relatively simple. The platform does not disclose all of the exact requirements. Instead, it provides guidelines and vague criteria you should fulfil if your goal is being verified. Follow the ultimate checklist above to ensure the odds are high, or rely on professionals that handle the verification for you – even when you don’t meet all requirements. Our Instagram verification service enables you to reach the same status as a public figure. We work on your web presence and reputation your profile is considered eligible by the social network.
