One of the most coveted social media statuses is Instagram Verification, also known as the blue checkmark right by the name on the profile. This badge signifies that the account is authentic. It has been confirmed by Instagram to belong to the said person or brand. It instantly gives your account more authority and lets people know that your account is significant enough to warrant such a status.
In the past, there was no precise method on how to go about obtaining the verification. Users have stated they were awarded the badge, while others would seek out people who could potentially receive the badge for them for a fee. Instagram has decided to make everyone's life easier with a new, exciting feature. Now, you can request a verified badge directly from your account and Instagram will review the request. Instagram won't verify just anyone. You still need to be an influential account, brand, or global company.
Think you have what it takes to get verified on Instagram? Here's how to request verification:
Head over to your profile page and click the Setting button.
Scroll down to Account and click 'Request Verification.'
Next, you'll be taken to a page where you need to enter some information to be approved. This includes your username, full name, and you need to attach a photo of a government-issued ID. Once you're done, click Send.
This is the message you'll receive once you've submitted your information.
It can take a while to receive a response, so be patient.
Businesses are also able to request verification on Instagram. Just like with verifying personal accounts, you'll need to submit official information such as the name of the business and upload documents. Requesting a badge for a company will be slightly different. Instead of uploading an ID photo, you'll need to upload official business documents, whether it's a recent tax filing, utility bill, or articles of incorporation.
(photo credit: @hazelmaven)
The blue checkmark shows that Instagram has confirmed the account's authenticity. It tells followers the profile truly belongs to the public figure, brand, or business it represents, giving added credibility and helping users distinguish it from fan pages or impersonators.
Instagram considers accounts that are influential, widely searched, or represent notable people, brands, or global companies. Small or private profiles usually will not qualify. Having a complete profile, public visibility, and abiding by Instagram's rules are minimum prerequisites before you submit a request.
Open your profile, tap the Settings icon, choose Account, then select Request Verification. Fill in your username and full name, attach a clear photo of a government-issued ID, and press Send. Instagram will review the information to decide whether to award the badge.
For businesses, submit the same in-app form but upload official documents instead of an ID card. Acceptable files include recent tax filings, utility bills, or articles of incorporation that clearly show the company name and match the information on the Instagram profile.
Instagram says there is no fixed timeline. Some applicants hear back within days, others wait several weeks. You'll receive a notification in the app once the review is finished. If denied, you can submit a new request after 30 days.