What is Instagram Verification?

Instagram verification is a process that verifies the authenticity of an Instagram account, ensuring that it belongs to a real person or business. Verified accounts are indicated by a blue checkmark next to the username, which enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the account.

Who is eligible for Instagram Verification?

Not everyone is eligible for Instagram verification. In general, Instagram verifies accounts that are in the public interest, such as celebrities, public figures, global brands, and entities. To be eligible for Instagram verification, your account must meet the following criteria:

1. Authentic: Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
2. Unique: Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Instagram will not verify general interest accounts (e.g. meme accounts, fan pages, or parody accounts).
3. Complete: Your account must be complete, meaning it has a bio, profile picture, and at least one post.
4. Active: Your account must be active and public, with a significant following and engagement.

How to Apply for Instagram Verification?

The process of applying for Instagram verification is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on “Account” and select “Request Verification.”
5. Fill out the form by providing your account name, full name, category, and a government-issued ID, or business documents (if you’re a business).
6. Hit “Send” and wait for a response from Instagram.

What Happens After Applying for Instagram Verification?

After submitting your verification request, Instagram will review your application to determine whether you meet their verification criteria. Instagram does not guarantee that all accounts that meet the criteria will be verified, and the verification process can take up to 30 days.

If Instagram approves your verification request, you will receive a notification indicating that your account has been verified. If Instagram denies your verification request, you can reapply for verification after 30 days.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Instagram Verification

If you want to increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram, here are some tips to follow:

1. Build a strong online presence: Make sure your account has a significant following and engagement.
2. Use a professional profile photo: Use a clear and high-quality photo that represents you or your business.
3. Provide accurate information: Ensure that your bio and profile information accurately represent you or your business.
4. Follow Instagram’s community guidelines: Avoid any behavior that violates Instagram’s community guidelines.
5. Keep your account active: Regularly post high-quality content to keep your account active and engaging.

Benefits of Instagram Verification

Getting verified on Instagram has several benefits, such as:

1. Increased credibility: The blue checkmark next to your username enhances your credibility and trustworthiness.
2. Improved discoverability: Verified accounts are more likely to show up in search results and suggested accounts, making it easier for people to find you.
3. Access to special features: Verified accounts have access to special features, such as the ability to add links to Instagram Stories and swipe-up links in Instagram Stories.
4. Protection from impersonation: Verification helps protect your account from impersonation by confirming that you are the real person or business.

Common Reasons for Instagram Verification Rejection

Instagram can reject your verification request for several reasons, including:

1. Lack of notability: If your account does not meet Instagram’s criteria for being in the public interest, it may not be eligible for verification.
2. Incomplete profile: If your account does not have a complete profile, including a bio, profile picture, and posts, Instagram may not consider it for verification.
3. Violation of community guidelines: If your account has violated Instagram’s community guidelines, such as engaging in spammy behavior, it may not be eligible for verification.
4. Multiple accounts: If you have multiple accounts, Instagram may not consider them all for verification. You should choose the account that is most relevant and meets the verification criteria.

How to Increase Your Notability on Instagram

To increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram, you need to increase your notability. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Collaborate with other notable accounts in your industry or niche.
2. Attend industry events and conferences and share your experiences on Instagram.
3. Publish thought leadership content on your account, such as opinion pieces, tutorials, or industry insights.
4. Leverage other media outlets to increase your visibility, such as appearing on podcasts, webinars, or interviews.

How to Increase Your Chances of Verification as a Business

If you’re a business, here are some additional steps you can take to increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram:

1. Verify your other social media accounts: If you have a verified account on other social media platforms, such as Twitter or Facebook, you can link them to your Instagram profile. This will help establish your credibility and notability.
2. Have a strong website: Make sure your business has a strong website with a clear brand identity and high-quality content. This will help establish your notability and legitimacy.
3. Use consistent branding: Use consistent branding across all your social media accounts and website to establish your brand identity and credibility.
4. Have a public relations strategy: Develop a public relations strategy to increase your visibility and notability in your industry. This could include attending events, publishing press releases, or collaborating with other notable businesses.

What to Do If Your Verification Request is Rejected

If your verification request is rejected, you can reapply for verification after 30 days. Before reapplying, you should take steps to address any issues that may have caused your rejection, such as improving your notability or addressing any community guideline violations.

If your account has been repeatedly rejected for verification, it may be a sign that your account does not meet Instagram’s criteria for verification. In this case, you should focus on other ways to establish your credibility and visibility on the platform, such as creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and building a strong online community.

How to Apply for Instagram Verification

To apply for Instagram verification, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
2. Tap “Settings” and then “Account”.
3. Scroll down and tap “Request Verification”.
4. Enter your full name and provide a form of identification, such as a government-issued ID or business tax filing.
5. Provide additional information to support your request for verification, such as articles or press releases about you or your business.
6. Tap “Submit”.

After submitting your verification request, Instagram will review your account and application. Instagram does not guarantee that all accounts that apply for verification will be verified.

Instagram Verification Criteria

To be eligible for verification on Instagram, your account must meet the following criteria:

1. Authenticity: Your account must represent a real person or business.
2. Completeness: Your account must have a complete profile, including a bio, profile picture, and posts.
3. Notability: Your account must be in the public interest, such as being a notable public figure, celebrity, brand, or organization.
4. Adherence to community guidelines: Your account must adhere to Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of service.

Verification Badge Types

Instagram offers several types of verification badges, including:

1. Blue checkmark: This is the most common verification badge, and it indicates that the account is the authentic presence of a public figure, celebrity, or global brand.
2. Gray checkmark: This badge indicates that the account is the authentic presence of a business or organization.
3. Personal badge: This badge indicates that the account is the authentic presence of an individual who has a high degree of notability in their industry or field.

Benefits of Instagram Verification

There are several benefits to being verified on Instagram:

1. Credibility: The verification badge signals to users that your account is authentic and trustworthy.
2. Notability: The verification badge indicates that you or your business are notable and have a significant presence on the platform.
3. Visibility: Verified accounts are more likely to appear in search results, making it easier for users to find and follow your account.
4. Access to features: Verified accounts have access to additional features, such as the ability to add links to Instagram Stories.

Common Reasons for Rejection

There are several reasons why Instagram may reject your verification request, including:

1. Not meeting the verification criteria: Your account may not meet Instagram’s criteria for verification, such as not being in the public interest or lacking notability.
2. Incomplete or inaccurate information: Your application may be rejected if you provide incomplete or inaccurate information, such as a misspelled name or incorrect identification.
3. Community guideline violations: Your account may be rejected if it has violated Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of service.

Tips for Getting Verified on Instagram

Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram:

1. Establish your notability: Build a strong online presence and establish your notability in your industry or field.
2. Consistent branding: Use consistent branding across all your social media accounts and website to establish your brand identity and credibility.
3. High-quality content: Create high-quality content that is engaging and resonates with your audience.
4. Engage with your audience: Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages and participating in discussions.
5. Avoid community guideline violations: Follow Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of service to avoid any violations.
6. Keep your account active: Keep your account active by posting regularly and staying engaged with your audience.

How Long Does it Take to Get Verified on Instagram?

The verification process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Instagram will review your application and may request additional information to support your request for verification. You will receive a notification in your Instagram notifications once your application has been reviewed, whether it is approved or rejected.

What to Do if Your Verification Request is Rejected

If your verification request is rejected, you can reapply after 30 days. Before reapplying, review the reasons why your application was rejected and take steps to address any issues. You may need to build your online presence further or provide additional information to support your request.

What to Do if You Lose Your Verification Badge

If you lose your verification badge, it may be because you have violated Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of service. To regain your verification badge, you will need to address any violations and request verification again.

Verification Scams

Be cautious of verification scams that may request personal information or payment in exchange for verification. Instagram does not charge for verification and will never request sensitive information such as your password or credit card details. If you receive a suspicious verification request, report it to Instagram and do not provide any personal information.

Different Types of Verification Badges

There are different types of verification badges on Instagram, including blue checkmarks, gray checkmarks, and other special badges. Blue checkmarks indicate that an account is verified as authentic and notable, while gray checkmarks indicate that an account is authentic but not necessarily notable. Other special badges may be available for accounts in specific categories, such as musicians or athletes.

Verification for Businesses

Business accounts on Instagram can also apply for verification, but the process is slightly different. In addition to meeting Instagram’s verification criteria, a business account must also have a complete bio, profile photo, and at least one post. The business must also be linked to a Facebook page and have a Facebook Business Manager account.

Verification for Public Figures

Public figures, such as celebrities or politicians, may have an easier time getting verified on Instagram due to their notability and public presence. However, they must still meet Instagram’s verification criteria and provide sufficient evidence to support their request.

Verification for Influencers

Influencers on Instagram can also apply for verification, but they must demonstrate notability and a significant impact on the platform. Influencers may need to provide evidence of brand partnerships, media coverage, or a significant following to support their request for verification.

Conclusion

Instagram verification is a valuable tool for establishing credibility and notability on the platform. By following Instagram’s verification criteria and best practices, you can increase your chances of getting verified and enjoy the benefits that come with it. Remember to protect your personal information and be cautious of verification scams, and be prepared to provide evidence of your notability and impact on the platform.