How Do You Get Verified on Instagram?

Posted on 27th Mar, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

Verification gets you a blue tick next to your name and proves that your account actually belongs to you and boosts your credibility.
You can easily apply for verification through Instagram if you're a public figure with a notable following, your profile is complete, and you can confirm your identity.
Read on for more verification advice!

If you've ever seen a blue tick next to a creator or public figure's name on Instagram, this means they're verified. Not only does verification mean the account is run by the person it claims to be (it can distinguish fan accounts from real accounts, for example), but it can also boost the perceived credibility and legitimacy of the account.

Getting verified not only proves your identity, but can also help you get more followers, since potential followers are more likely to trust that you're an expert in your field thanks to the all-important blue tick.

But how exactly do you get verified on Instagram? We've got all the answers you need. Let's get into it.

What is Instagram Verification?

Instagram verification is a process that confirms the authenticity of an account belonging to a public figure, celebrity, or brand. A verified badge, aka a blue tick, appears next to the account name, showing that Instagram has confirmed the account's legitimacy. The main purpose of this badge is to prevent impersonation and ensure that users engage with genuine profiles rather than fake or fan accounts. Just like TikTok verification, Instagram verification is only available to public figures and businesses.

If you're a public figures and you've noticed fake, unofficial accounts popping up, verification should be your next step. It can also boost your engagement resulting in more likes and views since Instagram users will know you're the real deal.

How to Get Verified on Instagram

If you believe your account meets Instagram’s eligibility criteria, you can apply for verification by following these steps:

Go to Your Instagram Profile: Open Instagram and navigate to your profile page.
Access Settings: Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner and select Settings.
Request Verification: Under Account Settings, find and tap Request Verification.
Fill Out the Application Form: You’ll be required to provide:

Your Instagram username
Your full name (or the name of your business/brand)
A government-issued ID (for individuals) or official business documents (for brands)
A brief explanation of why your account should be verified, along with links to articles or press coverage supporting your notability.

Submit Your Request: After filling in all the details, tap Submit.
Await a Response: Instagram will review your application and notify you of the decision in the Notifications tab within a few days or weeks.

There's another way to get verified, but it's not free. Meta Verified is a paid subscription service that comes with benefits such as the verified badge, account support, impersonation protection and more. However, you still have to meet certain criteria even to pay for the subscription, so it's not a foolproof way to get verified by paying.

Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?

While anyone can apply for verification, Instagram doesn't just give the blue tick to anyone. Instagram's official criteria for verification include:

Authenticity: The account must represent a real person, brand, or registered business.
Uniqueness: The account must be the only official presence of the person or brand. General interest accounts (such as fan pages or meme pages) are not eligible for verification.
Completeness: The account should be public, have a profile picture, bio, and be active.
Notability: Instagram requires the person, brand, or entity to be well-known and highly searched. This typically means media coverage in reputable sources, not just self-promotion. To prove your eligibility for verification, you might need to provide references to yourself or your business in the media.

Verification, contrary to popular belief, isn't only for famous people. If you have any sort of notable public persona, such as that of a content creator, you can be verified, and the same goes for businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many followers do you need to get verified on Instagram?

Unlike TikTok, there's no set number of followers you need in order to be come verified on Instagram. Even accounts with a few thousand followers can get verified if they meet Instagram’s criteria, which include authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability.

Notability is often the most challenging aspect, requiring proof that your account is widely recognised or frequently mentioned in news articles, which tends to mean only well-known creators are able to get verified. Work on growing your follower count first to make it easier to get verified.

Is it difficult to get verified on Instagram?

The difficulty of getting verified on Instagram depends on your specific circumstances. Well-known public figures or businesses will likely find it easier to get verified thanks to wide notability.

Having a strong online presence outside Instagram, such as being featured in reputable news sources, helps, which is why making content that goes viral or appearing in press is so important. Go on podcasts, answer press questions, and make content more likely to be featured in third-party sources, such as news sites to help your cause.

What is the price of a blue tick on Instagram?

The traditional form of verification is free, but if you pay for Meta Verified, which gives you a blue tick across your Meta social media accounts, it costs USD $11.99 when you subscribe from the web and USD $14.99 when you subscribe within the app.

Getting verified on Instagram can be time-consuming but it's a must if you're a significant content creator looking to legitimise your profile. Focus on building credibility, being authentic, and ensuring your online presence is strong. While the verification process can be selective, persistence and dedication to your brand or personal profile can increase your chances of securing the coveted blue tick.