Instagram may have started as a simple photo-sharing platform, but over the past several years, it’s become another marketing channel for brands and influencers. Like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, it also offers a way for real people and brands to stand out: the verification badge, also known as the blue tick on Instagram.
Instagram isn’t very stringent when it comes to verifying accounts — for instance, you don’t need a minimum number of followers or posts — but it does reserve the blue tick for accounts that meet its specifications. If you’re interested in getting Instagram verified, keep reading to learn how to get the badge for yourself.
Are There Benefits to Getting Instagram Verified?
Screenshot from @nike via Instagram
It might look like a simple badge on your profile, but there are a few reasons why Instagram users choose to seek verification status on the platform. Here’s what the blue tick can do for your Instagram profile and brand:
Brings More Trust and Credibility to Your Profile
Think about how you feel when you see a blue tick next to a profile when scrolling Instagram. You probably instantly feel a bit more trusting of the brand or person knowing that Instagram has verified them, correct?
This is especially true for brands or individuals who might have spam accounts created in their names by people posing as them. It’s easy to tell which profile is real when it has a blue tick by its name.
The verified badge on Instagram can provide a sense of credibility for your profile, which could, in turn, grow your audience.
Offers Better Partnership Potential
Although having the blue tick on your profile doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a more qualified Instagram influencer than another person or brand, it does look better to potential partners.
Some brands seeking the help of Instagram influencers for promoting their brand, products, or services may opt only to work with influencers who Instagram has verified. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but having the blue tick next to your name certainly won’t hurt your chances of getting opportunities.
Allows Your Profile to Stand Out
Quite simply, not everyone on Instagram is verified. If they were, the blue tick wouldn’t hold as much meaning. Spotting accounts with the verified badge on Instagram is easy, thanks to the little blue tick. This simple addition to your account could help your profile stand out from other similar profiles that don’t yet have verification.
Who Can Get the Verified Badge on Instagram?
Screenshot from @ashrod via Instagram
Instagram doesn’t require you to have a large following or a bunch of posts to get verified on the platform. Instead, it reserves the badge for people or businesses that are “well-known” and “highly searched,” according to its Help Center. Also of note is that Instagram does not consider paid or sponsored content in its review, so influencers who haven’t been featured organically in web articles may not be able to get verified.
In addition to these requirements, you must have a complete profile that’s set to public. Instagram also states that you must be “active,” but there are no specific requirements for what that entails. In most cases, it’s probably best to apply after you’ve posted at least a few times consistently to your account.
And, of course, you must follow Instagram’s rules by adhering to its Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. Breaking a rule in these can be grounds for losing your verification badge and, in some cases, account termination.
How to Get Instagram Verification
Screenshot from @nathanwchen via Instagram
Instagram requires users interested in receiving a blue tick badge to request one via their account. To do this:
- Go to your profile and tap the ☰ symbol in the top right corner.
- Tap Settings → Account → Request verification.
- Fill in the form with information about yourself or your business. You’ll also need to upload your choice of identification, including a utility bill or driver’s license.
- Double-check that you’ve completed your application and tap Send.
Instagram verifies accounts within 30 days and will send you a notification to let you know of its decision.
Be sure to uphold Instagram’s rules to keep your badge in good standing. You should also work to maintain your account, post fresh content, and continue engaging and growing your brand to keep Instagram happy and hang onto your badge.
For more help establishing yourself and marketing your brand on Instagram, follow along with our helpful Instagram guides on topics like the best giveaway posts.
Beyond all of that, if you’re looking for even more ideas on how to grow your Instagram following, we’ve also created a series of free Instagram resources, including: our guide to the Instagram post text limit, our guide on how to share a post on your Instagram feed, and our guide to the proper Instagram profile picture (full size).
Also, add the Instagram follow button to your site to give your visitors a quick, easy way to follow your account.
