Getting verified on Instagram is something many users strive for, but it’s not easy to get that coveted blue checkmark. Verification is Instagram’s way of confirming that an account is authentic and owned by the public figure, celebrity, or brand it represents. For most people, gaining verification may seem impossible without having a huge following or being famous. However, there are some things “normal” users can do to boost their chances of getting that blue checkmark.
What is Verification?
Verification is Instagram’s way of identifying accounts that are of high public interest. According to Instagram, verification is “reserved for notable public figures, celebrities and brands” and is meant to confirm that the account is the “authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity or global brand it represents.”
When an account gets verified, a blue checkmark badge will appear next to the account’s username. This signals to other users that Instagram has confirmed the authenticity of that account.
Verification is important for public figures and brands because it helps prevent impersonation accounts and gives their followers confidence that they are following the real person or brand. For normal users who are not public figures, verification can be a status symbol and helps lend credibility and influence to their account.
Requirements for Verification
So what does it take to get that coveted blue checkmark? Instagram has some basic requirements that accounts must meet in order to be considered for verification:
- Authentic: The account must represent a real person, registered business or entity.
- Unique: Only one account per person, business or entity may be verified.
- Public: The account must be public and have a profile photo, bio, and at least one post.
- Notable: The account must represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity.
In addition to the above requirements, Instagram also considers the following when reviewing verification requests:
- News coverage and Google search results showing notability of the person or brand.
- Wikipedia page detailing the person, brand or entity represented by the account.
- Blue checkmark on other major social platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Youtube.
- Official website and official social media accounts linked in Instagram profile.
Essentially, verification is granted to accounts that have established substantial proof of notability and authenticity. Having an account that meets the basic requirements is the first step, but getting verified requires going above and beyond to demonstrate legitimacy and fame.
How Normal Users Can Get Verified
For regular Instagram users without millions of followers or widespread fame, getting verified is challenging but not necessarily impossible. Here are some tips that can help normal accounts get verified:
Build a Strong, Professional Profile
Having an complete, professional-looking profile is key. Ensure your bio is informative, you have a real profile photo of yourself, and you have high-quality posts with good captions. Profiles with minimal info or posts tend to get rejected.
Gain a Solid Following
While you don’t need millions of followers, having a strong following in the 5,000+ range is recommended. A sizable audience demonstrates people have interest in your account.
Become an Expert in Your Niche
Position yourself as an expert in a specific niche like fashion, food, fitness, travel etc. Being known for your knowledge and content in a focused area makes you more likely to be seen as a notable figure.
Get Press Coverage
Earn press coverage in news publications related to your niche. Being featured in articles as an expert or influencer adds to your notability and public interest.
Cross-Promote Other Platforms
Link to your official websites, Facebook pages or other social accounts in your Instagram profile. Cross-promotion demonstrates you are a real brand or entity.
Have an Authentic Website
Have a real, professional website directly related to the account that clearly shows your full name or business name and credentials.
Add Awards and Accolades
If you’ve won awards or recognition, highlight them in your bio and posts. Awards make you stand out as an expert and add to your qualifications.
Collaborate with Brands
Securing brand partnerships and sponsorships helps increase visibility and establishes you as a creator brands want to work with.
How to Request Verification on Instagram
If you meet the main verification requirements and have taken steps to boost your visibility and notability, you can request verification directly through the Instagram app.
Here are the steps to request verification:
- Go to your profile and tap the three line menu in the top right.
- Tap “Settings” then scroll down and select “Account”.
- Tap “Request Verification”.
- Select the appropriate category for your account – Personal, Business or Entity.
- Enter your full name if a personal account or official business name if a brand account.
- Upload a photo ID that matches the name entered.
- Provide contact details like phone number or email.
- Tap “Send” to submit the request.
Instagram will then review the request and determine if the account meets the verification requirements. Not every request gets approved, so having an exceptional account with clear notability gives you the best chance of success.
Other Ways to Get Verified
In addition to requesting verification directly, there are some other ways normal users may end up getting that coveted blue checkmark:
Get Featured by Instagram
If your content gets featured by Instagram on their official account or gets promoted heavily by them, you have a good chance of being verified. Instagram wants to verify accounts they are actively promoting.
Be Nominated by a Verified User
Sometimes verified users can request that other accounts they frequently engage with also get verified. Having influencer friends vouch for you helps.
Work at a Verified Company
If you work for a major verified brand, you can sometimes get a work-specific Instagram account verified by association with that brand.
Have Your Brand Sponsor an Event
Sponsoring major events like conferences or award shows can make Instagram more likely to verify you. You can represent your brand professionally at the event and possibly network with Instagram employees.
Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Verification
There are some common mistakes that can decrease your chances of getting that blue checkmark. Here are some things to avoid:
- Buying fake followers – Instagram can detect fake followers and will reject accounts that artificially inflate numbers.
- Spamming comments – Repeatedly commenting just to get noticed looks desperate.
- DMing Instagram repeatedly – Only submit one verification request and be patient.
- Paying for verification – Any services offering paid verification violate Instagram’s rules.
- Violating Instagram policies – Ensure you fully comply with Instagram’s community guidelines.
Gaining verification is not easy, but by understanding the requirements, improving your account, and avoiding common mistakes, normal users can build an account worthy of that blue checkmark icon.
Conclusion
While verification used to be reserved for big celebrities and influencers, normal Instagram users can get verified through demonstrating expertise, gaining press coverage, collaborating with brands, and meeting other notability requirements. With an authentic, professional account and strong overall presence, verification is possible for non-famous accounts. Proactively making your account stand out, becoming an authority in your niche, and allowing proper time for Instagram to review your request can all increase your chances of approval. For most users verification remains an aspirational goal, but with persistence, strategic growth, and adherence to Instagram policies, that blue checkmark icon may someday become a reality.
