Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Account Verification

Method 2: Pay for Verification Using Meta Verified

And yes, there’s a cost—subscription fees vary by location and plan, from around $15/month up to $350/month.

Here’s how to get verified with Meta Verified:

1. Meet the Meta Verified Requirements

Ensure your account meets these basic requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Profile Completeness: Your profile must be public or private, with a profile photo that includes your face and a name that matches your ID.
• Identity Verification: You’ll need a government-issued ID that matches your profile name and photo.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

2. Sign Up for Meta Verified

Go to your Instagram settings and look for the Meta Verified option. Follow the prompts to sign up for the subscription service.

3. Complete the Verification Process

After signing up, Instagram will ask you to upload a photo of your government-issued ID. This ID must match the name and photo on your Instagram profile.

4. Receive Your Blue Checkmark

Once verified, Instagram will add the blue checkmark next to your username, indicating your account is officially verified.

5. Monthly Subscription Fee

Meta Verified requires a monthly payment to maintain your verified status, so keep up with the subscription if you want to keep your blue badge.

How to stay verified on Instagram

Follow Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines to keep your Instagram verification. Here’s a quick summary:

Instagram’s Terms of Use

Instagram’s Terms of Use are rules to keep the platform safe. Key points are:

• You must be at least 13 years old (or the legal age in your country) to use Instagram.
• Your account should not have been disabled by Instagram before for breaking any rules.
• Don’t pretend to be someone else or give false information.
• Avoid doing anything illegal or dishonest on the platform.
• You must follow Meta’s Branded Content Policies if you post ads or branded content.
• Don’t buy, sell, or trade accounts or Instagram data.

Reading the full Terms of Use for more details is a good idea.

Instagram’s Community Guidelines

Instagram’s Community Guidelines help make Instagram a positive place. Users agree to:

• Share only photos and videos they took themselves or have permission to share.
• Post content that is appropriate for all audiences.
• Encourage real and meaningful interactions.
• Follow all laws.
• Be respectful of other Instagram users.
• Avoid posting content that promotes self-harm.
• Be mindful when sharing news-related content.

Breaking Instagram’s Terms of Use or Community Guidelines could lead to losing your verification badge, and your account could be disabled or deleted.

Tips to Get Verified on Instagram

The Instagram blue checkmark adds a level of credibility and visibility to your profile. Here’s a detailed guide on what it takes to get verified and tips to improve your chances.

1. Complete Your Instagram Profile for a Professional Look

To even be considered for verification, your profile needs to be complete and public. Here’s how to get your profile in shape:

• Profile Photo: Use a high-quality photo that reflects you or your brand.
• Bio: Write a clear bio that describes who you are or what your brand does. Include keywords related to your niche (like “fashion designer” or “fitness coach”).
• Contact Information: If you’re a business or public figure, make sure your contact information (email, phone number, website) is listed.
• Posts: Have at least one post to show Instagram you’re active. Aim to post regularly so your account appears active and engaging.

Having a complete, professional profile shows Instagram that your account is authentic and serious about connecting with your audience.

2. Be Authentic and Unique to Increase Your Chances of Instagram Verification

Instagram only verifies real people, brands, or organizations. Here’s how to make your account stand out as authentic and unique:

• Use your real name or official brand name in your username or display name.
• Avoid fan pages or generic accounts, as Instagram won’t verify accounts that aren’t clearly associated with a specific person, business, or entity.
• Post content that aligns with your identity or brand, such as updates, behind-the-scenes content, or useful tips relevant to your niche.

The goal is to make your account easy to recognize as the official page of a notable person or business.

3. Build a Strong Online Presence to Show You’re “Notable”

Instagram looks for accounts that are “notable” and well-known. Here’s how to strengthen your online reputation:

• Get Media Coverage: Aim to be mentioned in credible media sources or online publications. Articles, interviews, and features about you or your brand in well-known publications make your account appear more notable.
• Grow Across Platforms: Create profiles on other social media platforms (like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) and stay active. Consistency across platforms makes you more recognizable.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with others in your niche who already have a strong following. These collaborations can give you exposure and help build credibility.

A strong online presence shows Instagram that your account is worth verifying.

4. Stay Active and Engage with Followers to Keep Your Profile Relevant

Being active on Instagram increases your chances of verification. Here’s how to maintain an engaging profile:

• Post Consistently: Aim to post at least a few times per week. This keeps your profile fresh and shows Instagram that you’re an active user.
• Engage with Followers: Reply to comments, answer questions in direct messages, and interact with your audience through polls or Q&As. The more engagement you generate, the more likely Instagram is to view your account as important.
• Use Stories and Reels: Instagram’s newer features like Stories and Reels can boost engagement, showing that you’re using the platform fully.

Regular activity and engagement with followers show Instagram that your account is valuable to its audience.

5. Link Your Instagram on Other Platforms for Greater Visibility

Make sure people can find your Instagram profile easily by linking it on other platforms:

• Website: Include a link to your Instagram profile on your official website.
• Other Social Media Accounts: Link your Instagram on your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn profiles.
• In Media Mentions: When you’re mentioned in articles or interviews, ask for a link back to your Instagram. This visibility adds credibility and can make your profile more notable.

Linking your Instagram in multiple places signals to Instagram that your account is relevant and well-known.

6. Follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines to Keep Your Account Safe

Breaking Instagram’s rules will hurt your chances of getting verified. Here’s how to stay within guidelines:

• Avoid Buying Followers: Buying followers or using bots is against Instagram’s Terms of Use and can result in suspension.
• Share Authentic Content: Post only your own photos and videos, or content you have permission to share.
• Avoid Spammy Behavior: Don’t repeatedly follow and unfollow users or engage in other spammy actions.

Accounts that follow Instagram’s rules are more likely to be verified and keep their verification status.

7. Apply for Verification Directly on Instagram

When you’re ready, apply for verification by following these steps:

• Go to Settings on your profile.
• Select Account and then Request Verification.
• Fill out the form with your full name, category (e.g., “Public Figure,” “News/Media”), and a photo of a government-issued ID (for personal accounts) or business documents (for brand accounts).
• Submit your application and wait for Instagram’s review, which may take a few days to several weeks.

A thoughtful, complete application can increase your chances of success.

8. Consider Meta Verified for a Paid Verification Option

If traditional verification isn’t an option, Instagram offers a paid solution called Meta Verified. Here’s what you need:

• Government-Issued ID: You’ll need to upload an ID matching your profile name and photo.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Set up two-factor authentication for extra security.
• Subscription Fee: Meta Verified requires a monthly payment, with costs varying by region.

Meta Verified provides the blue badge and added support for those willing to subscribe.