Instagram verification classifies certain user profiles as accounts owned by a notable person, brand, or entity, or one subscribed to Meta Verified. Verified profiles are shown with a blue check next to the username in the platform. Businesses can get verified, but there are two ways to do so. This guide will break down the different options so you can determine which is right for your business.
What is Instagram verification?
There are two ways to get that coveted blue check mark on Instagram:
- Verified badges show that an account is verified based on its activity across Instagram/Meta’s products, as well as information or documents the account owners provide.
- Meta Verified is a paid subscription. Along with the verified badge, this option offers account support, impersonation protection, and more.
Let’s tackle the first option first. Verified badges confirm that a person or company is who the account claims to represent. Instagram states, “The verified badge is a tool to help people find the real accounts of people and brands. If an account has the verified badge, we've confirmed that it represents who it says it does.”
To maintain trust in verified badges, profiles that have added this feature cannot change their username or transfer verification to a different account.
Meta Verified is available in two versions: one for creators and one for businesses. Meta Verified for businesses supports your brand across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Different subscription plans are available depending on the features you need for your business; pricing ranges from $14.99 to $349.99 per month.
Meta Verified offers more than a simple blue check mark. At the most affordable plan, subscribers also get impersonation protection, Meta Verified support, search engine optimization for Facebook and Instagram, a verified WhatsApp channel, and more. Note that as of September 2024, Meta is slowly rolling out this program, and it isn’t available for everyone yet.
Why should a business get verified on Instagram?
There are three main benefits to getting verified on Instagram, regardless of the route you choose to get there.
First, Instagram verification adds legitimacy to your profile. The verification process requires a government ID. It demonstrates that someone has validated that a real human, not a bot, is running the account. This also adds credibility to your brand.
If you believe your brand is notable enough for a check mark, double-check with the factors that Instagram uses to determine who can be verified on Instagram.
Instagram verification can also make your account more secure. Meta Verified’s impersonation monitoring helps protect your account from hackers or those trying to damage your brand. Verification is an easy way to protect your company’s reputation.
Finally, Instagram Verified accounts appear at or near the top of comments and search results when people type in a business name. They also appear as a recommended business to follow in the Feed. Going through this process makes your brand more discoverable, which can also impact your SEO results.
What are the requirements for getting verified on Instagram?
If you opt for the paid route, check the eligibility criteria before applying to Meta Verified.
If you believe your brand is notable enough for a check mark, double-check with the factors that Instagram uses to determine who can be verified on Instagram. Your account must meet Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. In addition, your Instagram account needs to be:
- Authentic: It must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
- Complete: The account must be public and active and have a bio and profile photo.
- Notable: The account must represent a well-known, highly-searched-for person, brand, or entity. Instagram reviews accounts featured in multiple news sources and does not consider paid or sponsored media content as sources for review.
- Unique: Only one account per person or business may be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts. Instagram won’t verify general interest accounts (for example, @puppymemes).
How to get verified on Instagram
If your Instagram account meets these criteria, follow these steps to apply for your blue check mark:
- Log in to your Instagram account.
- Tap the Menu button at the top right corner and then tap the Settings icon.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Request Verification to access the application form.
- Fill in the application form.
- Tap Send once your application is complete.
That’s it! Instagram’s guidelines say the review process can take up to 30 days. You’ll see a notification in the Activity section once your account has been verified. You can submit a new request again in 30 days if your request is denied.
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