The verification badge on Instagram helps users find celebrities, public figures, and brands that they would like to follow. You may see it as a white tick mark against a blue seal that is present next to the Insta handle name.
While it works as a recognition for your contributions as “notable,” it is more than a status symbol. It is a confirmation that the account is authentic and indeed belongs to the individual or company that it represents.
Thus, users who are looking for a particular individual or brand can find a legitimate account rather than falling for fan or imposter accounts. Most importantly, it can help with your Instagram growth.
This post guides you on how you can apply for Instagram verification along with tips to ensure that you get successful results. So let’s get started!
Eligibility Criteria for Instagram Verification
Acquiring and maintaining the verification badge is not easy. Firstly, you need to see if you are eligible for the tag. As per the Instagram guidelines, your account must be CUPAN, which stands for:
- Complete: Your Instagram account must be absolutely complete, which means that it should include your photo and bio. Also, you need to post at least one post.
- Unique: The said account must be the only account corresponding to the individual or company (except for language-specific or regional accounts). Generic accounts such as fan accounts and meme roundups do not qualify for verification.
- Public: Naturally, when you are a brand or a public figure, your account must be visible to everyone. While you are free to have a private Instagram account, it will not be eligible for verification.
- Authentic: It goes without saying that your account must belong to the individual or business that it claims to be.
- Notable: Since Instagram verifies accounts in the public interest, the platform only verifies accounts for brands, public figures, and celebrities that are well-known and highly searched for by the masses.
Accounts that have a verification status on Facebook may not be verified by default. This discrepancy is due to the fact that verification over Facebook is a lot easier than the same over Instagram. Instagram only verifies “notable” accounts that are at high risk of impersonation and serves the public interest.
Steps to Apply for Instagram Verification
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you need to then apply for Instagram verification. Fortunately, it is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below:
Log Into Your Instagram Handle
Start by logging into your Instagram account. If you have many accounts, log out from the rest of them, and stay active only on the main account.
Submit Verification Request
Given below is a step-by-step guide on how to raise a verification request:
- On the top-right hand, you will find the hamburger icon for the account menu. Click on it.
- Scroll below to locate the gear icon against which you will find the option for “Settings.”
- Just below the “Payment” option, you will notice “Accounts.” Select this option.
- Find and tap on “Request verification.”
Confirm Identity
Once you submit an account verification request, you will be redirected to a screen where you need to confirm your identity. Here is what you need to do:
- Enter your full, legal name as recorded in your government-issued identity proof.
- If you have an alias/stage name/nickname or if the account is a child or sister account of a major brand, then mention it here.
- Select the category for your account from the drop-down menu. Instagram offers news/media, sports, fashion, blogger/influencer, music, entertainment, government/politics, brand or business or organization, or any other option.
- Now is the time to upload all the supporting documents. For individuals, you need to submit government-issued identity proof that bears your name and photograph. So you can use your passport, driver’s license, etc.
- For businesses, you can upload your business documents, such as the articles of incorporation, tax returns, utility bills, etc.
- Finally, click on send.
Wait
After you have raised a verification request and submitted all the required documents, you need to wait. Instagram reviews all the verification applications by first confirming whether it satisfies the CUPAN conditions. After that, all the supporting documents are tallied and verified.
You will then receive a confirmation on whether the request has been approved or otherwise. Typically, this message is available in your notification bar, and you will get the update in a couple of days.
Instagram does not mail you or ask you for money for account verification. So beware of any scammers that may try to pull such a trick.
Tips to Get Verified
Applying for account verification is the easy part. However, meeting all the requirements to get verified is an uphill climb. Here is what you can do to improve your chances of getting verified:
- Even though a complete profile is a primary prerequisite, you can make it even better by adding a good display picture. In addition to being accurate and relevant, make sure that your account has a captivating bio.
- Posting regularly can help you gain a robust presence over the social media platform. It also contributes to making your account “notable” – an immutable quality prescribed by Instagram.
- Gain a strong following to add to your noteworthiness. Once you reach a status where Instagram recognizes that your account is susceptible to impersonation, your verification process will be quick and painless.
- Try to gain some media exposure and feature in press or media releases. Once you have a presence over multiple sources, it reinforces your status as a public figure or a celebrity.
- Build a strong social media presence over other platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, as it may help you get the recognition.
Conclusion
There may be a possibility that you have to apply for verification multiple times. With each iteration, try and add to your account to make a strong case for your verification. Regardless, these efforts will soon bear fruit when your account gains the coveted blue badge!
Remember, Instagram can revoke the verification badge if you are found violating the Community Guidelines. Your account may even get banned for serious infractions. Hence, be judicious while using your influencer status.
