How to Get Verified on Instagram: The Ultimate Guide (2024 Update)

Getting verified on Instagram is a coveted badge of honor, a blue checkmark that signifies authenticity and credibility. It’s more than just a status symbol; it’s a way to assure your followers and the broader Instagram community that you are who you say you are. In a world rife with fake accounts and impersonators, verification offers a crucial layer of trust. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting verified on Instagram in 2024, from understanding the requirements to optimizing your profile and submitting your application. Whether you’re a public figure, celebrity, brand, or organization, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies to increase your chances of success.

Why Get Verified on Instagram?

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s address the ‘why.’ Why should you even bother pursuing verification? Here are some compelling reasons:

* **Authenticity:** The primary purpose of the blue checkmark is to confirm that your account is the real presence of the public figure, celebrity, global brand, or entity it represents. This helps users avoid fake accounts and imposters.
* **Credibility and Trust:** Verification instantly boosts your credibility. Users are more likely to trust verified accounts, which can translate to increased engagement, followers, and brand loyalty.
* **Increased Visibility:** While Instagram has officially stated that verification doesn’t directly impact the algorithm, anecdotal evidence suggests that verified accounts may receive a slight boost in visibility, especially in search results and the Explore page.
* **Exclusivity and Status:** Let’s be honest, there’s a certain cachet associated with being verified. It signifies that you’ve reached a certain level of recognition and influence.
* **Protection Against Impersonation:** Verification makes it harder for imposters to create fake accounts and deceive your followers. Instagram takes reports of impersonation more seriously when dealing with verified accounts.

Who is Eligible for Instagram Verification?

Not everyone is eligible for Instagram verification. Instagram has specific criteria that accounts must meet. According to Instagram, your account must adhere to the following requirements:

* **Authentic:** Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
* **Unique:** Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Only one account per person or business can be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts.
* **Complete:** Your account must be public and have a complete bio, profile picture, and at least one post. Your bio should accurately reflect who you are and what you do.
* **Notable:** Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity. Instagram reviews accounts that are featured in multiple news sources and considers paid or promotional content as ineligible sources.

Let’s break down each of these requirements in more detail:

### 1. Authentic

This one seems straightforward, but it’s crucial. You must be who you say you are. For individuals, this means providing official identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.). For businesses, it means providing official business documents (articles of incorporation, tax filings, etc.).

### 2. Unique

This requirement prevents individuals or businesses from having multiple verified accounts (unless they are language-specific). If you have multiple accounts, choose the one you want to be verified and make sure it’s your primary account.

### 3. Complete

This is where many applicants fall short. Make sure your profile is fully filled out and optimized:

* **Public Account:** Your account must be public. Private accounts are not eligible for verification.
* **Profile Picture:** Use a high-quality profile picture that clearly represents you or your brand. For individuals, use a professional headshot. For businesses, use your logo.
* **Bio:** Your bio should be concise, informative, and engaging. Clearly state who you are and what you do. Include relevant keywords and a call to action (e.g., “Visit my website,” “Subscribe to my YouTube channel”).
* **At Least One Post:** You need to have at least one post on your account. This demonstrates that you’re actively using the platform.

### 4. Notable

This is the most subjective and challenging requirement. Instagram defines “notable” as representing a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity. This means you need to have a significant online presence and be recognized within your industry or niche.

Instagram will evaluate your account based on the following factors:

* **News Coverage:** Have you been featured in multiple news sources? Instagram prefers accounts that are covered in reputable news outlets. Paid or promotional content does not count.
* **Search Volume:** Are people searching for you or your brand on Google and other search engines? A high search volume indicates that you’re notable.
* **Industry Influence:** Are you considered a leader or influencer within your industry or niche? Do you have a strong following and engagement rate?

How to Apply for Instagram Verification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the requirements, let’s walk through the process of applying for Instagram verification:

1. **Go to Your Profile:** Open the Instagram app and go to your profile by tapping on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
2. **Open the Menu:** Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of your profile.
3. **Go to Settings:** Tap on “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
4. **Tap on Account:** Scroll down and tap on “Account.”
5. **Request Verification:** Tap on “Request Verification.”
6. **Fill Out the Application Form:** You’ll be presented with a form that asks for the following information:
* **Username:** This should be pre-filled with your current Instagram username.
* **Full Name:** Enter your full legal name or the full name of your business.
* **Known As:** Enter the name you’re commonly known as (e.g., a stage name, brand name, or nickname). You can also select the category that best describes your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Music, Fashion, Entertainment, Blogger/Influencer, Business/Brand/Organization, or Other).
* **Category:** Choose the category that best represents your account.
* **Attach ID:** You’ll need to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) or official business documents (articles of incorporation, tax filings, etc.).
7. **Add Links to News Articles (Optional but Recommended):** In the section labeled “Please add articles, social media handles, and other links that show that your account is in the public interest,” include links to news articles, social media profiles, or other websites that demonstrate your notability. This is a crucial step, so be sure to include as much relevant information as possible.
8. **Submit Your Application:** Once you’ve filled out the form and attached the required documents, tap on “Send.”

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

After you submit your application, Instagram will review your account and the information you provided. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You’ll receive a notification in the app letting you know whether your application was approved or denied.

If your application is approved, you’ll see the blue checkmark appear next to your name on your profile. Congratulations! You’re now a verified Instagram user.

If your application is denied, don’t despair! You can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, focus on improving your profile and building your online presence.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Verified

While there’s no guaranteed way to get verified on Instagram, here are some tips that can increase your chances of success:

* **Build a Strong Online Presence:** Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Engage with your followers, build relationships with other influencers in your niche, and promote your account on other platforms.
* **Get Featured in the News:** This is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your notability to Instagram. Reach out to journalists and bloggers in your industry and try to get featured in their publications.
* **Improve Your Search Engine Optimization (SEO):** Make sure your website and social media profiles are optimized for search engines. This will make it easier for people to find you online and increase your search volume.
* **Maintain a Consistent Brand Identity:** Use consistent branding across all of your online platforms. This will help you build brand recognition and make it easier for people to identify you.
* **Avoid Violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines:** Make sure you’re following Instagram’s community guidelines. Violating these guidelines can negatively impact your chances of getting verified.
* **Don’t Use Third-Party Verification Services:** There are many services that claim to be able to get you verified on Instagram. However, these services are often scams and can actually hurt your chances of getting verified. Only apply for verification through the official Instagram app.
* **Be Patient:** The verification process can take time. Don’t get discouraged if your application is initially denied. Keep working on building your online presence and reapply after 30 days.
* **Secure Your Account:** Enable two-factor authentication to protect your account from hackers. This shows Instagram you are serious about security.
* **Clean Up Your Content:** Remove any posts that are outdated, irrelevant, or potentially controversial. Ensure your profile reflects your current brand and values.
* **Consider Paid Advertising (Strategically):** While not a direct factor for verification, strategically running ads can increase brand awareness and potentially drive more searches for your brand or name, contributing to overall notability. Focus on campaigns that highlight your expertise and value.

What to Do If Your Verification Request Is Denied

Getting rejected for Instagram verification can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. Here’s what to do:

1. **Don’t Give Up:** You can reapply after 30 days. Use this time to improve your profile and online presence.
2. **Analyze the Reasons for Rejection (If Possible):** Instagram doesn’t always provide specific reasons for rejection. However, try to analyze your profile and identify any areas that could be improved.
3. **Focus on Improving Your Notability:** The most common reason for rejection is not being notable enough. Focus on getting featured in the news, building your online presence, and engaging with your followers.
4. **Double-Check Your Information:** Make sure all the information you provided in your application is accurate and up-to-date.
5. **Reapply After 30 Days:** After 30 days, you can reapply for verification. Make sure you’ve addressed any issues that may have contributed to your initial rejection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Verification

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for Instagram verification:

* **Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Information:** Make sure you fill out the application form completely and accurately. Double-check all the information you provide, including your full name, known as, and category.
* **Providing Low-Quality or Irrelevant Documentation:** When attaching your ID or business documents, make sure the images are clear and legible. Only provide documents that are relevant to your application.
* **Failing to Provide Evidence of Notability:** Don’t just rely on your Instagram profile to demonstrate your notability. Include links to news articles, social media profiles, and other websites that support your claim.
* **Using Third-Party Verification Services:** As mentioned earlier, avoid using third-party verification services. These services are often scams and can actually hurt your chances of getting verified.
* **Violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines:** Make sure you’re following Instagram’s community guidelines. Violating these guidelines can negatively impact your chances of getting verified.

The Future of Instagram Verification

The Instagram verification landscape is constantly evolving. Instagram is always working to improve the verification process and ensure that it’s fair and accurate. In the future, we may see Instagram introduce new verification criteria or implement new technologies to help identify and verify authentic accounts.

One potential change is a greater emphasis on combating misinformation. As concerns about fake news and disinformation continue to grow, Instagram may prioritize verifying accounts that are dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information.

Another potential change is a more streamlined verification process for businesses. Instagram may introduce new tools and resources to help businesses verify their accounts more easily.

Regardless of the future changes, the core principles of Instagram verification will likely remain the same: authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability.

Conclusion

Getting verified on Instagram is a challenging but worthwhile endeavor. It’s a way to establish your authenticity, build trust with your audience, and protect yourself from impersonation. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of getting verified and reap the benefits of having that coveted blue checkmark.

Remember to be patient, persistent, and focus on building a strong online presence. Even if you don’t get verified on your first try, don’t give up. Keep working on improving your profile and building your notability, and eventually, you may be rewarded with the blue checkmark you’ve been striving for.

Good luck with your Instagram verification journey!