How to get verified on instagram with less followers
How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2022 [6 Simple Steps]
If you want to know how to get verified on Instagram, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll tell you how to apply for that coveted blue badge (that’s the easy part) and provide some tips to help you qualify (that’s the hard part).
What does Instagram verification mean?
Who can get verified on Instagram?
How to get verified on Instagram in 6 steps
10 tips to get verified on Instagram
Instagram verification FAQ
Bonus: 14 Time-Saving Hacks for Instagram Power Users. Get the list of secret shortcuts Hootsuite’s own social media team uses to create thumb-stopping content.
What does Instagram verification mean?
Instagram verification is the process of getting a blue checkmark badge that tells other users on the platform that an account really belongs to the user, artist, brand, or organization it represents.
You’ve probably seen plenty of verification badges around. As with Twitter, Facebook and, yes, Tinder, the little blue checkmarks are meant to indicate that the platform has confirmed the account in question is trustworthy, or at least they are who they say they are.
These badges are designed to make the real accounts stand out, so that Instagram users can be sure they’re following the right person or brand. They’re easy to spot in search results and on profiles, and they convey authority.
Source: @creators
It’s easy to see why verification badges are also a coveted status symbol. They’re rare, and exclusivity lends a certain amount of prestige—which may or may not translate to better engagement.
That said, Instagram is clear that verified accounts (just like business accounts) don’t get special treatment from the Instagram algorithm. In other words: if it is true that verified accounts earn higher engagement on average, it’s because they’re posting great content that resonates with their audience.
Who can get verified on Instagram?
Anyone can request a verified badge on Instagram. However, Instagram is notoriously picky (and in many ways mysterious) about who actually gets verified. So, if you’re running an account that’s right on the cusp of “notable,” how do you know if you meet the criteria?
Just because you have a blue checkmark on Twitter or Facebook, for instance, doesn’t guarantee you’ll get one on Instagram.
Instagram is blunt, saying that “Only some public figures, celebrities, and brands have verified badges on Instagram.” In other words: “only accounts with a high likelihood of being impersonated.”
Here is what we do know about eligibility.
First, you must adhere to the network’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. On top of that, your account must meet each of these criteria:
- Authentic: does your account represent a real person, registered business, or brand? You cannot be a meme page or a fan account.
- Unique: only one account per person or business can get Instagram verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts.
- Public: private Instagram accounts do not qualify for verification.
- Complete: do you have a complete bio, profile picture, and at least one post?
- Notable: this is where things get subjective, but Instagram defines a notable name as one that is “well-known” and “highly searched for.”
If you’re relatively confident you meet these criteria, or you just feel like rolling the dice, it’s time to go ahead and verify your Instagram account.
How to get verified on Instagram in 6 steps
If you’re a visual learner, watch our video that covers everything you need to know about getting verified on Instagram. Otherwise, keep reading!
The verification process on Instagram is actually quite simple:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner
- Tap Settings
- Tap Account
- Tap Request Verification
- Fill in the application form.
- Your legal name
- Your “known as” or working name (if applicable)
- Select your category or industry (for example: blogger/influencer, sports, news/media, business/brand/organization, etc.)
- You also need to submit a photo of your official government ID. For individuals, that could be a driver’s license or passport. For businesses, a utility bill, an official business document, or tax filings will do.
- Tap Send.
According to Instagram, after their team reviews your application, you’ll receive a response in your notifications tab.
Because of historical and ongoing issues with scammers, Instagram is very clear that they will never email you, ask for money, or otherwise reach out.
Within a few days or a week (some say it can take up to 30 days), you’ll receive a direct yes or no. No feedback or explanation.
This is what a no looks like:
And here’s a yes, break out the bubbly:
10 tips to get verified on Instagram
So, yes, anyone can apply for verification on Instagram. But actually getting approved is a lot tougher.
We’ve gone ahead and compiled all the best practices that will maximize your chances of getting verified as you move forward with your quest to prove your brand’s noteworthiness.
1. Don’t try to buy an Instagram verification badge
We’ll get this one out of the way first: that guy in your comments who says his friend works for Instagram? Please do not give him money.
The same goes for any third-party app or random account that offers “full refunds.
” And for any random account that DMs you because they want to sell you their badge because they “don’t need it anymore.”
Instagram scammers know that people and businesses feel outsized emotions about the blue check, and some are pretty effective at appearing legit, so stay on your guard. And remember that Instagram will never request payment, and will never contact you.
Tl;dr: The only way to get verified is through the official form, unless you are Jennifer Aniston (in which case, scroll down to Tip #7: Work with an agency or publicist, or maybe stop reading this article entirely because you’re doing great!).
Bonus: 14 Time-Saving Hacks for Instagram Power Users. Get the list of secret shortcuts Hootsuite’s own social media team uses to create thumb-stopping content.
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2. Monitor for impostor accounts
If you’re struggling with persistent unauthorized, fake, or fan accounts impersonating your brand, then we have good news for you.
You’re a prime candidate for verification on Instagram. After all, distinguishing real accounts from fake ones is verification’s stated purpose.
Your annual social media audit should make it clear whether impostor accounts are a problem for you. You’ll want to monitor and document these accounts using a social media monitoring tool like Zerofox’s Hootsuite integration.
3. Get more (real) followers
Look, we don’t have the numbers but it honestly feels sometimes like you need a ridiculous number of followers in order to get verified. There is absolutely no evidence that this is a real rule, but—it can’t hurt? Or maybe correlation does not imply causation after all?
Actually, what is more likely is that as people or brands get more noteworthy on and off Instagram, follower counts rise alongside.
If you want to hedge your bets and play it both ways—chicken and egg—here’s some inspiration for how to get more Instagram followers.
Pro Tip: Just don’t try to take a shortcut and buy your Instagram followers.
(Plus, breaking the Community Guidelines and then asking Instagram to examine your account is a very effective way to get your account shut down.)
4. Delete any cross-platform links in your bio
In what some might call a slightly petty move (we would never dare), Instagram insists that verified accounts can’t have so-called “add me” links to other social media services in their Instagram profiles. You can include links to your website, landing pages, or other online properties, just definitely don’t link to your YouTube or Twitter account.
On the other hand, if you have a blue checkmark on your Facebook profile but not on your Instagram account, Instagram does explicitly encourage you to link to your Instagram account from your Facebook page to help prove your authenticity.
5. Be highly-searched for
Social media is all about serendipitous, organic discovery (this is what the Instagram Explore page is for, anyway—and making it big there can have a real impact on your engagement and follower count).
But when it comes to verification, Instagram wants to know if people care about you enough to tear themselves away from the seductions of the feed and spontaneously type your name into the search bar.
While Instagram doesn’t provide analytics on this data, we’d put money on the fact that Instagram’s verification team does have access, and will check up on how often users are searching for you. Which leads us to our next point…
6. Apply when your name is in the news
Google yourself. Has your brand been featured in multiple news sources? Did a recent press release or white paper get picked up? Do you have a sound bite or a profile in a major international publication? Paid or promotional content definitely does not count.
If PR hasn’t been a priority for your brand thus far, you might have a more difficult time proving how “notable” you are. Especially because there’s no place to submit your proof: Instagram does its own research, so it’s up to you to make sure your news is above the fold and impossible to ignore.
If you’ve recently experienced a windfall of attention, or you’re planning a big announcement, think about capitalizing on it and applying for that checkmark while your name is hot.
7. Work with an agency or publicist
If you have the budget and the ambition, hire a reputable digital agency that has access to Facebook’s Media Partner Support tools. Your publicist or agent will be able to submit requests to claim usernames, merge accounts, and get accounts verified through their industry-only portal.
Is verification guaranteed? Of course not. But a request from an industry professional through the Media Partner Support panel carries more weight and distinguishes you from the crowd.
8. Be honest
This tip should be a no-brainer, but because the consequences are dire we feel compelled to highlight it. In your application to be verified, you have to be truthful above all else.
Use your real name. Choose an appropriate category. Definitely don’t falsify any government documents.
If you stretch the truth anywhere in your application, Instagram says that it will not only deny your request, but it may delete your account as well.
9. Make sure your profile and bio are complete and effective
Instagram’s listed requirements for verification (a bio, a profile pic and one post? really?) are a low bar. You don’t just want to meet it. You want to hurtle over it.
Optimizing your Instagram bio will not just impress the verification team when they come to check you out, but can pay ongoing dividends in the form of new followers and conversions.
10. If you’re turned down the first time, try again
If, after all your hard work, Instagram comes back with a rejection, embrace the opportunity to zero in on your goals and redouble your efforts.
Hone your Instagram strategy, build a dedicated following, and earn buzz off the platform as well.
And then, whether you wait the 30 required days or spend a few fiscal quarters hitting your KPIs, you can apply again.
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Instagram verification FAQ
How many followers do you need to get verified on Instagram?
Technically, there is no minimum follower count for getting verified on Instagram. As long as you are able to prove that you are a “notable,” or highly searched for, person (or your account represents a widely recognized business or organization), you can get your account verified regardless of your number of followers.
How much does it cost to get IG verified?
Instagram verification is free. Instagram will never ask for payment for the verification badge, and if someone is offering to verify your account for money, they are trying to scam you.
How do you get a blue check on Instagram without being famous?
To get a blue check on Instagram, you have to prove that your account may be impersonated because you are a notable public figure or represent a widely recognized organization.
Save time managing your Instagram presence by using Hootsuite to schedule and publish posts, grow your audience, and track success with easy-to-use analytics—all from the same dashboard that you run your other social media profiles on. Try it free today.
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How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2022
There is one elusive social media status symbol you can’t buy, which therefore makes it highly coveted and immensely valuable: the Instagram verified badge.
A February 2020 study revealed that 73.4% of Instagram accounts that had over 1 million followers had a verified badge. Out of the next group down (100,000 to one million followers), 22.4% were verified accounts. When studying accounts with between 1,000 and 5,000 followers, only 0.
87% were verified.
What is verified badge on Instagram?
An Instagram verified badge is a blue checkmark next your profile name. The check proves the account is owned by a public figure like a celebrity or brand.
As a business on Instagram, one question you may ask yourself is, “How do I get my account verified?” Most social media services have some kind of “verification” process for getting the almighty blue checkmark on your profile:
But why should you get verified? And just how hard is it? This guide will answer those questions and help you understand Instagram’s verification process so you can get your account verified too.
Shortcuts ✂️
- Why get verified on Instagram?
- Is it hard to get verified on Instagram?
- How to get verified on Instagram
- Tips for getting verified
- What to do if you don’t get verified
- Don’t stress if you can’t get verified
- Instagram verification FAQ
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Why get verified on Instagram?
Data suggests that the majority of bigger Instagram accounts are verified. As you grow your Instagram profile, you’ll want to get verified to stand out from the competition. Verified accounts are more trustworthy than unverified ones and have a 30% higher engagement rate on average.
Other reasons to get verified include:
- It stops impersonation. The main reason the verification badge exists is to make sure accounts holders are who they say they are. The blue check on your profile shows followers and visitors that you’re the real deal, not a fake account.
- It lends credibility. As a side effect of Instagram users knowing you’re the real business account of a brand, you become more credible and trustworthy. The blue tick is also a status symbol that shows users your account is worth following.
- You get access to special features. One of the most coveted features for brands and influencers alike is the Swipe Up feature. Sharing links in Instagram Stories can improve your Instagram marketing through more engagement and conversions. Normally, you’d need at least 10,000 followers, but if you’re verified you can use this feature no matter how many followers you have.
- Verified accounts appear higher in search. Lastly, if your account is verified and users search Instagram for content in your category, you may appear higher in search results:
This means you’re more likely to attract new followers directly from search results (in the Instagram app) and increase brand awareness.
With all of those great benefits, you’re probably thinking that getting verified is going to be pretty difficult. But is it? Let’s take a look.
Is it hard to get verified on Instagram?
The good news is that applying to be verified on Instagram is super easy (as you’ll see in the tutorial below).
The not so great news is that actually getting approved can be difficult.
It’s no secret how Instagram verifies accounts. It's guidelines state the eligibility requirements your account must meet:
- Authentic. As in you must be a real person, public figure, or registered business entity. You’ll need official business documents and ID to prove it.
- Unique. You can’t have multiple accounts for the same person or business (unless they are language-specific accounts). Instagram also doesn’t verify general interest (like memes) or fan accounts.
- Complete. At the bare minimum, your Instagram profile needs to be public, have an Instagram bio, a profile picture, and be active when you apply. “Be active” isn’t defined, but you can take it to mean you post, share, or comment on content regularly.
- Notable.
This is the tougher bit that most struggle with. Being notable means your account name represents a “well-known, highly searched for” person or brand. Instagram reviews accounts that are featured in multiple news sources, but not paid or promotional content.
Those are on top of the basic rules of following community guidelines and Instagram’s terms of use. As bonus good news, these criteria also mean you don’t have to have a certain number of followers to get verified—you could request verification as soon as you sign up and complete your profile.
How to get the verified badge on Instagram
1. Start your request
Open the Instagram app and head to your profile. Once you’re on your profile page, tap on the hamburger icon (three lines) in the top-right corner and select Settings. On your settings page, toward the bottom, you’ll see the option to Request Verification. Tap it and you're ready for step 2.
2.
Add your business detailsFrom there, you’ll need to fill in details about your business such as:
Photo courtesy of: Unsplash- Your full name (or trading name), which you’ll need to back up with a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, or business documents, such as business registration papers or utility bills (for physical stores).
- Notability, which is confirmed by selecting your industry category and target audience. You’ll also have to list brand names you might also or otherwise be known as.
- Supporting links to help confirm your notability. Here you can link to other verified social media accounts if you have them, news or press releases your brand is featured in, your website, or other (non-promotional) links you feel might be relevant.
3. Make your submission
Once you’ve filled in the verification application details, hit Submit and congrats: you’ve sent off your request.
Within 30 days, Instagram will notify you in your Activity feed whether your application was successful or not. If so, you’ll get the Instagram verification badge right away.
Tips for getting verified
Before you go ahead and submit your application for the coveted blue badge, keep in mind the following tips that will help improve your chances of getting a verified Instagram account:
- Don’t buy a badge
- Get real followers
- Complete your profile
- Follow the community guidelines
- Get publicity
Don’t buy a badge
Under no circumstances does Instagram let users buy, sell, or otherwise transfer their verified badge. If you see an account that advertises the ability to get you one either for free or a “small fee,” like the one below, don’t fall for the scam.
Use Instagram responsibly. Don’t try shady tactics like buying badges, followers, likes, or comments. Otherwise, you could find your account banned.
Get real followers
Don’t buy Instagram followers. Focus on the genuine, organic growth of your account. It’s easy to tell when someone buys followers because their account will have lots of followers but low engagement. These “followers” are often bots or inactive accounts, so they don’t interact with your brand. The lack of engagement means your posts won’t show up on the explore pages or in your audiences feeds.
Although your follower count doesn’t matter when it comes to verification, a highly engaged following can help. Some ways to get more Instagram followers include:
- Using the right hashtags to get your profile in front of targeted audiences
- Publishing a mix of Instagram Stories, Reels, and feed posts
- Running giveaways
- Encouraging user-generated content
- Curating your profile grid
- Creating shareable content
Instagram followers are more than just a number, they are your community. Even if you don’t get verified, real followers will help increase traffic to your site, make more sales, and build influence in your space.
Complete your profile
All verified accounts have one thing in common: complete profiles. Each of them has a concise and punchy Instagram bio, a strong profile photo, an external link (to either their website or a Linktree, linking to multiple sites), and well-designed Story Highlights.
Sure, the Instagram profile has the same structure for every account. But each Instagram bio—the small summary underneath the username—is unique. Users look at your bio when deciding whether or not to follow you on Instagram, so you have to make it count.
The bios of verified accounts accomplish a number of things:
- Highlight essential information about the business (brand name, category, company overview)
- Offer a way for users to get in touch
- Showcase the brands’ personality
- Establish a unique selling proposition
- Encourage response with a call-to-action
A strong profile can make a good first impression on behalf of your brand and convince people to follow you.
Follow the community guidelines
As long as your brand is consistent, only posting your own content—content that is safe for public viewing—you’re most likely already following the community guidelines and ticking this box for verification.
Though to be more specific, Instagram has given a short version of what the community guidelines cover:
We want Instagram to continue to be an authentic and safe place for inspiration and expression. Help us foster this community. Post only your own photos and videos, and always follow the law. Respect everyone on Instagram; don’t spam people or post nudity.
No matter if you’re a global brand or the average Joe, Instagram can (and does) punish accounts that don’t follow these basic guidelines.
Get publicity
Team up with a PR agent or agency, or even a journalist, who can help you get your name out there. Some agencies also have access to Facebook’s Media Partner Support tools, where they can submit requests and get accounts verified through the portal.
To get publicity, you’ll need to do things considered newsworthy. What’s deemed newsworthy depends on your niche, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Participate in or create a local event (for charity or otherwise)
- Make a guest appearance on a podcast or other media channel
- Pledge to donate to a relevant cause, either a one-off or indefinitely
- Publish a white paper or other original data relevant to your target audience
Getting involved in activities outside of your brand is how you build awareness and get into media outlets. When the Instagram verification team checks to see if you are notable, they’ll find you in these news channels.
What to do if you don’t get verified
Even if you follow all of the tips above, there’s still a chance Instagram won’t approve your application. So what happens then? Try a few of the following actions:
Double-check the verification requirements
As simple as it sounds, it’s worth double-checking the four main requirements we saw earlier: authentic, unique, complete, and notable.
Make sure you have the most appropriate business document to prove authenticity. Be sure to remove/delete any old accounts you might have set up. Compare your level of profile completeness to those who are already verified.
Lastly, do a Google search on your brand. If you don’t see any mentions of it outside of your own website, that could be the issue.
Wait and apply again
If your verification request gets rejected by Instagram, all is not lost. You can apply again after 30 days. Be patient though—repeated applications within 30 days will mean the request will be cancelled.
Give yourself that month to figure out ways of improving your chances using the tips above rather than hope you’ll get approved in the following 30 days without making any changes.
Show authenticity in other ways
If you still can’t get approved for a blue check, there are other ways to show your brand’s authenticity without it.
Instagram recommends linking your account to your official website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, or Twitter account to help show you’re the real owner of your brand.
Another way to show your authenticity is by creating video content of you or your team behind the scenes.
Showing how your business looks day-to-day is a great way to gain trust, but also follows the recommendations of multi-format content to grow followers.
Don’t stress if you can’t get verified
Getting the verification badge on Instagram (or any social media for that matter) is a big milestone for your business. It proves your account is worth watching and engaging with. However, all the benefits come with a challenge—it can be hard to get approved.
Getting the basics right matters, and so does building your brand outside of your immediate social bubble. Following the tips in this guide will help you toward fulfilling those requirements.
That said, verified or not, making money on Instagram is still possible by funnelling traffic to your ecommerce store, setting up an Instagram shop, becoming a brand affiliate, and more.
Illustration by Dan Page
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Instagram verification FAQ
Can an individual person get verified on Instagram?
An individual person or small business can get verified on Instagram. The profile must represent a real person or business, and it must be the only legitimate Instagram account representing you or your business.
How many followers do I need to get verified on Instagram?
Instagram doesn’t give an official number needed for verification. One study found that accounts with as low as 1,000 followers had verification badges. It also found that the more followers an account has, the more likely they are to have a verification badge.
How much does it cost to get Instagram verified?
The verification application is free through the Instagram app. There are businesses you can pay to get you verified, but that’s not recommended.
How do I get verified on Instagram?
- Log in to the Instagram account you want to verify.
- Tap the hamburger icon.
- Tap Settings > Account > Request Verification.
- Enter your name and provide the required information.
- After you complete the form, send it and wait 30 days for a response.
Instagram Verification Guide
These days, people are tethered to their devices. Without the device in hand, we feel that something is wrong, as if something is missing.
via GIPHY
Social media has become a hive of interaction and engagement . Now this is the main form of communication for the majority.
Question "did you do it at all if it's not in social networks?" is common among the younger generation. Documenting your life and sharing those moments has become an almost obsession.
The development of technology brings humanity and the world as a whole many positive results , but it is not without its drawbacks.
One of the negative aspects of social media is that some people's happiness now depends on the number of followers or likes on their social media account. Worst of all, some people are willing to do anything to feel endorphin rush...
via GIPHY
In this article, we'll go over some of the finer points of using Instagram and tell you everything you need to know about getting verified on this major social media platform.
Important Disclosure: We are proud partners of some of the tools mentioned in this guide.
If you follow an affiliate link and subsequently make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you (you pay nothing extra).
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What is Instagram? 🤷♀️
We're sure most of you, if not all of you, have heard of Instagram.
However, if you've been living under a rock since 2010 and haven't heard of him, we're here to tell you.
Instagram (IG) is one of the largest social media platforms worldwide.
Instagram is estimated to have over 1 billion users.
This application, purchased by Facebook in 2012, is a photo and video sharing platform.
Instagram brings people together and gives them a glimpse into each other's lives. Whether your profile is private or public, Instagram is a great way to share moments with your followers, friends and family.
When using Instagram, you have your profile, which is made up of any content you have shared, and your feed, which is made up of any content shared by the accounts you follow.
It is in your feed that you can share your love by liking, commenting or saving any of the materials that appear.
via GIPHY
What does it mean to be verified on Instagram?👀
Anyone over 13 with a valid email address can join Instagram and create their own account. And when we say anyone, we really mean it: your old neighbor, your favorite movie star, or even your gym trainer.
Any means any .
Sounds amazing, doesn't it? 💕
Yes, it is. However, not everything that glitters is gold. Next in line is the rise of 90,003 fake accounts and fake profiles.
People have started creating fake profiles that most often imitate another Instagram account. How to distinguish scammers from fakes?
This is where Instagram verification comes in. IG verification is one way that allows people to verify the authenticity of the accounts they search for, follow, and interact with.
Verified account = Real account
Any account that becomes verified on Instagram is adorned with a blue verification badge. A small blue badge of honor among the Instagram community.
The verification icon is literally a blue circle with a white check mark inside . Sounds relatively unconvincing for the sheer power he wields, right?
Screenshot Source: InstagramIf you become a verified Instagram user, this blue badge will appear on your profile and in searches next to your username. This will show all your followers that you are who you say you are.
Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?🕵️♂️
Although everyone can submit verification requests, not everyone can get verified.
No, you don't need to be famous or have millions of followers (although the number of followers matters).
However, you need to meet a few key criteria that Instagram has established to describe what they think is "notable user" or "notable account".
It may seem simple, but Instagram is especially picky and strict when it comes to rewarding someone with a blue check mark badge.
Instagram says it's keeping the blue badge for celebrities, public figures and status brands.
Wow! 😱
However, has hope for for those who feel they don't quite fit.
Here's how to find out if your account meets the verification criteria:
Verification of requires that your account is in the CROWD criteria.
Reading this word says almost nothing, however, if you decompose it into abbreviations, then everything will become much clearer.
CROWD Verification CriteriaFull
Having a full account means you must have an active account that posts regularly. Your account must also have biography and profile picture of and it must be open to the public.
Real
Your account must represent a real person , a genuine organization or registered business
Original
A person can only request verification of one of their accounts or businesses.
The exception is accounts with language specifics.
Known
This is the most difficult requirement to complete.
Your account must be recognizable by people and must be an account that often search for and link to even outside of Instagram.
For example, if your account is organically mentioned in news sources, blogs and articles, then you are more likely to get verified.
Distinguishing Feature
Your account must be specific in its niche and unique in its presence. Random accounts that have 9 in common0005 (but still common) interests will not be checked.
If you meet all five review requirements, you are more likely to have your application accepted by the review team.
In addition to meeting these five criteria, however, you must ensure that you read and follow the Community Guidelines and Terms of Use at all times.
Examples of Verified Instagram Accounts☝️
Let's take a look at some of the Instagram accounts that managed to get the blue checkmark next to their name.
Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) ⭐️
This name is recognized by most people around the world, so don't be surprised that her account is verified.
Kim Kardashian has almost 300 million followers on Instagram . Each of her posts receives millions of likes and tens of thousands of comments. In other words, her level of engagement is off the charts.
In her bio, she links to her business website as well as two other Instagram accounts/business profiles.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian)
She is a famous celebrity and public figure, so the level she achieves with her Instagram may not be possible for you . But her account is still a good example of what Instagram is aiming for.
Nike (@nike) 👟
Nike is the sportswear brand most people know and love. We provide this example to show you that brands can be verified too, not just individuals.
Nike has nearly 200 million followers . Each post gets hundreds of thousands of likes and several thousand comments. This proves that yes, they have a much-needed level of engagement. A post shared by Nike (@nike) , which gives potential subscribers an idea of what they stand for.
Courtney Quinn (@colormecourtney) 🌈
Here is an example of an influential and famous person who gained such fame and such a large audience that Instagram awarded her an honorary verification badge.
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A post shared by Courtney 🌈 NYC Color Queen (@colormecourtney)
0003's engagement rates are much lower than 's for the two accounts we talked about above.
Each of her posts receives only a few hundred comments.
Her bio lets the Instagram community know what she's up to and gives them a glimpse into her ebullient and eccentric personality.
GoodLuck (@goodlucklive) 🎸
GoodLuck is a South African band that has done several international tours in other parts of the world. There is a chance that if you do not live in Cape Town, you have not heard of them, however, their account is still verified on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by GoodLuck (@goodlucklive)
GoodLuck is an example of a verified account with achievable followers (33k to be precise) and achievable engagement.
On average, there are only 10-40 comments per post. In our opinion, this is quite doable.
KaleSalad (@kalesalad) 😆
The name of the account is a bit misleading because although it is called KaleSalad, this account is neither. Actually, this account is meme account.
This is one of the few verified meme accounts proving it's possible if your niche is humor or comedy. This is most likely due to the high number of followers, and less likely due to their mediocre engagement.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Memes (@kalesalad)
Their bio includes what the account does, email address, so that potential subscribers can contact them, and a link where subscribers can submit their own memes.
JC Pretorius (@jc_pretorius_6) 🏉
We're pretty sure you've never heard of (unless you're the biggest rugby fan the world has ever seen).
JC Pretorius - real person (same as me and you) and minor athlete. He is a junior rugby player who played once in the Olympics, and although he has potential, he is not the athlete whose name is on everyone's lips.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by JC Pretorius (@jc_pretorius_6)
He has a total of 10k followers , gets only a few thousand likes and averages less than 20 comments per post. However, he sticks to of his niche and has proven to Instagram that he is worthy.
If he could do it, so can you!
Sign Up Now To Never Miss Out ⭐️
How To Request Verification On Instagram In 9Easy Steps 🔥
Luckily for you, requesting verification on Instagram is a fairly simple process.
Here are the steps you need to follow to make a request:
- Log in to the Instagram account you want to verify ribbons.
- Click on icon with three horizontal lines/hamburger, which is in the top right corner of your profile. This is menu icon.
- Press button settings icon
- While in the settings menu, press the button counting button
- Press check request
- Fill in all required information :
- Your username and full name
- The category/niche your account belongs to
- Identity documents/photos
8. Fill in any additional information that you want to include:
- Description of your audience
- Any organizations or people your account represents
- Any links to articles and other accounts that prove that your account is of interest to the public
9.
Click the submit button
Once you've gone through this verification process and submitted your request, Instagram decides whether to accept or reject it. This may take up to 30 days.
Once the decision has been made, you will be notified and can view the final decision in your Activity.
If your request was denied, you can try again after another 30 days, so all hope is not lost!
However, you don't get any other information than "yes" or "no", so be sure to review the account verification tips below before calling again.
Account Verification Tips 🙌
Although there is no set course of action to follow, there are some key pros and cons that can help you get your account verified.
✅ Here's What To Do:
1. Complete Your Profile
This is required if you want to be verified.
Completing a profile means having a distinctive profile photo, at least one post, a descriptive and memorable biography, a relevant external link, and a compelling story.
The most important and often overlooked part is your biography.
Your Instagram bio is a unique short description of your profile, created by yourself to inspire others to follow you.
In the biography you are given no more than 150 characters , so before you start creating and show your individuality, be sure to highlight important information first .
You can also use your bio to provide a way for subscribers to get in touch with them, encourage feedback with call to action and clearly articulate your selling proposition.
Your profile is your first chance to impress , so make sure it's good. We suggest using all kinds of Instagram tools to make your profile functional and attractive.
Most often in social networks, people judge a book by its cover.
2. Connect All Your Other Platforms
Connect your Instagram account to your website to show legitimacy and provide more information to about yourself and your brand.
Not only does this affect verification, but it also helps your subscribers by making you more than 90,003 reachable.
You must link your other social media profiles and accounts to Instagram, not the other way around.
This will attract more people to your Instagram account and this indicates authenticity.
👉🏼 Here's a pro tip: have a strong authentic presence on other social media platforms and Please verify on these platforms first. This does not guarantee that Instagram will consider you verified, but it will show them that other platforms consider you popular and legitimate.
3. Engage With Your Audience
By responding to any comments you receive on your posts, you show Instagram that you are active and are actively trying to connect with your audience.
Interaction with the audience and increase the engagement rate also shows that people are interested in your account.
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Audience engagement can also help you increase your following ( more on this later).
4. Get Your Name on the News
This is the most difficult advice to achieve, and, unfortunately, it is that has the most power.
Getting your name or your brand name in the news is proof to Instagram that people are interested in what you have to offer and that you have enough influence with the general public to merit scrutiny.
Here are some things you can try to increase your visibility and news coverage:
- Host or attend an event in your area
- Guest on a podcast or show
- Donate to a cause
- Publish data, blog posts, white papers, or research
All of these will help raise awareness brand, and will also show the Instagram gods that you are visible to .
Try to do something within your niche, however, any deed worthy of attention is a point for you.
5. Check if you have Accounts impersonating you
The main function of the verification badge is to distinguish real accounts from fake ones. If you can prove to Instagram that there are multiple accounts impersonating you, they may find it necessary to verify you.
Perform a social media audit of to find any copycat or fan accounts, then monitor them with numerous social media monitoring tools such as SocialBee, KeyHole and SproutSocial.
6. Increase Your Followers
While having thousands of followers and a strong online presence is not an absolute guarantee of getting verified, it does help.
Here are some of the ways you can get more REAL followers:
- Post Relevant Content: Once you've decided on a niche, you only need to post relevant content.
This will help you establish your brand and credibility among the Instagram community. - Post often: The more often you post, the more likely people are to see your content.
- Post at the optimal time: This also means that your content is more likely to be seen. There is no point in posting when your audience is asleep.
- Use hashtags: Use relevant hashtags and trending hashtags to get your content in front of the right audience.
- Enter the Contests: Challenges are a good way to showcase your authentic and fun self while getting your videos out to a wide audience.
- Create videos : In an effort to overtake TikTok, Instagram's algorithms are putting a lot of emphasis on videos.
- Run giveaways : Running giveaways that require you to follow your account and tag friends to win is a good way to attract followers.
Increasing the number of your followers has positive consequences, in addition to checking.
It also means you can increase your website traffic, build a stronger community, have more influence, and increase sales of everything you sell.
7. Hire Someone to Help
Hiring someone, like social media manager , to run your Instagram account is one way to shift the responsibility onto someone more experienced.
You can also hire a publicist who will help spread your name to the whole world.
Obviously, this method is only applicable to if you have the budget to afford a good digital agency, social media company, or PR firm.
❌ Here's What Not To Do:
1. Don't Buy Verification, Followers, Likes Or Comments
You may think you can get away with it, but trust us, you won't. Instagram will know about it.
The fake followers you buy are often inactive Instagram accounts or bots, meaning they are nothing more than a number and not offering you no engagement.
Lack of engagement means your posts will reach narrower audiences.
are full of scammers around offering easy verification.
Fraudsters prey on anyone they can and ask for thousands of dollars in exchange for a verification badge. Don't give in to temptation.
The only way to become verified is to do it officially through Instagram.
Screenshot from writer's personal account2. Don't link other social media accounts to your Instagram
Link other social media accounts to your Instagram account, just don't link from your Instagram account. Unless you're already verified with Facebook. In this case, links from your Instagram account to Facebook are not only allowed, but encouraged.
Instagram of course wants more traffic on their platform.
Instagram is unkind to any accounts that send traffic to other social media platforms (especially those not under the "Meta" umbrella).
3. Don't Lie
Instagram will penalize you if it finds you were lying anywhere on your profile, feed, or application process.
They can not only reject your verification request, but even completely disable or delete your account.
4. Don't Violate the Community Rules or Terms of Use
If you violate the terms and conditions of service that govern Instagram, it's very unlikely that you will ever become verified.
Basic rules to pay attention to include:
- Staying authentic
- Promoting community development
- No spam
- No nudity
- Only post your own content
Follow them and you are unlikely to run into any problems using a well-known social media tool, such as during verification, and during further use of the application.
Benefits of Instagram Verification 💯
You may be asking yourself what are the benefits of getting (and save) verification? Why is it worth going through all these difficulties just for the sake of a blue tick?
Here are just a few of the main benefits of verification:
Increased Reliability
This blue badge shows everyone that you are a reliable and trustworthy source.
This is especially important if you are a person or business trying to sell something or make an impact on the world.
The verification badge signals to everyone that you, your brand or your business is relevant and important. It's makes it easy to attract followers, sponsors, and even influencers if you plan to run influencer marketing campaigns.
We won't delve into this topic, but currently having a great social media marketing strategy is a key success factor for a business or brand.
Raising Brand Awareness
The blue checkmark makes your account stand out among millions of other accounts.
When a user searches for something on Instagram, verified accounts appear at top of the list.
Also, if you believe in Instagram's elusive algorithm (and we do), it also favors verified accounts, placing them higher up on the explore page.
Both of these benefits mean your account reaches a wider audience.
via GIPHY
Features
Verified accounts get access to certain features that the general Instagram community does not .
Does Instagram have new features? 🤷
Then, most likely, you will get access to these functions before others. These features often enhance your Instagram game by improving the user experience and performance of your profile.
An example of this is the coveted "Swipe Up" feature, which makes it easy to share links with your followers. This is an effective marketing technique that can increase the conversion rate of users into buyers.
No Imitation of Your Personal Account or Business Account
This is the main reason why most people seek a verification pass. They don't want to be impersonated. Having a blue check next to your account name shows your followers that you are who you say you are.
This also highlights any other fake accounts impersonating you.
How To Spot A Fake Account On Instagram
how to spot fake account on instagramfake accounts on IGhow to tell fake IG accounts#AyoMrCru2 #TheHardestWorkerInTheRoomwww.MrCru2.com______________________...
Exclusivity
superiority.
Having a blue check mark shows everyone that you are a part of this club and that you should be followed.
Exclusivity gives you more strength and confidence.
Can You Lose Verification?😰
Yes, you can. But in doing so, you lose all the benefits.
Your verification badge and blue tick can be removed at any time via Instagram.
How can this happen? 👀
- You provided false information when you were asked to pass verification (this is taken VERY seriously and your account may even be disabled)
- You can sell or transfer your verified page to another account
- you are trying to change your username after you have been verified
- you are in any way violating the Terms of Service or Community Guidelines
- you have used third party application to check your account
- You repeatedly switch your account to personal profile and back.
- You stopped posting and chatting with your followers for a long time
- You are changing your niche and stop posting content related to the category that you indicated during registration.
You might be thinking: "Oh, Instagram will never notice if I do this."
Trust us, it will.
Conclusion 💁♂️
The key to being verified is, yes, being a is itself , but also be a prominent presence of in your niche and in what you do.
And, of course, follow the guidelines and steps set by Instagram.
If your verification request was denied, there are other ways to show your followers that you are who you say you are. For example, you can link your Instagram accounts to other social media accounts, to your blog, to your Facebook page, and even to your official website.
The good news for businesses that can't get verified is that you can still make money with Instagram.
So, while verification can take your brand presence to new heights, it is not a or deciding factor for your business.
Should I get a blue tick? We say yes!
Sign Up Now To Never Miss Out ⭐️
This article was written by Sam Hops . Sam is passionate about everything related to digital marketing, but writes about graphic design with particular interest. An ardent dog lover and sunflower lover 🐶 🌻
How to get verified on Instagram. Get the blue checkmark
There's one elusive social media status symbol that you can't buy that makes it very desirable and extremely valuable: the blue checkmark is your Instagram identity verification badge.
A February 2020 study found that 73.4% of Instagram accounts with over 1 million followers are verified. Of the next group (from 100,000 to a million followers), 22.4% were verified accounts. When examining accounts with 1,000 to 5,000 followers, only 0.87% is confirmed.
You can ask yourself one question: " How do I verify my account? ". Most social media services have some sort of "verification" process for getting the almighty blue tick on your profile. But why do you need to be verified? And how hard is it? This guide will answer these questions and help you understand the Instagram verification process so that you can also verify your account.
Why get verified on Instagram?
The data suggests that most of the major Instagram accounts are verified. As your Instagram profile grows, you'll want to get verified to stand out from the competition. Verified accounts are more trustworthy than unverified ones and have a 30% higher engagement rate on average.
The main reason the verification badge exists is to make sure account holders are who they say they are. The blue checkmark on your profile shows followers and visitors that you are a real account and not a fake one. This inspires confidence.
The blue checkmark is also a status symbol that shows users that your account deserves attention.
You have access to special functions. One of the most desired features for brands and influencers is the Swipe Up feature. Link exchange in Instagram Stories can improve your Instagram marketing through more engagement and conversions. Usually you need at least 10,000 subscribers, but if you pass the verification, you can use this feature no matter how many subscribers you have.
Verified accounts are higher in the search. This means you are more likely to attract new followers directly from search results (in the Instagram app) and increase brand awareness.
With all these great benefits, you're probably thinking that it's going to be pretty hard to pass the test. But is it?
Is it hard to get verified on Instagram?
The good news is that applying for Instagram verification is very easy (as you will see in the guide below). The not-so-good news is that it can actually be difficult to get approved.
It's no secret how Instagram checks accounts. Its recommendations outline the requirements that your account must meet.
Authentic. Because you must be a real person, public figure or registered legal entity. You will need official business documents and ID to prove it.
Unique. You cannot have multiple accounts for the same person or company (unless they are tied to a specific language). Instagram also doesn't check memes or fan accounts.
Complete. At a minimum, your Instagram profile must be public, have a bio, profile picture, and be active when applying.
Noticeable. This is the most difficult moment most people face. Being visible means that your account name represents a "famous, in-demand" person or brand. Instagram checks accounts that feature multiple news sources but don't contain paid or sponsored content.
How to get verified status on Instagram
1.
Start your request
Open the Instagram app and go to your profile. Once you're on your profile page, click on the "hamburger" icon (three lines) in the top right corner and select "Settings". On the settings page at the bottom you will see the option "Request Verification". Touch it and you are ready for step 2.
2. Add your company information
From there, you will need to fill in information about your business, such as: Your full name (or trade name), which you will need to support with photo ID, such as a driver's license, or business documents, such as registration papers or utility bills (for physical stores).
Prominence, which is confirmed by the choice of your industry category and target audience. You will also need to list trademarks by which you may also be known.
Supporting links that will help prove your notoriety. Here you can provide links to other verified social media accounts if you have any, news or press releases that feature your brand, your website, or other (non-sponsored) links that you think might be up to date.
3. Submit your application
Once you have filled in the confirmation application details, click "Submit", and congratulations: you have submitted your application.
Within 30 days, Instagram will notify you in the activity feed whether your application was successful or not. If so, you'll get an Instagram confirmation badge right away.
Verification Tips
Before you apply for the coveted blue badge, keep the following tips in mind to increase your chances of getting a verified Instagram account:
under what circumstances Instagram does not allow users to buy, sell, or otherwise transfer a verified badge. If you see an account that advertises the ability to get it for free or for a "small fee", don't be "followed" by this scam.
Use Instagram responsibly. Don't try questionable tactics like buying badges, followers, likes, or comments. Otherwise, your account may be blocked.
Get real followers
Don't buy Instagram followers.
Focus on genuine, organic growth for your account. It's easy to buy followers, but you'll have low engagement. These "followers" are often bots or inactive accounts so they don't interact with your brand. Not participating means that your posts will not appear on the research pages or in your audience's feeds.
Here are some ways to get more followers on Instagram:
- Using the right hashtags to promote your profile to your target audience;
- Publication of a mix of Stories, Reels and posts in the feed;
- Conducting lotteries;
- Encouraging user-generated content;
- Curating your profile grid;
- Create shared content.
Instagram followers are more than just a number, they are your community. Even if you don't pass the verification, real followers will help increase your website traffic, increase your sales, and increase your influence in your industry.
Complete your profile
All verified accounts have one thing in common: completed profiles.
A concise and clear Instagram biography, a vibrant profile photo, an external link (either to a website or a link tree linking to multiple sites), and well-crafted story highlights.
What to do if you are not verified
Even if you follow all the tips above, there is still a chance that Instagram will not approve your application. So what happens then? Try the following steps:
Double Check Verification Requirements
As simple as it sounds, it's worth double-checking the four basic requirements we saw earlier: authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and visibility.
Make sure you have the most appropriate business document for authentication. Be sure to delete any old accounts you may have created. Compare your profile completion rate with those who have already passed the test.
Wait and apply again
If your verification request is rejected by Instagram, all is not lost.
You can reapply after 30 days. However, be patient - repeated applications within 30 days will mean that the request will be cancelled.
Give yourself this month to figure out how to improve your chances using the tips above instead of hoping you get approved within the next 30 days without any changes.
Other ways to authenticate
If you still can't get blue check approved, there are other ways to show your brand's authenticity without it.
Instagram recommends that you link your account to an official website, Facebook page, YouTube channel or Twitter account to show that you are the true owner of your brand. Another way to show your authenticity is to create video content about you or your team.
Showcasing what your business looks like day in and day out is a great way to build credibility and follow multi-format content recommendations to grow your following.
Don't be discouraged if you can't pass verification
Earning the verification badge on Instagram (or any other social network, for that matter) is an important milestone for your business.
