How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2022
(8 Simple Steps)
A Verified Badge is a tick that appears next to an Instagram account's name in search and on the profile. It means that Instagram has confirmed that an account is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity, or brand it represents. We don't use the verified badge to endorse or recognize public figures or brands.
The verified badge is a tool to help people find the actual accounts of public figures and brands, and it means that we have confirmed that this is a notable and authentic Instagram account. A verified badge is not a symbol to show importance, authority, or subject matter expertise.
Once verified, you may not change the username on your account, and verification cannot be transferred to a different account. Instagram accounts that impersonate public figures or other people go against our Community Guidelines and aren't allowed on Instagram.
How to apply for Instagram Verification
How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2022 (8 Simple Steps) |
The verification process on Instagram is actually quite simple. There are only a few steps to applying for verification on Instagram, all of which are straightforward.
- Open the Instagram app and choose the profile or Instagram account you want to be verified.
- Once on your profile, tap the three-line hamburger icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Go into your Account settings, then tap Request verification. After getting to the verification screen, there are a few more steps.
- Fill out your full name and add your identification. This can be a government-issued (such as a driver's license or passport) or official business document.
- Confirm your notability. Selecting a category (e.g., music, fashion, sport) is required, but the remaining fields are optional during the verified account process. You can describe your target audience and list names you or your brand might otherwise be known as.
- Add a supporting link. While not required, you might better your chances if you provide links that help your "notability," whether you are an Instagram influencer or celebrity, such as other verified social media accounts, news articles, or your website.
However, if Instagram doesn't verify your account, the notification will say you don't meet the criteria and that you can apply again in 30 days.
If you're rejected, there are a few ways you can try to improve your chances of being approved in future applications.
8 Tips to get verified on Instagram.
How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2022 (8 Simple Steps) |
1. Don't try to buy an Instagram verification badge.
Let's get something straight, fast-tracking your way to get verified on Instagram is NOT a good idea. It won't get you a verified badge, and you'll end up paying money to scammers.
We'll get this one out of the way first. If you see someone slide into your D.M.s offering you a verified badge for payment, don't do it. No matter how legit the account looks.
The same goes for any third-party app or random account that offers "full refunds." And for any random account that D.M.s you because they want to sell you their badge because they "don't need it anymore."
Third-party scam accounts pretending to sell Instagram badges.
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.
The only way to get verified on Instagram is by following the official Instagram procedure. Only Instagram can verify you, nobody else.
2. Monitor for impostor accounts
If We have good news for you. If you're struggling with persistent unauthorized, fake, or fan accounts impersonating your brand, you're a prime candidate for verification on Instagram. After all, verifying verification's stated purpose distinguishes real accounts from fake ones. A verification badge's whole point is to differentiate between real and fake accounts.
So if you already have impersonators and imposters, they're a perfect can be getting that blue tick. Your annual social media audit should clarify 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. Gain Plenty Of Real Followers
This may seem like a bit of a vague tip, as there's no specific number of followers you need to get verified on Instagram. There's no proof that you need vast followers to get verified on Instagram, but having a massive following certainly won't hurt! The more followers you have, the more prestigious your account looks.
Let's be honest; you never see verification badges next to accounts with 150 followers. So, try to get your follower count before applying for a verified badge.
The number one most important rule here is to NEVER buy these followers. Although it may be tempting, it will only cause more damage to your account. In fact, it could even result in your account shutting down, as this goes against the Community Guidelines you must agree to. When Instagram examines your account for the Instagram verification process, they will quickly notice if you've bought followers.
4. Make Sure Your Account is Highly Searched For
One of the essential factors that Instagram considers when it comes to verification is how well-searched your account is. The bottom line is that if many users are looking for your name, there's a much better chance that Instagram will verify you.
Organic search and scrolling through the Instagram Explore page are massive. This is where understanding the Instagram algorithm is so important. However, if a user takes the time and effort to type your specific name into the search bar, it's a big sign of popularity.
So, how do you increase your chances of getting searched for? Here are a few strategies:
- Apply for verification when your name is in the news. If you've just dropped a new single, sent out a recent press release, or done something particularly newsworthy, there's a good chance more people will be searching for you online. This is the perfect time to get verified.
- Search your name and keep an eye on your popularity in the search results.
- Invest in some P.R. Reach out to media outlets, create compelling press releases, and focus on getting some buzz and attention around your brand. Getting verified may be more challenging if you've never focused on PR.
Let's get something straight, fast-tracking your way to get verified on Instagram is NOT a good idea. It won't get you a verified badge, and you'll end up paying money to scammers.
We'll get this one out of the way first. If you see someone slide into your D.M.s offering you a verified badge for payment, don't do it. No matter how legit the account looks.
The same goes for any third-party app or random account that offers "full refunds." And for any random account that D.M.s you because they want to sell you their badge because they "don't need it anymore."
Third-party scam accounts pretending to sell Instagram badges.
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.
The only way to get verified on Instagram is by following the official Instagram procedure. Only Instagram can verify you, nobody else.
2. Monitor for impostor accounts
If We have good news for you. If you're struggling with persistent unauthorized, fake, or fan accounts impersonating your brand, you're a prime candidate for verification on Instagram. After all, verifying verification's stated purpose distinguishes real accounts from fake ones. A verification badge's whole point is to differentiate between real and fake accounts.
So if you already have impersonators and imposters, they're a perfect can be getting that blue tick. Your annual social media audit should clarify 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. Gain Plenty Of Real Followers
This may seem like a bit of a vague tip, as there's no specific number of followers you need to get verified on Instagram. There's no proof that you need vast followers to get verified on Instagram, but having a massive following certainly won't hurt! The more followers you have, the more prestigious your account looks.
Let's be honest; you never see verification badges next to accounts with 150 followers. So, try to get your follower count before applying for a verified badge.
The number one most important rule here is to NEVER buy these followers. Although it may be tempting, it will only cause more damage to your account. In fact, it could even result in your account shutting down, as this goes against the Community Guidelines you must agree to. When Instagram examines your account for the Instagram verification process, they will quickly notice if you've bought followers.
4. Make Sure Your Account is Highly Searched For
One of the essential factors that Instagram considers when it comes to verification is how well-searched your account is. The bottom line is that if many users are looking for your name, there's a much better chance that Instagram will verify you.
Organic search and scrolling through the Instagram Explore page are massive. This is where understanding the Instagram algorithm is so important. However, if a user takes the time and effort to type your specific name into the search bar, it's a big sign of popularity.
So, how do you increase your chances of getting searched for? Here are a few strategies:
- Apply for verification when your name is in the news. If you've just dropped a new single, sent out a recent press release, or done something particularly newsworthy, there's a good chance more people will be searching for you online. This is the perfect time to get verified.
- Search your name and keep an eye on your popularity in the search results.
- Invest in some P.R. Reach out to media outlets, create compelling press releases, and focus on getting some buzz and attention around your brand. Getting verified may be more challenging if you've never focused on PR.
5. Remove Cross-Platform Links
6. Make sure your profile and bio are complete and effective
7. Work with an agency or publicist.
- 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 pertinent to your target audience.