The blue checkmark in Instagram is not just an icon, but a symbol of trust and authenticity, which millions of users of this social network dream about. It confirms that the account belongs to a famous personality, brand or company, and thus protects them from fakes. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at what a checkmark in Instagram and what ways you can get it.
What a Blue Checkmark Means in Instagram
Before we tell you how to get a checkmark in Instagram, it's worth explaining what it is. It is a mark of authenticity that confirms that the account belongs to a real person, brand or organization. It helps distinguish between official and fake profiles, thus increasing the trust of followers. Previously, only public figures and celebrities had the checkmark on Instagram. However, since 2023, thanks to Meta Verified, this option has become available to regular users who meet certain requirements.
Benefits of Instagram Account Verification
The Instagram verification icon confirms that the account is real and belongs to a famous person or brand. Simply put, it makes the account official and distinguishes it from the mass of fakes and fan pages. Thanks to the blue check mark, users can quickly find a genuine account among many similar ones.
Having a verified account gives its owner a number of advantages. If you are developing a personal brand or business, a blue checkmark in Instagram can become a strong tool for promotion in the social network. It:
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Increases credibility of the profile.
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Highlights and raises the account up in search results.
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Solves the problem of fake pages.
In addition, studies show that verified accounts have higher engagement rates and gain followers faster than regular profiles.
How to Get a Checkmark on Instagram
There are two ways how to get a checkmark on Instagram — take out a paid subscription Meta Verified or pass free verification. Let's understand how these methods differ and what conditions need to be met in each case.
Meta Verified Subscription
How to get a tick on Instagram quickly and without hassle? The easiest way is paid verification through Meta Verified. This option is not available in all regions yet, but it gradually covers more and more countries.
To process verification through Meta Verified, you and your account need to meet the following requirements:
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Be over the age of 18.
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Have a profile (public or private) with your real name and face photo.
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Have the minimum allowable activity on the page, such as posts.
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Provide identification, such as a passport or driver's license, that matches the information in your profile.
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Enable two-factor authentication.
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Comply with the Terms of Use and Meta Community Rules.
If your account meets the above requirements, you can move on to applying. To do this:
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Open Instagram and go to your profile.
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Click on the three bars at the top right and select «Meta Verified».
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Read the terms and conditions, click «Next» and select an account to verify.
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Confirm your identity and pay for your subscription ($11.99 to $14.99 per month).
If all conditions are met, checkmark on Instagram will appear next to your account name within 48 hours.
Verify As a Public Identity
This method is more complicated than the previous one, but it is completely free. To be verified as a public person on Instagram, you need to follow three basic steps. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Meet Instagram's Rules
Before you start verifying on Instagram as a public person, you need to make sure that your account meets these criteria:
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Authenticity — the profile must belong to a real person, official brand or registered organization.
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Uniqueness — there can only be one verified Instagram account for each person or company.
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Completeness — the profile should be open, with an avatar, a completed bio and publications.
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Popularity — the account should represent a famous person, brand or organization whose name is often searched for.
If any of this list is not met, a checkmark in Instagram will most likely not be assigned to the account.
Prove Your Relevance
At this stage, many people face difficulties because Instagram needs to prove that your account is «notable». To do this, you need to be a well-known person or brand that is known about and searched for. References in independent news sources such as newspapers or websites are taken into account (paid or promotional content is not taken into account).
If such publications are available, you can proceed to the next step — submitting an application. Otherwise, it is worth reading the recommendations and tips in the section of our guide «How to improve your chances of getting a tick on Instagram».
Applying for Instagram Verification
The process of applying for Instagram verification is quite simple and is done right in the app. To do this, you need to:
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Open your profile and click on the three bars in the top right corner.
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Go to the «Business Tools and Controls» section.
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Select «Request Verification» (it is at the bottom of the list).
A form will appear on the screen that you need to fill out. Enter your full name, select a document type (e.g. passport or driver's license) and upload it. Then select an account category (e.g. blogger or company) and indicate your country. After that, add links to media publications where you have been mentioned. When all the data has been entered, submit the application by clicking the appropriate button.
Instagram will review it within 30 days and report the result. If it is positive, a blue Instagram check mark will appear next to the profile name automatically. In case of rejection, you can submit a new application only after one month.
Tip: Do not submit multiple applications at once — this will reduce your chances of getting a tick.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Checkmark on Instagram
Passing Instagram account verification is hard enough, otherwise all users would have blue checkmarks. However, there are a few tips to help increase your chances of getting your application approved.
1. Publish Quality Content
Instagram trusts active accounts more. Regularly add original posts to your feed, take professional photos and videos, write useful and engaging texts. The more subscribers and activities you have on your page, the more likely you are to get a blue tick.
2. Get Media Mentions
A checkmark in Instagram is given to those pages that are written about in the media. Try to find publications that are related to the subject of your profile. Agree with them on an article in which they will write about you or your project. To do this, you can contact journalists yourself or use the services of PR agencies. The main thing is that the materials should be organic, as Instagram does not take advertising articles into account.
3. Fill Out Your Profile Completely
Your profile should look professional. Give it your real name or mention your brand name, add a clear description, up-to-date contacts and a link to your official website (if you have one). The avatar should feature your logo or a personal photo. It is also worth remembering that the account must be public.
4. Link Your Account to Facebook
Linking your Instagram to a verified Facebook profile is an added plus. It authenticates your identity or business and also demonstrates an active social media presence.
5. Avoid Scrolling
Instagram monitors inorganic activity on users' pages, so baited followers, likes, and comments can hurt your account. It's better to focus on natural audience growth.
6. Be Active in the Public Sphere
A checkmark in Instagram is more likely to be given to those who participate in public events, collaborate with well-known brands, and collaborate with media and bloggers. If you are regularly tagged in publications and stories, this will definitely play in your favor.
7. Re-apply
If your checkmark in Instagram doesn't show up after submitting your verification application, don't get frustrated. You can submit it again in 30 days. During this time, improve your profile, add new interesting posts, gain more subscribers and try to negotiate new articles in the media. Each time you do this, your chances of success will be higher and higher.
FAQ
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How to Get a Checkmark in Instagram?
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You can get a checkmark in Instagram in one of two ways — apply for verification or subscribe to Meta Verified. The first option is free, but you need to confirm your «visibility». The second one is simpler, however, it is paid.
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How to Buy a Checkmark in Instagram?
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A checkmark in Instagram is not for sale, it can only be purchased through a Meta Verified subscription. To do this, go to your profile, select «Meta Verified», confirm your identity and pay the monthly subscription fee (from $11.99 to $14.99). A check mark in Instagram will appear next to your profile name within 48 hours.
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How Does Instagram Verification Happen?
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Verification in Instagram processes according to the following principle: You open your profile on the app, go to settings and click on the «Request Verification» section. In the form that appears, you need to enter your full name, upload a document that confirms your identity, choose a category and add media links. After filling in the form, you should send your application by clicking on the appropriate button. Within 30 days, the administration of the social network will review your application and inform you of its decision. If it is positive, the Instagram checkmark will appear in your profile automatically.