Cover photo by Katka Pavlickova

This week, Instagram added a verification request button in the app. Now, any user can request verification! Instagram added this feature along with other new safety features that are detailed in this announcement.

Verified accounts have a blue badge next to their username. This helps users to ensure the legitimacy of public figures, celebrities, large brands, and more. Verified badges show up on the profile, within Instagram search, and in other places throughout the app.

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How to Apply for Instagram Verification

Follow these steps to apply for a verification badge on your Instagram account! You can apply as an individual or as a company/brand.

1. Log in to your Instagram account and go to your profile.

2. Tap the three lines icon or the settings icon.

3. Click ‘Request Verification’

4. Enter your full legal name and attach a government-issued photo ID with your name/date of birth.

   1. If you are trying to verify a brand/business account you can use official business documents such as tax filings, company utility bills, or an article of incorporation.

5. Send your verification request in for review.

If you’re a bit confused about where you need to go within the app (like I was), check out these photos to help you out.

The top left arrow is the ‘three lines icon’ you click to access your settings. The bottom left arrow is how you access all of your settings/account features. Then once open you’ll see the tab for ‘Request Verification’.

Simply click this and fill out the application page shown below on the right.

Important Notes

Instagram defines a verified user “an account that is the authentic presence of a public figure, celebrity or global brand it represents”.

Not every application will get approved. In fact, the chances of getting a verification badge are still very low.

You can improve your chances by building a large, real following for your business or personal brand. Instagram shares a few requirements and factors they consider when reviewing accounts for verification:

• 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 may be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts. We don’t verify general interest accounts (example: @puppymemes).
• Complete: Your account must be public and have a bio, profile photo and at least one post. Your profile can’t contain “add me” links to other social media services.
• Notable: Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity. We review accounts that are featured in multiple news sources, and we don’t consider paid or promotional content as sources for review.

From the Instagram Help Center.

The Instagram Verification Process

Once reviewed, Instagram will send a notification to your account letting you know whether you’ve been verified or not. If you are not verified, you can submit a new request after 30 days.

Instagram is very strict with verified accounts and can take away your badge/disable your account if you:

• Advertise, transfer or sell your verified badge.

• Use your profile picture, bio or name section to promote other services.

• Attempt to verify your account through a third party.

Instagram does not charge money for verification and will NEVER request payment for your verification. If you receive an email or any form of communication offering you verification in exchange for payment, it is either a scam or violates Instagram’s policies. Long story short, it’s not worth it if you care about building a legitimate brand on Instagram.

Instagram login photo by Tofros.com

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