There are over 1 billion active users on Instagram as of 2023, and with such a huge amount of user base, it's no wonder that a lot of people are looking for the ways to get the verified badge. But what does it mean to get verified on Instagram? Why should anyone aim for it? When do you actually get verified? And most importantly, what does it take to get it? Most users have a rough idea that getting the verified account on social media platforms means you are somewhat of a celebrity. Although this is not completely true, the verification does come with its benefits. For once, other users tend to think that you must be important within a specific niche, even if they have never heard of you before.

What Does It Mean to Get Verified on Instagram?

In simple terms, getting verified means that Instagram has confirmed that you are who you say you are. It's like getting a stamp of approval from Instagram that your account is authentic and belongs to a public figure, celebrity, or a global brand. The verification badge is a blue checkmark (the color may change actually, it depends on a number of factors) that appears next to your Instagram handle, making your account more trustworthy and credible.

Think how a famous singer has more than a thousand sometimes even million people using them as their profile picture on their fan accounts, some use their name or a nickname. This is to somehow associate with the person and be recognizable enough to reach out to others in the fandom. While that's sweet and all, there have been the cases where the the person themselves couldn't get a username they wanted because someone else had taken it. In that case, the only way for people to tell you are actually the person, is by seeing the check next to your username.

Why Get Verified?

If you are no famous singer, you might be wondering why you should consider getting verified on Instagram. Getting verified is a highly coveted achievement for many users, and for the good reasons. Just purely psychologically speaking, from your own POV, looking at a person or a brand with VS without the check. Which seems more "important" or "accomplished" or even "professional" to you? Most people will choose the verified accounts. It's probably because they aren't verified themselves and don't know exactly what it takes to get the check. If the account is verified though, they must have accomplished something notable.

Establish credibility and authenticity

Being verified on Instagram indicates that your account is legitimate and trustworthy. It signifies that Instagram has confirmed your identity and that your content is original and not plagiarized. This can be especially important for public figures, brands, and businesses, as it helps to establish their credibility and authenticity to their followers and potential customers.

Enhance brand visibility and recognition

Verified accounts on Instagram are prioritized in search results and suggested accounts, which means that they are more visible to users. This can lead to increased brand recognition and exposure, as more people are likely to discover and follow your account. Also, having a verified badge on your profile can make your brand appear more reputable and distinguished compared to the unverified ones. It's likely that people will interact with you first, or interact with your account more when searching up certain keywords.

Gain access to special features and insights

Verified accounts on Instagram have access to special features and insights that are not available to regular users. For example, verified accounts can access Instagram's analytics tools, which provide valuable data on user engagement, follower demographics, and post performance. Verified accounts can also access exclusive features such as swipe-up links in Stories, which can be used to direct users to external websites or products. The value of such information is unmeasurable for startups or small businesses who want to adjust their IG marketing strategy swiftly, without spending too much money.

Protect your account from impersonation and fraud

Verification on Instagram helps to protect your account from impersonation and fraud. Having a verified badge on your profile makes it harder for scammers and imposters to deceive your followers or potential customers by creating fake accounts in your name. This can help prevent reputational damage and financial losses which can be significant for businesses and public figures. Everyone will be able to tell whether the smear campaign against you has a true basis or the creators of malicious content have used fake means in order to hurt you. 

When Do You Get Verified on Instagram? 

There's no exact answer to this question, but generally, Instagram only verifies accounts that are of public interest. These are typically accounts of public figures, celebrities, global brands, and businesses. If you're a regular user, it's unlikely that you'll get verified. However, if you think that your account meets the requirements, then you can apply for verification. Even regular non celebrity, no influencer people can get the check at some point if they apply and demonstrate a large number of following and engagements. That however, makes you somewhat of a local celebrity perhaps, whether you want it or not.

How do you get verified on Instagram? 

Getting verified on Instagram takes time (unless you are already famous), but it is achievable if you meet the requirements and follow the right steps. Here are some of the details:

• Make sure your account meets the requirements

To apply for verification, you need to make sure your account meets Instagram requirements. Your account should be public, complete, and active (you can go private whenever you want after getting the check). This means that you should have a profile picture, a bio, and at least one post (again, after the completion you can delete all your content, bio or take down the profile picture). Your account should also be complete, meaning that you should have a substantial amount of content on your profile, including posts, stories, and highlights (the same thing applies here, after the verification, you can do whatever you want with what you already have on your page).

• Provide accurate information

When you apply for verification, you need to provide accurate information about yourself, your business, or your brand. You will be required to provide your full name, a government-issued ID, and your category (i.e., public figure, celebrity, or global brand). Make sure that the information you submit is legitimate and accurate, otherwise Instagram will reject your application right away.

• Build your online presence

To increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram, you need to build your online presence. This means that you need to create and share high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Building a strong online presence is crucial for anyone who wants to succeed in the digital world in general. Here are some tips to help you build your online presence:

Identify your goals and target audience:

Before you start building your online presence, it's important to identify your goals and target audience. What do you want to achieve through your online presence? Who do you want to reach? Understanding your goals and target audience will help you to create a focused and effective strategy.

Choose the right platforms:

There are many different social media platforms and online channels available, and it's important to choose the ones that are best suited to your goals and target audience. For example, if you are a visual artist, Instagram might be the best platform for you, while if you are a business-to-business (B2B) company, LinkedIn might be more appropriate. Meaning getting verified there would be more beneficial to you.

Create high-quality content:

Creating high-quality and engaging content is essential for building a strong online presence. This can include written content, images, videos, and other types of media. Make sure that your content is relevant, informative, and entertaining to your target audience.

Be consistent:

Consistency is key when it comes to building an online presence. Make sure that you are posting regular content on your chosen platforms, and that your messaging and branding are consistent across all channels. This will help to reinforce your brand and build trust with your audience.

Engage with your audience:

Engaging with your audience is essential for building a strong online presence. Respond to comments and messages in a timely and friendly manner, and take the time to build relationships with your followers. This will help to create a loyal and engaged community around your brand. Don't even be offensive to anyone and try to be as inclusive as possible.

Use data to strengthen your strategy:

Finally, it's important to utilize data to enhance your online presence. Use social media analytics to see which channels or the type of content performs well, and adjust your strategy accordingly. This will help you to optimize your online presence for maximum impact.

Applying For Verification

Now that you understand what it means to be verified on Instagram and why it's beneficial, let's dive into the technical side of getting the check. 

• Go to your profile and tap on the three lines in the top right corner.
• Tap on "Settings" at the bottom of the menu.
• Tap on "Account."
• Scroll down and tap on "Request Verification."
• Enter your full name and provide the required identification. This may include a government-issued ID, a business tax filing, or a legal business name. Make sure that your name matches the name on your identification, and that your identification is clear and legible.
• If you are applying as a business or brand, you will also need to provide additional information such as your category, contact information, and website.
• Submit your application and wait for a response from Instagram.

It's important to note that submitting an application does not guarantee verification. Instagram reviews each application individually and may require additional information or clarification before granting verification. Furthermore, you should ensure your account meets Instagram guidelines and terms of service, as accounts that violate these may be ineligible for verification. When submitting your application, be sure to provide exactly what you are asked for and make a compelling case for why you should be verified. This may include highlighting your achievements, contributions to your industry, or notable partnerships or collaborations. It's also a good idea to have a strong and consistent brand presence on Instagram before applying.

After you submit your application, you need to wait for a response from Instagram. The verification process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the volume of requests. Instagram will notify you if your application has been approved or denied. If your application is denied, you can reapply after 30 days. If your account has been verified, you'll see a blue checkmark next to your Instagram handle. You'll also receive a notification from Instagram confirming that your account has been verified.

Conclusion

Getting verified on Instagram is a great way to establish credibility, enhance the value of your brand and get the influence on other users. It's not an easy feat, but if you follow the steps discussed above, you'll increase your chances of getting the coveted blue checkmark. Just remember, even if you don't get verified, it's still possible to grow your account and gain a loyal following. Just keep creating amazing content, engage with your audience, and most importantly, have fun.