How to Get Verified on Instagram

For the longest time, Instagram users have searched the web to find information on how to get officially verified. Sources attempting to show users how to get verified were vague, directing users to engage with Instagram Marketing Partners or agencies that represent celebrities, directly ask people working at Instagram, or spend money on ads to get a way in with the Instagram team. There is even a sketchy black market where insiders charge thousands of dollars to hook users up with a badge. 

None of these tips or methods have ever been officially endorsed by Instagram. Previously, the social platform has stated in its Help Center that it is "not currently possible to request or purchase a verified badge" and that which accounts get badges are decided upon by their internal team.

Instagram's in-app ability to request verification

For users, brands, and content creators who have tried to no avail to get verified - there is good news! Instagram now allows users to request verification directly from the app.

In its updated Help Center page, Instagram frames the coveted blue tick as an official confirmation of the "authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity or global brand it represents." In addition to profiles meeting the above description, Instagram also mentions that profiles should meet the following requirements:

• 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.

Think you meet these requirements? Here's what you have to do to apply:

Step 1 - From your profile screen, click the menu icon (the three lines at the top right corner), scroll to the bottom, and click the Settings gear icon.

Source: Mashable

Step 2 - Under the Account section of Settings, look for the Request Verification button.

Source: Mashable

Step 3 - Fill out the form. You will be required to attach a government-issued ID photo.

Source: Mashable

Step 4 - Wait for Instagram to review your request, and look for a notification in your notifications tab.

Note: This process by no means guarantees that Instagram will approve your request, or that requests will be processed within any specific time frame. As before, the details into what justifies some accounts getting verified while larger ones go unverified is still not very transparent.

However, this ability to directly send a request to Instagram without resorting to the black market is an improvement, and we look forward to seeing Instagram continue to enhance this process to make Instagram a safer place for everyone.