It’s one of the most covetable things on Insta. No, we’re not talking yummy freakshakes or flawless highlighter — it’s all about getting Instagram verified with that little blue tick.
You know that verified badge next to some of your favourite names on Instagram? This is what tells the world your account is legit and allows for plenty of sweet perks, too, so it’s little wonder everyone wants a slice of the verified action.
The question is: how do the IG gods decide who should be bestowed such an honour? Well, wonder no more. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to… Here’s how to get verified on Instagram.
What is a verified badge?
For starters, let’s be clear on what verification actually means. If your profile features a verified badge, it means the account is approved by Instagram and is therefore authentic and has authority.
In the words of Instagram:
‘A verified badge is a check that appears next to an Instagram account’s name in search and on the profile. It means Instagram has confirmed that an account is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity or global brand it represents.’
So instead of a questionable ‘margotrobbie123’ sharing posts pretending to be the mega star and tricking followers into thinking this is the real deal, the @margotrobbie account with that all-important tick is a reassuring guarantee you’re in the right place.
But this isn’t a privilege reserved only for A-list celebrities or those with a gazillion followers. Praise be! Just about anyone can get verified. Which seamlessly leads us onto…
How can I get verified?
Luckily, it’s super easy to apply for verification and only takes a few moments. Since August 2018, users have been able to request verification from Instagram directly. Here’s how…
When on the app, tap the three lines in the top right-hand corner of your profile. Next, select Settings (the tiny gear symbol) and choose Account. Here you’ll see an option to Request verification. Enter your details and a form of identification to confirm you’re really you, hit Send — and that’s it!
To boost your chances, your account must:
#1 Be public
#2 Have a bio
#3 Have at least one post
#4 Have a profile photo — remember to follow Instagram’s recommended dimensions of 320 x 320 pixels and that the image works with the circular format.
It’s also advisable to stick to the platform’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines as much as possible and remember to be consistent and unique with your content. Instagram does not verify general interest accounts like a grid full of memes.
There’s no minimum follower requirement to be verified on Instagram, but considering those with a large following or who are newsworthy are more likely to be impersonated and searched for within the app, they top the approval list.
Which is why it’s not so easy to receive that final checkmark. Despite going through these simple steps, not everyone who applies will be verified. Although that make it all the more covetable, right? Ultimately it’s down to the powers that be at Instagram to decide who is worthy.
What happens next?
So now it’s over to the Instagram authorities to review your request and make a decision. They’ll let you know if your account has been verified or not with an in-app notification, usually within a few weeks, although there’s no set timescale so don’t panic if you haven’t heard back yet.
Instagram won’t offer you a specific reason for accepting or denying verification requests. The good news is: if at first you don’t succeed, you can try again and submit a new request in 30 days.
It’s also worth noting here that you should never ever use a third party to get verified or pay for that blue tick, as coveted as it is.
Why it’s worth it
Getting Insta verified is more than just a colourful tick on your profile. A major upside is it enhances your online clout and is an impressive seal of social media approval. Plus, it prevents other people setting up a fake profile under your name or business.
Getting verification also helps build trust with your current followers and will help to grow your account as users are assured that you’re genuine rather than a phoney impersonator, encouraging them to hit that Follow button.
Being verified also opens the door to some pretty cool features within that app that can make a big difference to your Instagram game.
Most brilliantly, verified accounts are able to add links from IG Stories to external sites, meaning you can get a whole load of traffic to anything from a blog post to your own Milkshake site. Many people share affiliate shopping links, and you know what that means? Extra pennies in the bank. Bonus!
Being verified also means you can upload IGTV episodes that are a whopping 60 minutes long in comparison to the standard 10 minutes. Hello, TV stardom.
A Quick Recap
Stick to a winning Instagram strategy and bagging that elusive blue tick could happen to you. That means following the rules, creating engaging content and posting regularly. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved, but if you follow these steps, you’re in with a good shot. And patience is key! So go forth and best of luck.
