How to Get Blue Check on Instagram: A 2025 Guide to Verification
The blue checkmark on Instagram isn’t just a status symbol—it proves an account is authentic, notable, and trusted. For businesses, creators, and public figures, this verification builds credibility, helps prevent impersonation, and boosts visibility.
In 2025, getting verified is more important than ever. With so many fake accounts online, that small Instagram verification badge reassures followers they’re interacting with the real deal. The good news? There are now two ways to get verified—either through Instagram’s traditional verification process or by subscribing to a Meta Verified subscription, which offers a faster route.
So how do you qualify, and what’s the best approach? Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
Instagram verification isn’t just a verified badge—it’s a tool for authenticity, trust, and higher visibility, helping you stand out from impersonators and gain credibility.
Meta Verified offers a faster, paid route to verification with perks like priority support and proactive account monitoring, while traditional verification requires strong media recognition.
Meeting Instagram’s criteria—authenticity, uniqueness, and notability—is essential, so focus on building a real, reputable presence instead of relying on shortcuts.
Why Instagram Verification Matters
Instagram verification isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a powerful tool that can shape your online presence. That small verified Instagram account instantly signals credibility, making it easier for followers, customers, and brands to trust you.
With millions of fake profiles and impersonators, verification helps users distinguish real accounts from frauds. Whether you’re an influencer, a business, or a public figure, having that checkmark means people know they’re interacting with the authentic you, not some copycat trying to scam your audience.
Beyond trust, verification can enhance credibility, which may contribute to greater visibility. While Instagram does not officially confirm that verified accounts rank higher in search results, verification can help establish authenticity, making an account more likely to be recognized and engaged with. This added credibility can lead to increased engagement, new followers, and business opportunities as users feel more confident interacting with verified profiles.
For businesses and public figures, the benefits go even further. Verified accounts get better security support, reducing the risk of being hacked or impersonated. If something goes wrong, Meta offers direct customer support—a rare advantage on Instagram.
In short, Instagram verification isn’t just a status symbol—it’s a practical tool for building trust, increasing reach, and protecting your account. But getting verified isn’t automatic—you need to meet specific requirements to earn that blue check.
Instagram Verification Methods
There are two ways to get verified on Instagram: Traditional Verification and Meta Verified. Each method has its own requirements, and choosing the right one depends on your status, influence, and goals.
Traditional Verification
Traditional verification is Instagram’s original process, designed for notable public figures, brands, and businesses. It’s meant to ensure that people can easily find the real accounts of celebrities, journalists, influencers, and well-known companies—especially when there are a lot of fake or fan pages with similar names.
To qualify, you need to meet Instagram’s strict notability criteria. This includes:
A strong media presence, with multiple press mentions from reputable news sources.
Being a widely recognized public figure, brand, or entity with a proven audience.
No history of violating Instagram’s guidelines or engaging in suspicious activities (like buying followers).
Unlike Meta Verified, traditional verification is free, but Instagram is selective. Just being active on Instagram isn’t enough—you need to show that people are looking for your name outside of social media. If you’re an emerging creator or small business, this path can be tough.
Meta Verified
For those who aren’t widely known but still want verification, Meta Verified offers a faster and more accessible alternative. Instead of proving media recognition, users can pay a monthly fee to get the blue check and enjoy exclusive benefits.
With Meta Verified, you don’t need press mentions or industry recognition—you just need to:
Be 18 or older.
Have a complete, public Instagram profile.
Provide a government-issued ID that matches your Instagram name.
Meta Verified comes with more than just a checkmark. Subscribers get:
Direct customer support from Meta.
Enhanced security features, like proactive monitoring to prevent impersonation.
Priority visibility, meaning your content gets boosted in search and recommendations.
Pricing varies by platform, with rates around $14.99/month on mobile and $11.99/month on the web.
While Meta Verified won’t guarantee influencer status, it’s a shortcut for smaller businesses and creators who want to build trust, gain visibility, and secure their accounts without waiting for media coverage.
Both verification methods serve different needs—traditional verification for established figures, and Meta Verified for those looking to fast-track credibility. Next, let’s break down what makes you eligible for verification and how to apply.
Who Can Get Verified on Instagram?
Instagram doesn’t hand out blue checkmarks to just anyone. Whether you’re applying for traditional verification or using Meta Verified, your account needs to meet specific requirements. The goal is to prove that your profile belongs to a real, unique, and notable person, business, or brand.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
For verification, an account must be:
Authentic – It should represent a real person, business, or brand, not a fan page or parody account.
Unique – Instagram verifies only one account per entity, unless it’s a brand with region-specific pages. Attempting to verify multiple accounts for the same individual or business is not allowed.
Complete – Your profile must be public, have a bio, profile picture, and at least one post.
Notable – The account should be widely recognized and frequently searched for, with proof of public interest.
These rules apply whether you’re applying for traditional verification or Meta Verified, though the latter has a simpler process.
Breaking Down Notability
Proving notability is the toughest part. Instagram looks at external recognition to decide whether an account is truly influential.
A strong media presence is key. If you’ve been featured in reputable news outlets, industry publications, or widely recognized platforms, your chances of approval increase. However, press releases, paid articles, or self-published content don’t count—Instagram only considers organic media coverage from well-known sources.
Instagram also factors in search volume. If people frequently look up your name, it signals public interest, making verification more likely. But buying fake followers or engagement won’t help—Instagram can detect artificial growth, and it can actually hurt your chances.
For those using Meta Verified, there’s no need to prove notability. Instead, applicants must submit a government-issued ID that matches their Instagram profile. This option works well for smaller creators and businesses who may not have media recognition but still want verification benefits.
Understanding these requirements is essential before applying. If your account lacks real-world credibility, it’s best to focus on building recognition first rather than risking rejection.
Next, let’s go through the exact steps to apply and how to submit your request the right way.
How to Apply for Instagram Verification
Getting verified on Instagram isn’t complicated, but attention to detail is crucial. A small mistake—like mismatched information or weak supporting documents—can lead to rejection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting your verification request the right way.
Step 1: Accessing the Verification Form
The verification request starts in Instagram’s settings.
Open the Instagram app and log into the account you want to verify.
Tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
Open the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
Select Settings and Privacy, then tap Account.
Scroll down and select Request Verification.
This will bring up Instagram’s verification form, where you’ll need to submit proof of identity and notability.
Step 2: Filling Out the Form Correctly
This is where most people go wrong. Instagram doesn’t just take your word for it—you need to provide clear, verifiable proof that you meet their criteria.
Provide Accurate Personal Information
The form requires:
Your full name (or business name).
The category that best describes you (e.g., entertainment, business, sports).
A copy of a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license) or, for businesses, official documents like a tax filing or business license.
Your details must match your Instagram profile. If there’s even a small discrepancy—like using a different name format—your request could be denied.
Prove Your Notability
Instagram asks for links to media coverage that proves your public recognition. You’ll need at least three high-quality sources, such as:
Major news websites (not self-published blogs or paid articles).
Industry-specific press (if you’re a well-known figure in your niche).
Profiles or interviews in established publications.
Social media profiles, Wikipedia pages, and press releases don’t count as valid sources. If you don’t have strong media presence yet, it’s better to build up your credibility first before applying.
Step 3: Submitting & Waiting for Approval
Once the form is filled out, hit Submit and wait. Instagram typically reviews verification requests within a few days, but it can take up to 30 days.
The decision will appear in your Activity tab under "Account Requests." If approved, the blue checkmark will appear immediately. If rejected, Instagram will let you know why—but they won’t go into much detail.
What Happens If You’re Rejected?
Rejection isn’t the end of the road, but it does mean you need to improve your profile before reapplying.
Common reasons for rejection include:
Lack of media coverage (not enough reputable sources).
Incomplete or incorrect information (name doesn’t match ID).
Violations of Instagram’s policies (previous suspensions or flagged content).
If you get denied, you must wait 30 days before applying again. Use that time to strengthen your public presence—get featured in credible media, increase authentic engagement, and refine your profile.
A well-prepared application stands a much better chance of approval. Next, let’s talk about Meta Verified—Instagram’s alternative option for getting that blue check.
Meta Verified: Is It Worth It?
For many small businesses, creators, and influencers, getting verified through Instagram’s traditional method can feel out of reach. If you don’t have major press mentions or high-profile recognition, Meta Verified offers a simpler, paid alternative to securing that blue checkmark.
Unlike traditional verification, Meta Verified doesn’t require media coverage or industry fame. Instead, applicants need to verify their identity with a government-issued ID and maintain a complete, active profile. If you also manage a Facebook page, Meta Verified can extend verification across both platforms, helping you build a unified and credible online presence. This makes it an appealing option for those looking to build credibility without waiting to “become notable.”
Key Benefits of Meta Verified
Beyond just the blue check, Meta Verified comes with several exclusive perks that aren’t available through traditional verification:
Direct customer support – Get priority assistance from Meta, a rare advantage for Instagram users.
Stronger account security – Protection against impersonation, plus proactive monitoring for suspicious activity.
Priority recommendations – Verified users may see their content boosted in search results, comments, and discovery feeds.
Exclusive features – Access to custom stickers and other premium tools that are only available to Meta Verified subscribers.
Pricing & Availability
Meta Verified is available as a monthly subscription:
$14.99/month on iOS and Android.
$11.99/month when subscribed via the web.
For creators and brands who struggle to qualify for traditional verification, Meta Verified provides an easier way to build trust, enhance visibility, and protect their accounts—all without waiting for Instagram to recognize them as “notable.”
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Verified
Getting verified on Instagram isn’t just about filling out the application—it’s about proving that your account is credible, active, and recognized. Instagram looks for accounts that stand out due to genuine engagement and strong public presence, so it’s important to build your profile in a way that increases your approval chances.
Maintain an Active, Engaged Presence
Instagram prioritizes real, active users for verification. If your account looks inactive, lacks content, or has little interaction, your chances of approval drop significantly. Posting high-quality content regularly helps establish authenticity, while real engagement—such as replying to comments, interacting with followers, and joining conversations in your niche—adds credibility. Avoid anything that looks automated, like bot-generated likes or comments. A verified account should look and feel authentic, not robotic.
Build Strong Media Presence
Instagram’s verification process relies heavily on external recognition, not just Instagram activity. Being mentioned in respected media outlets makes a huge difference. This doesn’t mean paying for press releases or getting featured in unknown blogs—Instagram checks for organic mentions in reputable publications.
One of the best ways to gain media attention is by collaborating with established influencers, brands, or industry experts. If you’re a creator, working with well-known content producers can help boost your exposure. If you’re a business, securing partnerships with industry leaders increases your legitimacy. Public recognition in news articles, interviews, and industry features makes verification more likely.
Avoid Suspicious Growth Tactics
Some people try to rush verification by buying fake followers, engagement, or media coverage—but Instagram sees through this. Accounts with unnatural spikes in followers or activity raise red flags and can get permanently disqualified from verification.
Third-party verification services claiming to “guarantee” approval should also be avoided. These services are not affiliated with Instagram, and using them can lead to account restrictions or bans. The only legitimate way to get verified is through Instagram’s official process—so if your application gets denied, focus on building a stronger, more authentic presence before trying again.
By staying consistent, active, and credible, you’ll not only improve your chances of getting verified but also build a profile that stands out on its own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Getting verified on Instagram requires accuracy, credibility, and patience. Many applications get denied due to simple errors or poor preparation. Avoiding these common mistakes can increase your chances of approval and prevent unnecessary rejections.
Using False or Incomplete Information
One of the quickest ways to get denied is by submitting false or misleading information. Your bio, name, and documents must match exactly—any discrepancies can cause Instagram to reject your application immediately.
Another overlooked mistake is submitting weak or irrelevant proof of notability. If your supporting links come from unverified sources, personal blogs, or paid press releases, Instagram will likely disregard them. Always double-check that your submitted links are from well-known, reputable media outlets that establish your public recognition.
Applying Too Soon or Too Often
If your account is new or lacks a solid presence, applying for verification too early is a waste of time. Instagram prioritizes established accounts with a proven track record of activity and engagement. A profile with limited content, low interaction, or minimal external recognition will likely be denied.
Another mistake is reapplying too frequently without making improvements. Instagram only allows verification requests every 30 days, so if your application is rejected, don’t rush to submit another one. Instead, focus on strengthening your profile, growing authentic engagement, and securing legitimate media features before trying again.
Relying on Scams or Third-Party Verification Services
There’s no shortcut to getting verified. Any service claiming to "guarantee" verification for a fee is a scam. Instagram does not allow third-party applications, and using these services can get your account flagged or banned.
The only way to get a blue check is through Instagram’s official verification process. If you’re not approved, it’s better to work on your notability and reapply strategically rather than risking your account with shady verification schemes.
Conclusion
Getting a blue check on Instagram in 2025 is more accessible than ever, but it still requires authenticity, credibility, and effort. Whether you’re aiming for traditional verification or choosing Meta Verified, the key to success lies in building a strong online presence, engaging with your audience, and proving your notability.
Instagram isn’t looking for just any active user—it prioritizes accounts that are recognizable, frequently searched, and have a genuine influence beyond social media. This means verification isn’t just about filling out an application; it’s about making your profile worth verifying.
By following the right steps, avoiding common mistakes, and ensuring your application is backed by solid proof, you can increase your chances of approval. A well-established media presence, an engaged following, and a professional, complete profile all work in your favor. If your first request is denied, use that time to improve your credibility before reapplying.
Verification isn’t just a status symbol—it’s a powerful tool that enhances trust, visibility, and security. Stay consistent, active, and strategic, and you’ll be on your way to earning that blue check.
FAQs About Instagram Verification
Can private accounts get verified?
No, only public accounts are eligible for verification. Instagram requires profiles to be open and accessible so users can easily identify and engage with verified individuals or brands. If your account is private, you’ll need to switch to public before applying.
How long does verification take?
Instagram typically reviews applications within a few days to a month. Some requests get processed quickly, while others take longer, depending on the volume of applications and the depth of Instagram’s review process. If approved, the blue check appears immediately.
Can I lose my verification badge?
Yes. Instagram can remove verification if you change your username, violate platform policies, or become inactive for an extended period. If your badge is revoked, you may need to reapply and meet the eligibility criteria again.
Does Instagram charge for verification?
Traditional verification is free, but approval is based on notability and recognition. Meta Verified, on the other hand, is a paid subscription that grants verification along with extra security and support benefits.
Does Instagram verify general interest accounts?
No, Instagram does not verify general interest accounts, such as meme pages, fan accounts, or content aggregators. Verification is reserved for notable individuals, businesses, and brands that can demonstrate public interest and media recognition.