How to Authenticate an Instagram Account

That little blue checkmark next to an Instagram username is more than just a digital accessory - it’s a powerful symbol of authenticity and credibility in a crowded online space. This guide walks you through exactly what Instagram verification means, what you need to do to become eligible, and the step-by-step process of submitting your application successfully.

What Exactly is Instagram Verification?

The Instagram blue check, officially known as a verified badge, is a small emblem that appears next to an account's name in search and on the profile. Its primary purpose, according to Instagram, is to confirm that an account is the authentic presence of the notable public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. Essentially, it tells users, "Yes, this is the real deal."

So, what are the actual benefits of having one? Let’s break it down:

• Increased Trust and Credibility: The verification badge instantly builds trust. Your followers, potential customers, and brand partners know they are interacting with the official account, not an impersonator or a fan page. This elevates your profile's authority right away.
• Brand Protection: Impersonator accounts can be a serious problem, spreading misinformation and damaging your reputation. The blue check makes it easy for users to find and follow the correct account, pushing fraudulent ones further down in search results.
• Potential for Better Access: While not a direct feature, verified accounts sometimes get earlier access to new Instagram features as they roll out. This isn't a guarantee, but it’s a nice potential perk.

What Verification is NOT

It's just as important to understand what the blue check doesn't do. A common myth is that verified accounts get special treatment from the Instagram algorithm, leading to more reach or engagement. Instagram has explicitly stated this is not true. Your content's performance still depends on its quality and how your audience responds to it. Verification is a credibility marker, not an engagement booster.

Before You Apply: Do You Meet Instagram's Verification Criteria?

Before you even think about hitting that "Request Verification" button, you need to be honest with yourself about whether you meet Instagram's strict criteria. Simply having a lot of followers is not enough. The platform evaluates accounts based on several key factors to maintain the integrity of the badge.

1. Be Authentic

This is the simplest requirement. Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legally recognized entity. You can’t verify a meme account or a character profile. You need to be who you say you are.

2. Be Unique

Your account must be the unique presence of the individual or business it represents. Instagram typically only verifies one account per person or business. There are a few exceptions, such as language-specific accounts for global brands (e.g., @nike and @nikeespanol), but for most creators and businesses, this means you can only have one verified profile.

3. Be Complete

This is an easy checklist to run through. Your profile must be:

• Public: Private accounts cannot be verified.
• Have a Bio: A complete bio that explains who you are or what your brand does.
• Have a Profile Photo: A clear profile picture that represents you or your brand.
• Have at Least One Post: An active account is a prerequisite.

4. Be Notable

Here it is - the single biggest hurdle for most applicants. Your account must represent a "well-known, highly searched for person, brand, or entity." This is subjective, but Instagram offers clues about what it's looking for. Essentially, you need to prove your public interest through external validation, not just from within the Instagram app itself.

So, what does it take to be seen as "notable"? It boils down to showing up in reputable news sources. Instagram looks for accounts that are featured in multiple, credible news articles. Importantly, paid or sponsored content doesn’t count. Getting your startup mentioned in a press release you paid for is not the same as a journalist from a national publication choosing to write a feature piece on you.

Actionable advice to build your notability:

• Generate Earned Media: Focus on securing genuine press coverage. Reach out to journalists and reporters in your industry with compelling stories, original research, or an expert point of view. A feature in a well-regarded industry blog, a local newspaper, or a national outlet carries significant weight.
• Build Your Digital Footprint: Notability on one platform often influences another. Having a verified profile on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook, or a well-established Wikipedia page (that follows Wikipedia's notability guidelines), can strengthen your case.
• Become a Highly Searched Name: Over time, as your public profile grows, so will your search volume on engines like Google. While not something you can directly control, consistent high-quality content and real-world achievements ultimately lead to people seeking you out.

How to Apply for Instagram Verification: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Once you are confident you meet the criteria, particularly the "notable" requirement, the application process itself is surprisingly straightforward. You can do it directly within the Instagram app.

1. Navigate to your profile and tap the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
2. Tap on 'Settings and Privacy.'
3. Scroll down and tap 'Creator tools and controls' (for personal/creator accounts) or 'Business tools and controls' (for business accounts).
4. Near the bottom of the menu, you'll see 'Request Verification.' Tap it.
5. You'll be taken to the application form. Here you'll need to complete two main sections:

Step 1: Confirming Your Authenticity

First, you'll provide your full legal name and an official government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or a passport. For businesses, you can use official documents like articles of incorporation or a recent utility bill.

Step 2: Proving Your Notability

This is where your PR work comes into play. You’ll need to:

• Select a Category: Choose the category that best describes your account (e.g., creator, musician, athlete, brand).
• Identify your Audience/Country: State the country or region where your brand or persona is most popular.
• Provide Relevant Links (Optional but Recommended): This is your chance to shine. Add up to five links to news articles, other verified social media profiles, or a Wikipedia page that proves your public interest. Be selective. Prioritize links from highly reputable, independent sources over smaller blogs or sponsored mentions. This is the evidence the review team will use to judge your notability.

After you fill everything out, hit 'Submit.'

What To Do While You Wait (And What If You're Denied)

After submitting your application, the waiting game begins. You’ll generally receive a notification in your 'Activity' feed within a few days or up to 30 days. Don’t fall for scams during this time, Instagram will never email you or ask for money related to your verification status.

If Your Application is Approved

Congratulations! The blue check will automatically appear on your profile. There is no further action needed on your part. Keep doing what you do best: creating great content and engaging with your community.

If Your Application is Denied

Don't be discouraged - this is a very common outcome. Instagram will send you a simple "not approved" notification without specific feedback. The good news is you can re-apply again after 30 days. Do not immediately re-apply. Instead, take that time to address the likely reason for rejection: notability.

Go back to the drawing board. Focus on building your brand’s presence outside of Instagram. Pitch yourself to more publications, collaborate with other recognized figures in your field, and work on activities that will naturally generate buzz and search interest.

A final but critical warning: never pay for verification. Anyone claiming they can get you a blue check for a fee is trying to scam you, and attempting to buy a badge is a direct violation of Instagram's terms of service, which can get your account banned for good.

Beyond the Blue Check: How to Build Authority Now

Getting verified is a great goal, but don't let it become your only measure of success. Your brand’s authority doesn’t magically appear with a blue check, it’s built through consistent effort, day in and day out. While you work on meeting the notability requirements, focus on these non-negotiable tactics for building a credible and respected presence on Instagram:

• Deliver Consistent, High-Value Content: Become the go-to source in your niche by consistently creating content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience. A strong content library is the foundation of any authoritative brand.
• Master Community Engagement: Authority isn't just about broadcasting, it's about connecting. Make time every day to respond to comments, answer messages, and engage with your followers’ content. A thriving community is a powerful signal of a trustworthy brand.
• Leverage All Content Formats: Go beyond static images. Use Reels to share dynamic behind-the-scenes looks at your brand, use Stories to run Q&,As and gather feedback with polls, and go Live to connect with your community in real-time.
• Collaborate for Credibility: Partner with other established creators and brands in your industry. Co-hosting a Live, running a giveaway together, or creating a collaborative series of posts introduces you to a new audience and provides a powerful social proof "co-sign."

Ultimately, doing this work will not only strengthen your profile's authority but will also improve your chances of getting verified the next time you apply.

Final Thoughts

Getting that blue check on Instagram boils down to meeting strict standards for being authentic, unique, complete, and - most importantly - notable in the public eye. While the application steps are simple, the real work lies in building a brand presence deserving of that recognition outside of the platform itself.

As you focus on building your brand’s authority, managing your content workflow consistently is everything. We built Postbase to streamline that chaos by providing one beautiful, visual calendar for all your platforms, backed by a scheduling system that actually publishes your content reliably - especially modern video formats like Reels. This frees you up to invest your energy in what really matters: creating incredible content and building the type of engaged community that makes a brand genuinely notable.