How to Confirm Identity on Instagram

That blue checkmark on Instagram isn't just for celebrities anymore, but getting one - and keeping your account secure - requires proving you are who you say you are. Navigating Instagram's identity confirmation process can feel a bit complex, but whether you're chasing that coveted blue badge or simply need to verify your account to run ads, the steps are straightforward. This guide breaks down exactly how to do both, so you can establish your authenticity and build trust with your audience.

Why Does Instagram Ask for Identity Confirmation?

First, it's helpful to understand that Instagram has a few different reasons for asking you to confirm your identity. While they all seem similar, they serve distinct purposes. Broadly, they fall into two main categories: account verification for notability and identity confirmation for security and advertising.

• Verification (The Blue Check): Often seen as a status symbol, the blue verification badge is designed to confirm the authenticity of accounts representing public figures, celebrities, and global brands. Its purpose is to help people find the real accounts for the people and brands they care about, distinguishing them from fan pages or impersonators. Getting verified hinges on proving you are a notable and highly searched-for entity.
• Account Security & Ad Authorization: This type of confirmation is about accountability and safety. Instagram may prompt you to confirm your identity if your account posts about social issues, elections, or politics, as part of their transparency efforts. They may also ask for it if their systems detect unusual activity that suggests your account could be compromised. This process confirms you are a real person controlling the account and helps keep the platform safe.

Let's walk through the process for each scenario, starting with the one most creators and brands are aiming for: the verification badge.

Part 1: How to Get Verified on Instagram (The Blue Check)

The infamous blue check is highly sought after because it signals instant credibility. While Instagram now offers a paid subscription model called Meta Verified, this guide focuses on the traditional method of requesting verification based on notability, which is still the gold standard for public figures and established brands.

Before You Apply: The Eligibility Checklist

Instagram is clear about the requirements an account must meet to be considered for verification. You don't have to meet all of them perfectly, but the closer you get, the better your chances. Your account needs to be:

• Authentic: It must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legal entity.
• Unique: It needs to be the sole presence of the person or business it represents. Only one account per person or brand can be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts (e.g., @xbox and @xbox_es).
• Complete: Your profile must be public and complete. This means you need a bio, a profile picture, and at least one post in your feed. A half-finished profile signals that it's not actively managed.
• Notable: This is the most challenging requirement for most applicants. Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity. Instagram vets this by looking for your presence in multiple, reputable news sources. Importantly, paid or promotional content doesn't count.

That "notable" requirement is what separates most accounts from verified ones. It’s not about how many followers you have, but about your public interest profile outside of Instagram. For example, a creator who has been featured in Forbes, the New York Times, and a well-known industry publication has a much stronger case than an account with millions of followers but no external press.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Verification on Instagram

If you feel your account meets the criteria, the application process itself only takes a few minutes. Follow these instructions directly in the app:

1. Navigate to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (☰) menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap on Settings and Privacy from the dropdown menu.
3. If you have a professional account, tap on Creator tools and controls or Business tools and controls.
4. Scroll down and select Request Verification.
5. You'll land on the application page. First, you'll confirm your authenticity by filling in your full name and submitting a required government-issued ID. You'll need to choose the document type (like a Driver's License, Passport, or National ID card) and upload a clear photo of it.
6. Next, you must prove your notability. Select the Category that best describes your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Government & Politics, Music, Business/Brand/Organization). Also, list the country or region where you or your organization are most popular.
7. In the "Links (optional)" section, add URLs to articles, social media accounts, and other online sources that show your account is in the public interest. This is arguably the most important part of your application. Use your strongest articles first - think features, interviews, or reviews in well-regarded publications. Don't include press releases or anything you paid for.
8. Tap Submit and you’re all set. The difficult part is now the waiting game.

What Happens Next (and What to Do If You're Rejected)

After you submit your request, you’ll just have to wait for Instagram's team to review it. You should get a response via your notifications within 30 days. Don’t be discouraged if you’re rejected the first time around - most people are. If you receive a denial, you can apply again in 30 days.

Use that time to build a stronger case. Here are a few things you can do:

• Pursue Genuine PR: Focus on getting your story told by credible journalists in your field. Offer expert commentary, share your unique perspective on industry trends, or collaborate on a project that gets noticed.
• Optimize Your Online Presence: Make sure your professional website, LinkedIn profile, and other social media accounts are buttoned up and consistent with your brand. A strong search engine presence for your name or brand adds weight to your application.
• Beware of Scams: An important warning: never, ever pay someone who promises they can get you verified. These are scams and can even result in you losing access to your account permanently. Verification is a free process handled exclusively by Instagram.

Part 2: Identity Confirmation for Security & Ads

This second type of identity confirmation isn’t about notability, but about accountability. Instagram requires this to prevent misuse of its ads platform and to secure accounts that have a large reach or exhibit suspicious behavior.

When and Why You Might Be Asked to Confirm Your Identity

You may be required to complete identity confirmation if:

• You're running ads about social issues, elections, or politics. Instagram demands transparency for these types of advertisements, and that starts with confirming the person or organization behind them.
• Your account exhibits unusual behavior. If Instagram detects activity such as suspicious logins from different locations, unusually fast follower growth, or behavior that violates their community guidelines, they may temporarily lock you out of the account until you confirm you're the true owner.
• Your account has a large audience. As your account's reach grows significantly, Instagram may want to verify your identity as part of their commitment to reducing misinformation and harmful content.

How to Complete the Identity Confirmation Process

Usually, you'll be prompted to start this process with an in-app notification or banner. Once you start, the steps are fairly similar to those for requesting verification:

• Provide a Photo ID: You will need to upload a clear, legible photo of an official government-issued photo ID. Make sure the name on the ID matches your real name as a person, or if it’s a business account, matches the legal name of the business.
• Provide Business Documents: For businesses, you might also be asked to provide additional documentation, like a certificate of incorporation, a tax document, or a utility bill.
• Privacy is Maintained: The name and photo on your ID will not be displayed on your profile. It's used only for confirmation and is kept private.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

It can be frustrating when the process doesn’t go smoothly. Here are a few common problems and how to handle them:

• ID Rejected: If your ID was rejected, the most common reasons are a blurry photo, an expired document, or a mismatch between the name on the ID and the name you entered. Double-check everything before uploading again.
• Stuck in Review: The review timeline can differ, and sometimes it takes longer than usual. Be patient and wait for Instagram to review your submission.
• Locked Out of Your Account: If you're locked out while your identity is being reviewed, your best option is to visit the Instagram Help Center for support.

Pro Tips for Building a Verifiable Instagram Presence

Whether your goal is to get the blue check or just establish a robust and authentic account, some best practices apply.

• Consistency Is Queen: Keep your username, profile photo, and branding consistent across your website and all other social platforms. This helps Instagram assess your notability and helps your fans find you easily.
• Don't Buy Followers: Verification is all about authenticity. Fake followers are a red flag to Instagram and they demean your brand’s trustworthiness. Focus on organic growth through high-quality content and community engagement.
• Create High-Quality, Searchable Content: Give people a reason to search for you. Use relevant keywords in your bio and in your content so it’s easier to discover your account through search.
• Engage Authentically: Build a real community. Respond to comments and DMs. When Instagram sees that people are actively engaging with your content, it strengthens your case.
• Treat Your Instagram like a Professional Hub: Your profile is essentially a landing page for your brand. Link to your official website, have a clear purpose, and use Stories Highlights to showcase your best work.

Final Thoughts

Confirming your identity on Instagram, whether through verification or for safety measures, ultimately boils down to proving you're the real deal and building trust. The blue check and a secure account both come from a focus on genuine brand building, both inside and outside of the platform.

Building that authentic presence takes consistent effort. To help manage this process without the chaos, we built Postbase. Our simple visual calendar lets you plan your content weeks in advance, and with our reliable scheduling, you can focus on creating great posts instead of wondering if your tools will work. It’s a modern approach to social media management that's designed to help you build your brand confidently.