How to Get a Blue Checkmark on Facebook

That little blue checkmark next to a name on Facebook represents a stamp of authenticity that few can seem to get their hands on, but it's more attainable than you might think. Whether you're a public figure aiming for traditional verification or an individual creator who just wants the added credibility, there's finally a clear path for you. This guide will walk you through exactly how verification works, the two distinct methods for getting a blue check, and the steps you need to take to finally get one for yourself.

What the Facebook Blue Checkmark Really Means in 2024

For years, the blue checkmark - officially called a verification badge - was an elusive symbol reserved for public figures, celebrities, and major brands. It was Facebook's way of confirming an account was the authentic presence of the notable person or entity it claimed to be. In essence, it separated official accounts from fan pages and impostors.

Today, there are two different ways to get a verification badge on Facebook, each serving a different purpose:

• Traditional Verification: This is the original blue check awarded based on an account's notability. It's meant for public figures, journalists, government officials, and well-known brands that are frequently searched for and often have impersonator accounts. This method is free but requires proving you have a significant public profile.
• Meta Verified Subscription: This is a newer, paid monthly subscription available to the general public. This badge verifies your identity through a government-issued ID. It gives individual creators and users a way to prove they are who they say they are, and it also comes with extra perks like proactive impersonation monitoring and direct customer support.

It's important to understand this distinction. One path is about proving public interest (notability), while the other is about proving who you are (identity). Your strategy for getting a blue check depends entirely on which of these two categories you fall into.

Path 1: Getting a Blue Checkmark Through Traditional Verification (Notability)

If you're a public figure, a brand with a strong media presence, or a content creator with a widespread reputation, the traditional verification route is for you. Facebook has a strict set of criteria, and your profile or Page must meet all of them. Think of it as passing a three-point inspection: your account must be Authentic, Notable, and Complete.

Step 1: Be Authentic

This is the simplest part of the checklist. Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity.

• For a personal profile, this means using your real name and having proof of identity.
• For a Page representing a business or brand, you need to prove it's an officially registered entity with documents like a utility bill, articles of incorporation, or tax filings.

Step 2: Be Notable

This is where most people get stuck. Notability means the person or entity your account represents is well-known and frequently searched for. Facebook wants to verify accounts that the public has a genuine interest in finding and following. Having a lot of followers isn't enough, you need independent proof of your public interest.

To evaluate notability, Facebook's team looks for coverage in multiple, credible media sources. Here’s what qualifies:

• What Counts: Articles, features, or significant mentions in major, independent news outlets (think newspapers, TV stations, well-regarded online magazines, and news sites). For example, being interviewed for a segment on a local news channel, featured in a magazine article about your industry, or even having your work reviewed in a major publication. Your coverage needs to be organic, not a result of your own PR efforts.
• What Doesn’t Count: Paid or promotional content is a huge red flag. This includes sponsored articles, press releases you've paid to distribute, or advertisements disguised as news. Content from blogs, self-published material, and features in obscure or low-traffic publications won’t move the needle.

Step 3: Be Complete and Active

Finally, your presence on Facebook needs to look legitimate and professional. A half-finished profile suggests your account is not actively managed or could even be fake.

• Your account must have an About section filled out.
• You must have a profile picture and a cover photo.
• The account must be public in settings.
• You need to have a history of recent activity, meaning you have at least one post.

How to Apply for Traditional Verification

If you meet the criteria for notability, you can submit an application directly to Facebook.

1. Find the Application Form: The easiest way to find this is by searching "Request a verified badge on Facebook" in the Facebook Help Center. There, you'll find a direct link to the verification request form.
2. Fill Out Your Information: You’ll choose whether you're verifying a Profile or a Page and provide documentation to confirm your authenticity.
   • For a person, this is usually a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport).
   • For a business, it might be a tax document or a recent utility bill.
3. Prove Your Notability: This is your chance to make your case. You’ll select a category that reflects your field (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Creator, Business) and provide up to five links to media articles that demonstrate your public interest. Choose your strongest, most credible sources. Don't add links to your own social media profiles here, focus on independent media coverage.
4. Submit and Wait: After submitting, you'll just have to wait. The review process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You will receive a notification of Facebook's decision. If your request is denied, don't worry - you can re-apply in 30 days. Use that time to strengthen your public profile.

Path 2: Getting a Blue Checkmark Through Meta Verified (Subscription)

For the millions of active creators, aspiring influencers, and everyday users who aren't "notable" in the traditional sense, the Meta Verified subscription model is a game-changer. It allows you to prove your identity and get a blue checkmark, along with a few useful benefits.

Who is Meta Verified For?

This paid service is designed for individual users and professional creators. It's an excellent option if your primary goal is to signal authenticity, protect your account from impersonation, and gain access to dedicated support.

The perks include:

• A Verified Badge: Confirms your identity with a blue checkmark.
• Proactive Impersonation Monitoring: Facebook actively watches for fake accounts trying to impersonate you.
• Direct Account Support: You get access to a real human for help with common account issues. This is a massive benefit for anyone who has ever tried to navigate the standard help forums.
• Exclusive Extras: Unique stickers for Stories and a boost in visibility in some areas of the platform like search, comments, and recommendations.

Eligibility Requirements for Meta Verified

The requirements for the subscription are much more straightforward than for traditional verification:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You need to have a public or private personal profile with your full real name that aligns with general naming standards.
• Your profile picture must clearly show your face.
• You must have a government-issued ID that matches the name and photo on your profile.
• You need to have a recent history of posting activity and have two-factor authentication enabled.

Note: At the moment, Meta Verified is not available for Pages, only personal profiles.

How to Subscribe to Meta Verified

Getting started with Meta Verified is designed to be very simple, and the process is handled directly within the app.

1. Go to Settings: On your mobile app, navigate to "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings."
2. Open Accounts Center: At the top of the Settings menu, you’ll see Accounts Center. Tap on it.
3. Check for "Meta Verified": If the feature is available for your account, you will see an option for "Meta Verified." Tap this to begin the subscription process.
4. Set Up Payment: Choose the profile you want to subscribe for and proceed to set up your monthly payment through the App Store or Google Play Store.
5. Verify Your Identity: This is the most important step. You will be prompted to take a photo of your government-issued ID and possibly a selfie video to confirm that you are a real person and that your identity matches your profile.
6. Wait for Review: The review process is usually quite fast, often taking under 48 hours. Once confirmed, your blue checkmark will appear on your profile.

Top Tips for Strengthening Your Profile for Verification

Whether you're aiming for traditional notability or just want to maintain Meta Verified status, having a strong, professional profile is a must. Here’s how to build a profile that commands credibility.

1. Complete Every Section Professionally

Don't leave any part of your profile blank. Fill out the "About Me" section with a clear and concise description of who you are and what you do. Add links to your official website, other social media profiles, and any professional pages. This creates a cohesive online presence that's very easy for a reviewer to understand.

2. Post Consistently and Deliver Value

An active account is a trusted account. To build a following and establish notability, you must post valuable content on a consistent basis. Don't post just for the sake of it. Create content that educates, entertains, or inspires your target audience. Regular, high-quality content signals to Facebook - and users - that your account is an active hub of discussion and engagement.

3. Cultivate Earned Media Coverage

For traditional verification, nothing is as important as earned media. You can proactively create opportunities for coverage by:

• Responding to journalist queries on services like Help a Reporter Out (HARO).
• Publishing original research or data that news outlets might want to cite.
• Collaborating with other notable figures in your field on projects that might attract press.
• Perfecting your unique story and pitching it to relevant journalists and publications.

4. Secure Your Digital Identity Everywhere

Ensure that when someone searches your name on Google, your Facebook profile is one of the top results. You can achieve this by linking to your Facebook profile from your official website, LinkedIn, and any other authoritative online properties you own. Consistency in your name and branding across all platforms helps solidify your identity.

5. Absolutely Avoid Verification Scams

Never, ever pay a third-party service that promises to get you verified. This is almost always a scam. The only legitimate ways to get a blue check are by applying through Facebook's official channel or by subscribing to Meta Verified. Anyone claiming they have an "insider" at Facebook or a secret trick is lying and could put your account security at risk.

Final Thoughts

Getting a blue checkmark on Facebook has finally been demystified. You can either prove you're a figure of public interest through earned media and apply for traditional verification, or you can confirm your personal identity and subscribe to Meta Verified. The path you follow depends solely on whether your goal is to validate your notability or simply to secure your individual account's authenticity.

Building the brand presence for traditional verification requires a strategic approach and a steady stream of high-quality content. At my own agency, managing this level of consistency is non-negotiable. To keep things on track, we use Postbase to plan and schedule all our content - including vital short-form video for Reels - from a single, easy-to-use visual calendar. It removes the daily operational headache of posting everywhere, so we can focus our efforts on creating a brand that’s truly worth verifying.