How to Get a Blue Checkmark on Instagram

That blue checkmark on Instagram is more than just a tiny icon, it's a mark of authenticity that many creators and brands strive for. This guide gets straight to the point, breaking down what it takes to get verified. We'll walk through the official application criteria, the step-by-step process within the app, and - most importantly - the real-world strategy for building a profile that's actually worthy of that checkmark.

What the Blue Checkmark Actually Means

Before we go any further, let's clear up a few things. The blue checkmark on Instagram has one primary purpose: to confirm authenticity. It shows users that an account is the genuine presence of the public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. It’s Instagram’s way of saying, "Yes, this is the real deal."

Here’s what it is not:

• A status symbol: While it feels like one, Instagram intends it as a tool to prevent impersonation, not to crown a profile as "important."
• An algorithm boost: There's no evidence that verified accounts get preferential treatment from the Instagram algorithm. Your reach still depends on the quality of your content and engagement.
• A key to new features: Verification doesn't unlock a secret set of tools. Its main benefit is the trust and credibility it builds with your audience.

Understanding this is the first step. You're not trying to prove you're popular, you're trying to prove you're you and that people might confuse fake accounts for your real one.

The Official Instagram Verification Requirements

Instagram has a clear checklist for accounts looking to get the blue badge. Even if you tick every box, verification isn't guaranteed, but failing to meet even one of these makes it impossible. Let's break down what Instagram looks for.

Your Account Must Be:

• Authentic: It must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legally recognized entity. You'll need to prove this with a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) or official business documents (like a tax filing, utility bill, or articles of incorporation).
• Unique: Your account must be the one-of-a-kind presence of the person or business it represents. Instagram typically only verifies one account per person or business. There are exceptions for language-specific accounts (e.g., @brand_es for a Spanish audience), but general-interest accounts (@dailymemes) or fan accounts (@realmadridfans) don't qualify.
• Complete: Your profile must be public, not private. It needs a complete bio, a profile picture, and at least one post. Instagram also specifies that your profile can't contain "add me" links to other social media services. A link to your website, blog, or portfolio is fine, but linking to your TikTok or X profile is a red flag.
• Notable: This is the most significant and often the most difficult hurdle. Your account must represent a "well-known, highly searched for person, brand, or entity." Instagram reviews accounts that are featured in multiple, credible news sources. Paid or promotional content doesn't count.

The "notable" requirement is where most applications fall short. Popularity on Instagram alone isn't enough. Meta wants to see that you’re also recognized in the wider world, outside of their platform.

How to Apply for Verification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for verification is simple and takes just a few minutes directly inside the Instagram app. Remember, this is the only legitimate way to request verification. Anyone or any service claiming they can get you verified for a fee is a scam.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-right corner.
2. Tap on “Settings and Privacy.”
3. If you have a business profile, select “Business tools and controls.” If you have a creator profile, select “Creator tools and controls.”
4. Scroll down and tap on “Request Verification.”
5. You'll see a two-step form.

Step 1: Confirm Authenticity

Here, you'll provide your full name and upload a required identification document. You can choose from:

• Driver's License
• Passport
• National Identification Card
• Tax Filing
• Recent Utility Bill
• Articles of Incorporation

Step 2: Confirm Notability

This is where you make your case. You need to show Instagram that you meet their "notable" criteria.

• Category: Choose a category that best describes your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Government & Politics, Music, Fashion, Content Creator/Blogger/Influencer, etc.).
• Country/Region: Enter the country where you or your business is prominent.
• Audience (Optional): Describe the people who follow you and why they do. Keep it concise.
• Also known as (Optional): If your brand or name is known by another name, add it here.
• Links (Optional but Highly Recommended): This is the most important part of your application. Add links to articles, social media accounts, and other sources that show your account is in the public interest. Paid or promotional content will not be considered. You want to share links that *prove* your notability - news articles about you, features in major publications, or your official website. Don't link back to your own Instagram profile or other social media accounts you own, link to third-party sources.

Once you’ve filled everything out, tap “Submit.” You’ll get a response in your Notifications tab within about 30 days. You could get approved right away, or you might get a denial stating you don't meet the criteria - which leads us to the most important section.

The Real Work: How to Become "Notable"

Submitting the form is easy. Earning the notability to get approved is the hard part. If you're serious about getting verified, this is where your energy should be focused. Instagram measures notability by what the world outside of Instagram is saying about you.

Build Your Presence Off Instagram

Your Instagram profile doesn’t exist in a vacuum. To be considered notable, you need a digital footprint that extends beyond the platform. Instagram is essentially Googling you, and they want to find impressive results.

• Get Press Coverage: This is a big one. Being featured in multiple, independent news sources is a powerful signal. Brainstorm ways to get mentioned in the media. Can you share an expert opinion with a local reporter? Can you write a guest post for a respected industry blog? Did your company accomplish something newsworthy? Pitch those stories. A handful of articles from credible publications is worth more than thousands of new followers.
• Optimize Other Online Profiles: Have a presence on other relevant platforms. A professional LinkedIn profile, a well-managed Facebook Page, or a YouTube channel all contribute to painting a bigger picture of your brand.
• Start a Blog or Website: An official website acts as a central hub for your brand and is a strong signal of legitimacy. Regularly publish high-quality content that establishes you as an authority in your field.
• Aim for a Wikipedia Page: Having a Wikipedia page is a near-guarantee of approval, as Wikipedia has its own strict notability requirements. However, you can’t create one for yourself, as that's a conflict of interest. The best you can do is become so newsworthy that an independent editor decides to create one about you.

Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Verification

While off-platform work is vital, your Instagram profile needs to look the part. An established, professional-looking profile reinforces the idea that you are a serious entity.

• Craft a Professional Bio: Make it crystal clear who you are and what you do. There should be zero ambiguity. Avoid generic phrases and get straight to the point.
• Remove Cross-Platform Links: Remember, Instagram's guidelines say not to include "add me" links. Take those links to TikTok, X, or other platforms out of your bio. One link to your official website or media hub is all you need.
• Post Consistently: An active profile with a history of high-quality content shows that you are a genuine and committed creator or business. Sporadic posting can look amateurish.

Beware of "Verification" Scams

Never, ever pay someone who promises to get your account verified. It's a violation of Instagram's Terms of Service, and these offers are almost always scams designed to steal your money or your login information. Earning verification through illegitimate means (like paying for fake press articles) can result in Instagram removing your badge later on or even permanently disabling your account.

What to Do If Your Verification Request is Denied

If you get a rejection, don't worry. It happens to most people on their first try. A denial just means you haven't supplied enough signals of notability yet. When you're denied, you can re-apply again after 30 days.

Don't immediately re-apply. Instead, use that month to seriously beef up your off-platform presence. Go back to the "How to Become Notable" section above and work on getting more press. Reach out to podcasts, offer to write guest columns, and give industry websites a reason to talk about you.

In the meantime, build trust directly with your audience. Having clear contact information, engaging personally in your comments and DMs, and consistently delivering valuable content shows followers you're the real deal - badge or no badge.

Final Thoughts

Getting a blue checkmark is less about filling out an application and more about building a respected public presence. Your efforts should be aimed at creating lasting notability through genuine press features, strong branding, and a quality content strategy that establishes you as an authority both on and off Instagram.

Building that kind of presence requires showing up consistently with valuable content that solidifies your brand image. At Postbase, we work with countless creators who understand that a solid content strategy is the foundation for everything, including getting recognized as a notable entity. We built our tool to make managing that strategy feel effortless, with a visual calendar to plan your content and a reliable, video-first scheduler that ensures everything gets published exactly as you planned, helping you maintain the active, professional profile Instagram wants to see.