How to Get a Check on Instagram

That little blue check on Instagram is more than just a status symbol, it's a sign of authenticity that tells the world you are who you say you are. If you’ve wondered how to get that coveted badge next to your name, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the two distinct paths to getting verified on Instagram, giving you actionable steps for each one.

What Exactly is the Instagram Blue Check?

First, let's clear up a common misconception. The verification badge is not an endorsement from Instagram, nor is it a measure of your importance or the quality of your content. Simply put, it confirms that an account is the authentic presence of the notable public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. For years, this was an opaque process reserved for the very famous, but now there are two clear ways to get one for yourself.

• Meta Verified: A paid subscription model for creators and individuals who want to confirm their identity and get a few extra perks.
• Traditional Verification: The original, free application process based on meeting Instagram's "notability" criteria, typically for public figures and widely recognized brands.

We'll walk through both options so you can figure out which path makes the most sense for you.

Path 1: Meta Verified - The Subscription Route

In 2023, Meta introduced a new, more accessible way for creators and individuals to get a blue check: a paid subscription called Meta Verified. It’s a straightforward process designed for people who want to build a trusted presence on the platform but might not meet the strict "notability" requirements of the traditional method.

Who is Meta Verified For?

Meta Verified is best for individual creators, influencers, and personal brands who want the benefits of verification without needing widespread media attention. It’s less about being a household name and more about proving your identity directly to Instagram.

What Are the Perks?

Beyond the blue badge, the subscription comes with a few practical benefits:

• Enhanced Account Protection: Proactive monitoring to help prevent impersonation before it happens.
• Direct Account Support: Yes, you read that right. Subscribers get access to a real human for common account issues.
• Exclusive Features: Get access to special stickers for Stories and Reels.

Eligibility Requirements for Meta Verified

Before you can apply, you need to meet a basic set of criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Your account must represent a real person with a public or private profile. (Businesses are not eligible at this time).
• Your profile name must match your government-issued ID.
• You must have a profile picture that clearly shows your face.
• You need to have Two-Factor Authentication enabled.
• You must meet minimum activity requirements, like having a prior posting history.

How to Sign Up for Meta Verified (Step-by-Step)

The process is handled entirely within the Instagram app. It’s a simple, guided setup that takes just a few minutes.

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Tap on "Settings and Privacy."
4. Select "Accounts Center."
5. Look for the "Meta Verified" option. If it's available for your account, you will see it here. If not, it may still be rolling out in your region.
6. Choose the profile you want to verify and set up your payment. The cost is typically around $14.99/month when purchased through the app stores.
7. Follow the prompts to complete the identity verification process. This involves taking a photo of your government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) and possibly a selfie video to confirm you're a real person.

After you submit your information, Meta’s team will review it. The review is usually completed within 48 hours. Once approved, the blue check will appear on your profile.

Path 2: Traditional Verification - The "Notability" Route

This is the original way to get verified - by applying directly and proving to Instagram that your account is "notable." This path is free, but it's much more challenging because it’s not just about proving you are who you say you are, it's about proving you're a figure of public interest.

Who is Traditional Verification For?

This route is intended for public figures, celebrities, athletes, journalists, politicians, and globally recognized brands and organizations. In short, it’s for accounts that run a high risk of being impersonated because of their public profile.

The Four Pillars of Traditional Verification

When you apply for traditional verification, Instagram evaluates your account based on four primary criteria:

1. Authentic: Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity. This part is easy enough to prove with official documents.
2. Unique: Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Generally, only one account per person or business can be verified (with exceptions for language-specific accounts).
3. Complete: Your profile must be public, have a bio, a profile photo, and at least one post. It can't contain "add me" links to other social services.
4. Notable: This is the big one. Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand, or entity. This is where most people get stuck.

How to Become "Notable" in Instagram's Eyes

"Notable" is subjective, but Instagram offers a clue: they review accounts featured in multiple, independent, legitimate news sources. Paid or promotional content doesn't count. Here's how to build a strong case for notability:

1. Get Legitimate Press Coverage

This is the most direct way to prove notability. Instagram wants to see that other people are talking about you. The key is the source - major media outlets carry far more weight than a friend's blog or a paid advertorial in a small-time magazine.

• Target Reputable Publications: Aim for features, interviews, or mentions in national or major regional news outlets. Think Forbes, The New York Times, TechCrunch, Vogue, ESPN, or well-respected trade magazines in your industry.
• Avoid "Paid Media": Press releases you paid to distribute or "sponsored content" placements are a red flag for Instagram's review team. They need to see organic, editorial coverage.
• Think Beyond Your Instagram: The press shouldn’t just be about your Instagram account. It should be about you, your work, your business, or your impact.

2. Establish Your Presence Off Instagram

Instagram doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The review team will google your name to see what comes up. If they find nothing but your Instagram profile, you have a weak case. A strong digital footprint is critical.

• Get a Wikipedia Page: Having a well-sourced, neutral Wikipedia page is one of the strongest signals of notability. However, you can't just create one yourself, it has to be created and vetted by the Wikipedia community based on significant press coverage. It's a chicken-and-egg situation - you need press to get a page, but the page solidifies your notability.
• Optimize for Search: When someone searches your name or brand, what appears? A professional website, a YouTube channel, a LinkedIn profile, and news articles should ideally pop up. A Google Knowledge Panel (the information box that appears on the right side of search results) is a powerful indicator of authority.

3. Keep Your Account Professional and Focused

While account activity alone won't get you verified, a professional and consistent presence supports your application. Treat your Instagram profile like the official home of your brand.

• Optimize Your Bio: Clearly state who you are and what you do. Link to your official website. Use a high-quality, professional headshot or logo.
• Post Consistently: Show that you are actively building your community. Regular, high-quality content that reinforces your expertise or brand identity demonstrates a serious commitment to the platform.

How to Apply for Traditional Verification (Step-by-Step)

Once you’ve built up your online presence and have some press to back you up, the application itself is simple.

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu icon and go to "Settings and Privacy."
3. Tap on "Creator Tools and controls" (or "Business tools and controls" for business accounts). Here, you will see "Request Verification".
4. You'll be taken to a form where you need to confirm your identity and notability.
5. Step 1: Confirm authenticity. You'll enter your full name and upload a photo of an official document, like a driver's license, passport, or articles of incorporation for a business.
6. Step 2: Confirm notability. Select a category for your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Creator, Business) and your country/region. This is the important part: you have an optional section to add up to five links to articles, social media accounts, or other resources that show your account is in the public interest. Do not skip this. Use your strongest, most impressive press mentions here.
7. Hit "Submit."

Instagram's team will manually review your application, and you'll typically get a response in your notifications within a few days or weeks.

What If Your Application Gets Denied?

Don't panic - it happens all the time. A denial just means you didn't meet the notability criteria at this time. You can reapply again in 30 days. Here’s what you should do in the meantime:

• Focus on Building Your Press: Use those 30 days to work on your PR strategy. Pitch journalists with a compelling story. Write guest posts for major industry blogs. Secure a podcast interview.
• Step Back and Re-evaluate: Take an honest look at your digital footprint from an outsider's perspective. Would a stranger consider you "highly-searched for"? If not, keep building.
• Beware of Scammers: Be very wary of anyone who messages you promising to "sell" you verification for a fee. These are scams. The only legitimate ways to get the badge are through the official app processes discussed here. Instagram staff will never ask you for money for verification outside of the official Meta Verified subscription.

Final Thoughts

Getting a verification badge on Instagram essentially comes down to proving your authenticity and, for the traditional path, your notability. Whether you choose the direct subscription route with Meta Verified or build your public presence to earn the badge organically, both options are about building trust with your audience.

The single best thing you can do to boost your chances of getting verified - or just grow a powerful brand - is to show up consistently. Creating quality content and keeping a regular schedule is foundational. To help with that, we built Postbase to streamline the whole process, letting you plan and schedule your content in a simple visual calendar. It helps you stay consistent across all platforms, which is exactly what builds the kind of presence Instagram looks for.