How to Get a Blue Tick on Instagram

That little blue tick next to a name on Instagram signifies something more than just a follower count. It’s a mark of authenticity - a verification from the platform that says, this account is the real deal. This guide will walk you through the actual steps to request that blue badge and, more importantly, the strategic work required to become eligible for it in the first place.

What a Blue Tick on Instagram Truly Means

Before diving into the application process, it's essential to understand what Instagram verification is - and isn't. The blue tick is a badge that confirms the authenticity of a public profile. Its primary purpose is to distinguish real public figures, celebrities, and prominent brands from fan accounts, impersonators, or parody accounts.

While having one can enhance your credibility and build trust with your audience, it’s not a magic bullet. Instagram verification does not:

• Give you special treatment from the algorithm or boost your content’s reach.
• Unlock exclusive features that other users don’t have.
• Automatically increase your engagement or follower count.

Think of it less as a status symbol and more as a practical tool for protecting a recognized public identity online. It’s an indicator that you are who you say you are, and that your presence is significant enough to warrant verification.

The Official Criteria: Are You Actually Eligible?

Instagram is protective of its verification badge because its value lies in its exclusivity. To be considered, your account must meet a specific set of criteria. You can’t just have a lot of followers, you need to prove you are a person or brand of public interest. Instagram judges eligibility based on four core pillars: Authentic, Unique, Complete, and Notable.

Authentic

This is the simplest requirement. Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity. You will need to prove this with official documentation.

• For a person: A government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, passport, or national identification card.
• For a business: Official business documents like a tax filing, articles of incorporation, or a recent utility bill in the company’s name.

You’ll be asked to upload a clear image of these documents during the application process.

Unique

Your account must be the singular, official presence of the person or business it represents. Instagram typically only verifies one account per person or business. The exceptions are for language-specific accounts (for example, a global brand might have a verified account for Spain and another for Japan).

This rule specifically excludes general interest accounts. You can’t get a blue tick for an account posting "cool travel photos" or "puppy memes," even if it has millions of followers. The account must be explicitly tied to a distinct, notable individual or brand.

Complete

Your profile needs to meet basic standards of professionalism and legitimacy. This means:

• Your account must be public. Private accounts cannot be verified.
• You must have a complete bio that explains who you are or what your brand does.
• You need a profile photo that clearly represents you or your brand's logo.
• You must have at least one post on your profile.
• Your profile cannot contain "add me" links to other social media platforms like TikTok or X in your bio. A link to your website or blog is perfectly fine.

Notable

This is the most challenging requirement for most applicants and the primary reason most requests are denied. Your account must represent a “well-known, highly searched for” person, brand, or entity. Instagram’s team essentially Googles you to see if you matter in the wider world, outside of their platform.

How do they determine this? They look for your name or brand in reputable news articles. What counts as a “reputable news article” is key:

• What counts: Articles, features, or mentions in major media outlets. Think of names like Forbes, The New York Times, TechCrunch, Vogue, The Guardian, or well-regarded national and international publications. The coverage should be about you or your brand specifically, not just a passing mention.
• What does not count: Paid or sponsored content is explicitly disregarded. This includes press releases, advertisements, or any article you paid to have published. Links to your own website, blogs, Wikipedia pages, or other social media profiles also won't work here.

Being "famous on Instagram" isn’t enough. You have to be recognized off Instagram.

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

If you believe you meet all the criteria above, applying is straightforward and takes just a few minutes within the Instagram app. Remember, applying is free and should only be done this way.

1. Go to your profile, tap the hamburger icon (☰) in the top-right corner.
2. Tap on “Settings and privacy.”
3. If you're using a Creator or Business account, you'll see “Creator tools and controls" or "Business tools and controls." Tap on that. Then scroll down and select "Request verification." (Some users may find it under "Account type and tools").
4. Step 1: Confirm Authenticity. You’ll need to enter your full legal name and upload a photo of your required documentation (like your driver's license or a tax filing for a business).
5. Step 2: Confirm Notability. Here, you’ll select a category that best describes you (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Creator, Business) and the country or region where you or your organization is most recognized.
6. Step 3: Add Links (The Most Important Part). This is your opportunity to prove you are "notable.” You can add up to five links to news articles that feature you or your brand. Be strategic! Choose your strongest press features from recognizable publications. Links to press releases or company blog posts will work against you.
7. Once you've filled everything out and added your links, tap "Submit."

You've Applied. So Now What?

After you submit your request, the only thing to do is wait. Instagram typically responds within 30 days. You'll receive a notification directly in your Activity Feed telling you whether your request was approved or denied. There is no in-between - it’s a simple yes or no.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

Don't panic! It’s extremely common for the first application to be rejected, almost always with the reason that the account does not meet the "notability" criteria. If denied, you can re-apply after 30 days. However, applying again immediately without making any changes is pointless. Use this 30-day window to build a stronger case.

The Real Strategy: How to Become “Notable” Enough

Applying is the easy part. The real work is in building the kind of profile that Instagram wants to verify. This isn't about shortcuts, it's about building a legitimate public presence that news sources find interesting.

1. Get Authentic Press Coverage

Since paid content doesn't count, you need genuine media coverage. The goal is to get journalists to write about you because you're actually doing something newsworthy.

• Pitch Reporters Directly: Use platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or services like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to find journalists looking for sources in your field of expertise. Providing a valuable quote can lead to a feature.
• Launch Something. The media needs stories. Launching a new product, a unique service, an interesting study, or a creative project gives them something concrete to write about.
• Develop a Strong Point of View. Being an expert with a unique take on your industry can make you a go-to source for commentary. Don't be afraid to take a stand.

2. Build a Presence Beyond Instagram

Instagram is verifying your notability in the world, not just on their app. Your entire online footprint should look professional and coherent.

• Optimize Your Website: Does your website look professional? Is it easy to find who you are and what you do? This is often the first place a journalist (or an Instagram reviewer) will check.
• Aim for a Google Knowledge Panel: That box that appears on the side of Google search results for a person or brand? That's a strong sign of notability. Achieving this usually requires being written about on reputable sites like Wikipedia and in multiple news articles. It's an outcome of good PR, not a direct action item.

3. Manage Your Instagram Like a Professional

Your Instagram profile should signal that you are serious and authentic. Create valuable, consistent content. Fill out your bio clearly and use a high-quality headshot or brand logo as your profile picture. Essentially, operate as if you're already verified, the professionalism adds to the overall picture of legitimacy.

4. Beware of Scams

Finally, a word of caution. The desire for a blue tick has created an industry of scammers. Anyone who messages you offering to get you verified for a fee is trying to take your money or your account credentials. You can never pay for verification. The only way to get it is by applying for free through the official process in the Instagram app. There are no backdoors or secret contacts.

Final Thoughts

Getting a blue tick on Instagram isn't a simple hack, it's the result of building an authentic and well-recognized brand that stands out both on and off the platform. Focus on making an impact in your field, and Instagram verification will become a natural byproduct of your success, not a destination in itself.

Building that kind of notable presence requires incredible consistency in your content and messaging. That’s why we designed an intuitive visual calendar in Postbase that lets you plan all your content weeks or months ahead, ensuring your brand story stays cohesive. When you can see your entire strategy at a glance, you can spend less time guessing and more time building the authority that gets you noticed. Managing and scheduling this yourself is where your journey toward a stronger presence can get bogged down, but tools such as Postbase can help you stay on track and bring your content ideas to life effortlessly.