How to Get Verified on Facebook

That little blue checkmark next to a name on Facebook signals more than just status, it's a stamp of authenticity in a crowded digital world. Whether you're a public figure, a brand, or an up-and-coming creator, getting verified can boost your credibility and help you stand out. This guide will walk you through the two distinct paths to getting verified on Facebook in 2024: the traditional application process and the new Meta Verified subscription.

What Does Facebook Verification Actually Mean?

The sought-after blue badge primarily serves one purpose: it confirms that a Page or profile is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. It tells followers that they're interacting with the real deal, not a fan account, a parody, or an impostor.

What it doesn't mean is that Facebook endorses the person or brand. It's not a ranking symbol, an award for quality content, or a sign of importance. It is simply a tool for authentication. Historically, this badge was reserved for entities that were deemed "notable," a vague but important distinction we'll cover below. Today, there's also a paid option with a different set of criteria.

Path 1: The Traditional Verification Process (For Public Figures &, Brands)

This is the original, free method for verification, and it’s still the primary route for businesses, organizations, and public figures with a significant public presence. Getting approved this way requires you to prove two things to Facebook: you are who you say you are (authentic) and people are actively talking about and looking for you (notable).

Do You Meet the Eligibility Requirements?

Before you even think about applying, you need to make sure your Page or profile meets Meta's four core criteria. Go through this checklist honestly, if you’re missing any of these, your application will almost certainly be denied.

1. Authentic

This is the easy part. Your Page or profile must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity.

• For a person: You'll need a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) that clearly shows your name and date of birth.
• For an organization/business: You'll need official business documents, such as a tax filing, articles of incorporation, or a utility bill in the business's name.

2. Unique

Your Page or profile must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Generally, Meta will only verify one Page or profile per person or business. There are exceptions for language-specific pages, but for most, this rule is firm.

3. Complete

Your Page or profile can’t be a ghost town. It needs to look active and legitimate. Make sure you have:

• An About section filled out.
• A profile picture and cover photo.
• Recent activity, meaning you’ve posted content recently. You don’t need to post every day, but it should be clear the account is actively managed.

4. Notable

This is the requirement that trips up most applicants. Your Page or profile must represent a well-known, often-searched-for person, brand, or entity. This is where Facebook's team acts as a gatekeeper, reviewing applicants to see if they matter in the public sphere.

But what does "notable" actually mean? Meta looks for evidence that you've been featured in multiple, independent, credible news sources. Here’s what counts and what doesn't:

What Counts as "Notable" Press:

• Articles in major national publications (e.g., The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company).
• Features in significant industry-specific media (e.g., Vogue for a fashion designer, TechCrunch for a startup).
• TV segments or online news features from established broadcast networks.
• Legitimate magazine profiles.

What Does NOT Count:

• Paid or promotional content, including sponsored articles and press releases.
• Mentions in blogs or self-published outlets.
• Listing in a directory or aggregator.
• Social media profiles on other platforms (linking your Instagram doesn't count as press).
• Your own website or content you produced yourself.

Your goal is to show Meta that other people - specifically journalists and editors - have found you important enough to write about on their own accord. If you don’t have this kind of earned media, your first step isn’t to apply for verification, it’s to build a public relations strategy to get it.

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

If you meet all the criteria above, it’s time to submit your application. The form can be a bit tricky to find, but it's straightforward once you're there.

1. Access the Form: The easiest way to find the verification request form is by searching "Request a blue verification badge" in the Facebook Help Center or by going directly to this link: Verification Request Form.
2. Choose What You're Verifying: Select whether you are trying to verify a "Page" or "Profile."
3. Confirm Authenticity: This is where you upload your documents.
   • Select the document type (e.g., Driver's License, Passport, Articles of Incorporation).
   • Click "Choose File" and upload a clear, high-quality image of your ID or business document. The name on the document must match the name on your Page or profile.
4. Confirm Notability: This is your chance to make your case.
   • Category: Select the category that best fits your Page or profile (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Music, Business, Creator, etc.).
   • Country/Region: Enter the country where the person or entity is most popular.
   • Audience (Optional): Briefly describe who follows your Page/profile and why. This helps provide context.
   • Known As (Optional): If you or your brand is known by a different name (e.g., a stage name), include it here.
5. Add Your Links (The Most Important Part): You need to provide up to five links to news articles or other online presences that prove you are notable. Choose your links wisely. Prioritize your most impressive and credible media features. Link directly to articles about you, not just homepages. Press releases don’t count.
6. Submit and Wait: Double-check everything and hit "Send." You’ll get a notification after your application has been reviewed, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Path 2: Meta Verified (The Subscription Option)

In 2023, Meta introduced a new way to get the blue badge: a paid subscription called Meta Verified. This service is designed for individual creators and professionals who want to build credibility but may not meet the strict "notable" criteria of the traditional process.

Meta Verified bundles the verification badge with a few extra perks, turning it into a premium service package.

Benefits of Meta Verified

• A blue verification badge, confirming your identity with a government-issued ID.
• Proactive impersonation monitoring to help protect you from accounts pretending to be you.
• Access to direct account support from a real human, a highly valued feature for anyone who has ever been stuck in automated help loops.
• Exclusive stickers for Stories and Reels.

Who is Eligible for Meta Verified?

The eligibility requirements for the paid subscription are much more accessible than the traditional route. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a public or private profile associated with your full name that aligns with naming standards.
• Have a profile picture that clearly shows your face.
• Meet minimum activity requirements, like prior posting history.
• Have a government-issued ID that matches the name and photo on your profile.
• Have two-factor authentication enabled.

Important Note: Currently, Meta Verified is only available for personal profiles and creator profiles, not for Facebook Pages for businesses.

How to Sign Up for Meta Verified

The process is done entirely through the Facebook or Instagram mobile app.

1. Open Facebook: Launch the app and go to your profile.
2. Find Account Center: Tap the three lines in the navigation menu, go to "Settings &, Privacy," then "Settings." From there, tap "Account Center."
3. Check for "Meta Verified": If Meta Verified is available for your account, you will see it as an option in the Account Center. Tap it.
4. Set Up Payment: Choose the profile you want to verify and set up your monthly payment.
5. Verify Your Identity: You will be prompted to take a photo of your government-issued ID (front and back) and may need to submit a short video selfie to confirm your likeness. The name and photo on your ID must match your profile.
6. Wait for Review: The review process typically takes up to 48 hours. Once approved, the blue checkmark and other features will appear on your account.

What Happens if Your Verification Request is Denied?

Rejection is common, especially with the traditional application process. Don't be discouraged. If your request is denied, you can reapply in 30 days. Use that time constructively.

• Assess the "Why": The most common reason for denial is a lack of notability. Be honest with yourself about your press coverage. Did you rely on weak sources?
• Build Your PR: Spend the next month working on getting featured in legitimate, high-authority media outlets. This is the surest way to strengthen your next application.
• Optimize Your Profile: While you work on PR, ensure your profile is fully professional and active. Keep building your community and posting valuable content.
• Consider Meta Verified: If your goal is primarily the badge, trust, and support for your personal brand or creator profile, the paid subscription might be a much simpler and faster path.

Final Thoughts

Getting verified on Facebook adds a powerful layer of authenticity that can strengthen your brand and build trust with your audience. You can achieve this either by proving your notability through the traditional, free application or by confirming your identity through the accessible Meta Verified subscription for personal profiles. Choose the path that aligns with your status and goals, and remember that the badge is a reflection of the credibility you've already built.

Building a "notable" presence starts with a consistent, professional, and engaging content strategy. We designed Postbase to make that process feel effortless. With our visual content calendar, you can plan your posts weeks in advance, making sure your brand looks active and polished right before you hit 'submit' on that verification application. A strong, consistently managed presence shows Meta you're serious, and it's a foundational piece of the puzzle that our platform helps you solve.