How to Get Verified on Instagram with a Blue Tick

That little blue checkmark next to an Instagram username is more than just a cool icon, it's a mark of authenticity that demonstrates your account is genuine. If you're a public figure, creator, or brand, getting verified can build trust with your audience and protect you from impostors. This guide breaks down the official requirements, the exact steps to apply, and strategies you need to follow to have the best chance of getting that prized blue tick.

What Does the Instagram Blue Tick Actually Mean?

First, let's clear up some common misconceptions. The verification badge on Instagram is not an endorsement from the platform, nor is it a sign of importance or a measure of the quality of your content. Most importantly, it has nothing to do with how many followers you have. You can have millions of followers and not be verified, or just a few thousand and have the badge.

The blue tick confirms that the account is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. It's Instagram's way of saying, "Yes, we've reviewed this, and this is the genuine account for this person or entity." Its primary purpose is to protect well-known individuals and brands from being impersonated, ensuring users can find and follow the correct accounts.

Meeting Instagram's Official Verification Requirements

Instagram has four core pillars for verification. Your account must meet all of them to be considered. Think of this as the basic entry ticket - you won't even be looked at if you don't check all these boxes.

1. Authentic

This is the simplest one. Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity. You'll need to prove this with an official government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) if you're an individual, or official business documents (like a tax filing, article of incorporation, or utility bill) if you represent a company or organization.

2. Unique

Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Generally, Instagram only verifies one account per person or business. There are a few exceptions for language-specific accounts, but for most people, this means you can't have multiple verified accounts for the same thing. So, if you're a creator running multiple "lifestyle" pages, you need to pick one to be your main, official presence.

3. Complete

Your profile must be public and complete. This means you need:

• A full bio: No blank spaces. Tell people who you are and what you do. For tips on crafting an effective bio, refer to how to write an Instagram bio.
• A profile picture: It should be professional and clearly represent you or your brand.
• Active posting: You must have at least one post and signs of recent activity. An empty, dormant profile won't get approved.

Your profile should also not contain "add me" links to other social media services in the bio. Putting your main website link in the dedicated URL field is perfectly fine and encouraged.

4. Notable

This is the area where most people get tripped up. Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity. Instagram reviews accounts that are featured in multiple news sources, and they explicitly state that they do not consider paid or promotional content as sources for review.

What does "notable" really mean? It means you have a presence outside of Instagram. When an Instagram employee reviews your application and Google your name or your brand's name, something meaningful needs to appear. Press articles, features in online magazines, news reports - that's what they're looking for.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Instagram Verification

The application itself is straightforward and takes less than five minutes. Getting approved is the hard part. Here’s how to submit your request directly within the app:

1. Go to Your Profile: Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
2. Open the Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger menu") in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings: Tap on "Settings and privacy."
4. Find Account Tools: Scroll down and select "Creator tools and controls" (or "Business tools and controls" if you have a business account).
5. Request Verification: Near the bottom of the menu, you'll see "Request verification." Tap on it.
6. Fill Out the Form:
   
   • Confirm Authenticity: You'll enter your full name and upload a required form of identification. For personal accounts, this is usually a driver’s license or passport. For businesses, you can use a utility bill, articles of incorporation, or tax documents.
   • Confirm Notability: Here, you'll select a "Category" for your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Music, Blogger/Influencer) and the "Country/Region" where you're based.
   • (Optional) Links: This is your chance to prove you are "notable." Add links to news articles, features, or other online content that shows you're a public interest figure. You can add up to three links. Prioritize reputable, non-promotional sources. Links to your own website or other social profiles don't count here.
7. Submit Your Application: Tap "Submit" and you're done. Instagram will review your request and you'll get a notification in your "Activity" tab with a yes or no within about 30 days, although it can sometimes be faster.

Beyond the "Submit" Button: How to *Actually* Boost Your Chances

Submitting the form is the easy part. The real work happens long before you tap that button. Verification is a result of effective brand-building, not the other way around. Here’s how to build a case for yourself.

Master the Art of Being Newsworthy

The "notable" requirement is linked directly to your press coverage. But remember, paid articles, sponsored posts, and press releases about your new product launch don't count. Instagram is looking for organic media coverage. So how do you get it?

• Use HARO: Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is a free service that connects journalists with sources. Sign up as a source in your area of expertise. When you provide a valuable quote and get featured in an article, that's a powerful link for your application.
• Write Guest Posts: Offer to write articles for reputable online publications in your industry. A byline and author bio on a well-known site can serve as proof of notability.
• Pitch to Podcasts and YouTubers: Being a guest on a respected podcast or YouTube channel in your niche can function like a media feature. These appearances show you are a recognized voice in your field.
• Engage with Local Media: If you're running a local business or event, connect with local news outlets, bloggers, and reporters. Local press hits are still valuable markers of public interest.

The goal is to answer the question: "If a reporter was looking for an expert on [your topic], would they find you?" When your Google results reflect that, you're on the right track.

Build Your Brand Presence *Off* Instagram

Instagram doesn't exist in a vacuum. The people who review verification applications look at your entire digital footprint. What do they see when they Google you? A strong case for verification often includes:

• A Professional Website: Your own website is your digital home base. It legitimizes your brand and serves as a central hub for your work.
• An Optimized Google Presence: A complete Google Business Profile for your brand or a well-populated "knowledge panel" for yourself makes you look official.
• Activity on Other Platforms: Are you a recognized voice on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), or Threads? A consistent, professional presence across multiple platforms shows that you exist beyond the confines of just one app.

Things You Absolutely Should NOT Do

Desperation can lead to bad decisions that will get your application rejected and could even get your account shut down. Avoid these pitfalls at all costs.

• NEVER Pay for Verification: Anyone messaging you claiming they can get you verified for a fee is a scammer. Verification is free and is only done directly through Instagram. There are no secret backdoors or "plugs" at Meta.
• Don't Buy Followers or Engagement: Fake followers and bot comments are easy to spot and totally undermine your authenticity. Growing your account organically is the only way forward. For strategies, see how to get more followers on Instagram.
• Don't Lie on Your Application: Do not forge documents or provide misleading information. This will result in an automatic rejection and can get you permanently banned from applying again.
• Don't Apply Repeatedly: If you're rejected, you must wait 30 days before reapplying. Submitting applications every day will not help your case. Use the 30-day window to build up more press and strengthen your digital footprint.

What If Your Request Is Denied?

It's very common to be denied on your first (or even second) try. Don't be discouraged. A rejection simply means you haven't yet met the "notability" standard. Look at it as feedback. Instead of getting frustrated, see it as a chance to focus on what matters: building your brand.

Use the next 30 days to work on your PR strategy. Pitch more reporters, write a guest post, or get booked on a podcast. Refine your profiles across all platforms. The stronger and more reputable your overall online brand becomes, the easier it will be to get verified next time you apply.

Final Thoughts

Securing that blue tick on Instagram comes down to two things: authenticity and notability. The application process is the final step, but the real work involves building a legitimate brand, person, or organization that has a tangible presence and is talked about in public forums outside of Instagram itself.

Building that kind of well-regarded presence requires a consistent, professional, and strategic approach to your content over a long period. At Postbase, we built our platform to help creators and brands do exactly that. By using a visual calendar to plan your content across all platforms - from Reels and TikToks to LinkedIn and YouTube - you can create the consistent and high-quality presence that builds true authority in your space. Managing all your work in one place makes it much easier to execute a strategy that gets you noticed for all the right reasons. After all, verification is a reflection of the great work you're already doing, and we're here to help you get that work done without the chaos. Postbase gives a better platform to plan, schedule, and engage with your community as you build a brand worth verifying.