How to Get Verified on Instagram for Free

That little blue checkmark next to an Instagram handle is more than just a status symbol, it's a powerful signal of authenticity and credibility in a crowded digital space. While it might seem like a mysterious prize for the ultra-famous, the process of applying for verification is completely free and accessible to everyone. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to apply and, more importantly, detail the strategic work required to actually get your application approved.

What the Blue Check Actually Means

Before you apply, it’s helpful to understand what verification is - and isn't. The blue badge is simply Instagram’s way of confirming that an account is the authentic presence of a notable public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. It’s a tool to prevent impersonation and help users find the genuine accounts they’re looking for.

Let's clear up a few common myths:

• It does not guarantee more engagement. Instagram has stated that verified accounts do not get preferential treatment from the algorithm in the feed or discovery pages. However, the inherent credibility can lead to more trust and, indirectly, more engagement from users.
• It is not a secret club. While the criteria can seem tough, there isn't a shadowy committee deciding who gets in. The review process is based on a specific set of guidelines aimed at identifying accounts of public interest.
• Follower count is not the only factor. You don’t need millions of followers to get verified. There are verified accounts with a few thousand followers and unverified accounts with millions. Notability is far more important than a number.

In short, verification tells the world you are who you say you are and that you're well-known enough for people to potentially impersonate you.

The Official Checklist: Are You Eligible to Apply?

Instagram has been transparent about its basic requirements for verification. Your account needs to comply with an initial checklist and then satisfy what we'll call the "four pillars" of eligibility. First, your account must, of course, align with Instagram's Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. Beyond that, the platform focuses on four key attributes.

Instagram's Four Pillars of Verification

• Authentic: Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity. You’ll need to prove this with official identification.
• Unique: Generally, only one account per person or business can be verified. The primary exception to this rule is for language-specific accounts. Your account also can’t represent a general interest topic (e.g., @bestmemes). It has to be you or your brand.
• Complete: Your account must be public, have a clear bio, a profile photo, and at least one post. Instagram also specifies that your profile cannot contain "add me" links to other social media services. Your one website link is fine, but asking people to follow you on other platforms is a no-go.
• Notable: This is the pillar where most applications fall short. Your account must represent a "well-known, highly searched for" person, brand, or entity. This is Instagram's way of verifying that you have a significant presence outside of their platform. It distinguishes a popular Instagrammer from a public figure.

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

The application itself is surprisingly straightforward and takes only a few minutes. All it requires is filling out a form inside the Instagram app. It is, and always will be, free. Do not trust any third-party service that asks for money to get you verified.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to your profile and tap the 'hamburger' menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings and Privacy.
3. If you have a creator account, tap on Creator tools and controls. For a business account, you'll see Business tools and controls. Inside one of these menus, look for the Request Verification option.
4. The verification form will appear. First, you'll confirm your full name and verify your identity by uploading an official document.
   • For a person, this means a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, passport, or national ID card.
   • For a business, you can use an official document like a utility bill in the company's name, a recent tax filing, or its articles of incorporation.
5. Next, you'll need to demonstrate your notability. This is the most important part of the application.
   • Select a Category that best describes your account (e.g., Music, Sports, News/Media, Fashion, Digital Creator, etc.).
   • List the Country/Region where your entity is most popular.
6. Finally, in the Links section, provide up to five links to news articles or other public references that show your account is in the public interest. Critically, Instagram specifies that paid or promotional content will not be considered. These must be organic news articles, features, or significant media mentions. Don't add links to your own website or other social profiles here.
7. Once you're done, tap Submit.

After you apply, all you have to do is wait. Instagram will review your application and send you a notification in your 'Activity' feed within a few weeks to let you know their decision. If you're rejected, you can apply again in 30 days.

The Real Work: Building a "Notable" Brand People Search For

The application process described above? That's the easy part. The real challenge is meeting the "notable" criteria. An Instagram reviewer is essentially asking, "If I google this person or brand, will I find significant, independent coverage about them?" Here’s how you can work on building a strong case for notability.

1. Get Real Press &, Media Coverage

This is probably the single most powerful factor in getting verified. Feature articles and mentions in reputable news publications are undeniable proof of notability.

Actionable Advice:

• Pitch yourself as an expert source to industry blogs, podcasts, and local news outlets.
• Use HARO (Help A Reporter Out). This is a free service that connects journalists with sources for their stories. Responding thoughtfully can land you mentions in major publications.
• Think like a publicist. What’s your unique story? A significant accomplishment, a unique project, or a strong point of view can all be newsworthy hooks.
• Avoid paid press releases. Press release distribution services often result in articles marked "sponsored" or published on low-authority sites. Instagram's reviewers are trained to spot this and will disregard it. Organic, earned media is what counts.

2. Establish Your Presence Off of Instagram

If your only claim to fame is on Instagram, you won't be seen as a public figure. You need to exist in the broader digital world. When someone searches your name, the results should reflect relevance in your field.

Actionable Advice:

• Optimize your digital footprint. Have a professional website. Be active on other relevant platforms like YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, or Threads. The goal is to show up prominently in Google search results for your name or brand.
• Look for guest opportunities. Appear as a guest on podcasts in your industry or collaborate on YouTube videos with other established creators. These create searchable mentions of your name.
• A note on Wikipedia: Having a Wikipedia page is a massive signal of notability. However, you cannot create one for yourself - it must be created by an independent editor based on significant coverage in reliable, secondary sources. The very act of having enough press to warrant a page is often enough to get you verified anyway.

3. Optimize Your Instagram Profile to the Max

Your Instagram profile should look the part of a notable figure. This goes beyond the 'complete' requirement and into the realm of professionalism. It should be immediately clear who you are and why you matter.

Actionable Advice:

• Craft a professional bio. Clearly and concisely state who you are, what you do, and what your brand stands for. Skip generic quotes and get straight to the point.
• Use a high-quality profile picture. A clean, recognizable headshot for a person or a sharp logo for a brand.
• Clean out promotional links. Remember, Instagram says no "add me" links to other social networks. Use your website link for your professional site, portfolio, or a high-value landing page.

4. Grow Your Following and Engagement Organically

Don't buy followers. Ever. Using bots, participating in engagement pods, or purchasing fake followers is the fastest way to get your account flagged and your verification request automatically denied. A high number of followers obtained through non-organic means is easily detectable. Instead, focus on building a real community with content that provides genuine value.

Got Rejected? Don't Panic. Here's What to Do.

A rejection notice is common, so don't let it discourage you. You are allowed to reapply every 30 days. Instead of immediately hitting "submit" again, use that month to strengthen your case. Review the Notability section above and ask yourself honestly where your profile falls short. Did you secure a new piece of press? Did you get featured on a major podcast? Use that 30-day window to build more external proof of your importance.

You can also build credibility without the badge. Use Instagram Stories Highlights to create a "Press" or "As Seen In" section showcasing your media mentions. A professional website linked in your bio does wonders. The blue check is a nice-to-have, but it doesn't define your brand's authority.

A Quick Word of Warning: Avoid Scams

Finally, be extremely aware of scams. Anyone who contacts you via DM or email offering to get you verified for a fee is a scammer. The only way to get verified is for free, through the official Instagram app. Instagram will never ask you for money for verification and will never ask you for your password. Do not engage with these services.

Final Thoughts

Getting that blue check on Instagram for free is less about a secret back door and more about putting in the public-facing work. The application is nothing more than a few taps inside the app. The real strategy is building a genuine, notable brand that people, and therefore the press, are actively talking about outside of the platform.

Building that brand means creating consistent, high-quality content across all your channels, which can easily feel like a full-time job. We understand that juggling modern content formats like Reels and TikTok videos across multiple platforms is demanding. That’s why we built Postbase. Our visual calendar lets you see your entire content plan at a glance, and our reliable, video-first scheduler helps you publish everywhere without the headache, so you can spend less time managing the details and more time building the brand that will get you verified.