How to Get Verified on Social Media

That little blue checkmark next to a social media handle is more than just a status symbol, it's a sign of authenticity and authority in a crowded digital world. While the rules for getting verified shift with changing algorithms and new subscription models, the core principles of what it takes to earn one remain surprisingly consistent. This guide will walk you through the concrete steps for getting verified on major platforms and explain how to build a strong case that makes you an obvious choice for that badge of honor.

What Does Verification *Actually* Mean?

At its heart, verification is a process used by social media platforms to confirm that an account of public interest is the authentic presence of the person, brand, or entity it claims to represent. It’s a way for platforms to fight impersonation and help users distinguish genuine accounts from fan pages, parody accounts, or fakes.

While some platforms now offer paid subscriptions that include a checkmark, the traditional, earned verification still holds significant weight. It tells followers, collaborators, and the platform's algorithm that you are a noteworthy public figure or organization. This verification isn't an endorsement from the platform, but rather a confirmation of identity and significance.

The Universal Requirements: What Every Platform Looks For

Before an application is ever submitted, your account needs to meet a set of foundational criteria. Think of these as the non-negotiables that apply across networks, whether you're building a personal brand or running a corporate page.

1. Authenticity: You Are Who You Say You Are

This is the most straightforward requirement. You must represent a real person, registered business, or legitimate entity. To prove this, platforms will typically ask for official documentation during the application process.

• For an individual: This usually means a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
• For a business or brand: You might need to provide articles of incorporation, tax documents, or a utility bill in the business's name.

2. Notability: You're Part of the Public Conversation

This is where most people get stuck. Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity. This is the platform's way of filtering out profiles that don't belong to figures of public interest. "Public interest" is a broad term, but it generally includes:

• Activists and influential organizers
• Artists, actors, musicians, and public figures
• Athletes and sports organizations
• Government officials, agencies, and politicians
• Journalists and major news organizations
• Well-known brands and companies

During the application, platforms will ask for links to articles, press releases, or other forms of media coverage that prove you are notable. The key here is that the coverage must be from reputable, independent sources. Paid or promotional content doesn't count. Having a Wikipedia page, being featured in major newspapers, or appearing on national news segments are all strong indicators of notability.

3. Completeness: Your Profile Looks Professional and Active

An incomplete profile is an automatic red flag for verification teams. This is the easiest part to get right, so don’t overlook it.

• A public profile: Private accounts cannot be verified.
• A profile picture: It should be a clear photo that represents you or your brand.
• An informative bio: Clearly state who you are and what you do.
• Recent activity: Your account must have a recent history of posting content. An account that hasn't posted in six months is unlikely to be considered.

A Platform-by-Platform Guide to Getting Verified

Each platform has its own nuances when it comes to verification. As paid verification plans evolve, the process for traditional verification can change, but the core need to prove notability remains the ultimate goal.

How to Get Verified on Instagram and Facebook (Meta)

Meta now offers two paths to verification on Instagram and Facebook: a paid subscription called Meta Verified and the traditional, notability-based verification.

Meta Verified (Paid Subscription)

For around $11.99-$14.99 per month, users over 18 can get a verification badge by confirming their identity with a government ID. This service also includes proactive impersonation protection and access to direct account support. However, this is largely an identity-check service and doesn't carry the same weight as traditional verification for public figures.

Traditional Verification (Notability-Based)

This is the classic blue checkmark earned through public interest and notability. If you believe your account is recognizable enough, you can apply directly through the app.

To apply on Instagram:

1. Navigate to your profile and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
2. Go to Settings and privacy >, Creator tools and controls (or Business tools and controls).
3. Tap on Request verification.
4. Fill out your full name and provide the required form of identification.
5. Confirm your notability by selecting a category (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Music) and providing links to articles, social media accounts, or other media that show you are a public figure. You need at least three strong press links.
6. Tap Submit.

Meta will review your application and notify you of their decision. If you're rejected, you can re-apply in 30 days.

How to Get Verified on X (formerly Twitter)

X's verification system has become multifaceted. The iconic blue checkmark is now primarily available through a paid subscription to X Premium.

X Premium (Paid Subscription): This is the easiest way to get a blue check. Subscribers gain the checkmark after their account is reviewed to confirm it meets X's eligibility criteria, which primarily means the account is complete and not impersonating someone.

Official Accounts (Gold and Grey Checks): Beyond the blue check, X offers two other types of verification for official organizations:

• Gold Checkmark: Indicates an official business account through a program called Verified Organizations.
• Grey Checkmark: Indicates a government or multilateral organization or an individual representing one.

Getting a gold or grey check requires a separate application process through X that proves your organization's legitimacy. Unlike the blue check, these can't simply be purchased and signify true authenticity for official entities.

How to Get Verified on TikTok

TikTok verification is a bit more mysterious because there is no public application process. Instead, TikTok's team proactively grants verified badges to accounts they deem authentic, popular, and noteworthy. While you can't request it, you can take steps to get on their radar.

How to improve your chances:

• Go viral, consistently: Accounts that regularly produce content that lands on the "For You" page and racks up views are often noticed.
• Get verified elsewhere: If you're already verified on Instagram, Facebook, or X, you have a much stronger case.
• Rack up media mentions: Being featured in reputable magazines, news websites, or television segments shows TikTok that you're a recognized public figure.
• Maintain rapid, consistent growth: An account consistently gaining thousands of new followers every day is a strong signal of growing influence and notability.

How to Get Verified on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s approach to verification is focused on workplace authenticity. It’s less about notability and more about confirming you are who you say you are and that you work where you claim to work.

You have a few options to verify your identity on LinkedIn:

• Verify with Your Work Email: The simplest method. You'll receive a verification code at your company email address.
• Verify with Microsoft Entra: If your company uses Microsoft Entra technology, logging in will automatically issue a "Verified work" credential on your profile.
• Verify via CLEAR: In the U.S., you can use your government ID and CLEAR’s platform (known for its presence in airports) to verify your identity.

These verification methods add a layer of trust to your profile, signaling to recruiters and connections that your information is authentic.

Beyond the Basics: Proactive Steps to Build Your Case

If you don’t meet the "notable" criteria today, don't worry. Verification is a result of effective brand building. You can actively work toward becoming a verifiable figure.

Generate Off-Platform Buzz

Platforms care more about what others say about you than what you say about yourself. Your primary focus should be earning media coverage.

• Engage with journalists: Use services like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) to provide expert quotes for articles.
• Distribute press releases: Announce meaningful business milestones or accomplishments.
• Collaborate: Partner with other creators, appear on podcasts, or participate in industry panels.
• Get interviewed: Pitch your story to local news, niche bloggers, and industry publications.

Own Your Search Results

When the verification team searches your name, what will they find? A clean, professional, and consistent digital footprint is essential. Secure your name on all social media platforms, even if you don't plan to use them immediately. Launch a personal website or blog to establish a central hub for your brand.

Stay Active and Post High-Quality Content

No matter the platform, staying active is a must. Post regularly and engage with your community to show that your account is a living, breathing entity. Aim for a consistent content strategy that reinforces your expertise and brand identity. A dormant account will never get verified.

Final Thoughts

Earning that verification badge is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s the result of consistently building a genuine and notable presence, both on and off social media. Focus on delivering value, growing your credibility, and making authentic connections - the verification check will follow as proof of the hard work you've already put in.

Building that 'notable' presence requires relentless creation and management, which can feel overwhelming when you're managing multiple platforms. We designed Postbase to streamline this exact process, giving you a visual calendar and rock-solid scheduling tools to keep your content flowing. That way, you can focus less on the logistics and more on creating the content that gets you noticed.