How to Verify an Instagram Account for Free

Chasing that little blue checkmark on Instagram can feel like a big mystery, but applying for verification is actually free and more straightforward than you might think. This guide breaks down exactly what Instagram looks for, how to apply, and what you can do to strengthen your profile to meet their notability requirements. We’ll show you how to build a case that makes getting verified a real possibility, not just a distant goal.

What a Verified Badge on Instagram Actually Means

Before we get into the "how," let's be clear about the "what." The blue verified badge is a symbol of authenticity and notability. It’s Instagram’s way of confirming that an account is the genuine presence of a well-known public figure, creator, celebrity, or brand. It's not an endorsement by the platform or a certificate of importance. Its primary job is to protect prominent accounts from impersonation and help users easily find the public figures they want to follow.

It's important not to confuse the traditional, free verification with the newer Meta Verified subscription. Meta Verified is a paid monthly service that verifies your identity with a government ID, and it's available to almost anyone who is willing to pay. The traditional blue check we're focusing on is earned through public recognition - you can't buy it.

Are You Eligible? Understanding the Core Requirements

Instagram is pretty specific about who qualifies for free verification. Anyone can apply, but to get approved, your account must meet a few key standards. Let's break them down one by one, because this is where most people get tripped up - especially with "notability."

Authentic

This is the easy part. Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity. You’ll need to prove this with an official government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) or official business documents (like articles of incorporation or a tax filing).

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 exceptions for language-specific accounts, but for most creators and brands, you get one shot.

Complete

This is basic profile maintenance, but it matters. Your account has to be public, have a bio, a profile photo, and at least one post. Instagram won't verify an inactive or incomplete account.

Notable

This is the big one. It's the most subjective and where most denial letters originate. To be considered "notable," your account must represent a person, brand, or entity that is "well-known" and "highly searched for."

So, what does that mean in practice? It means you need to be able to show that people are actively seeking you out and that you’ve been featured in legitimate news sources. Instagram reviewers will look for objective, third-party proof of your public interest. Here’s what they don’t count:

• Paid or sponsored media content (press releases you paid to distribute, advertorials, etc.).
• Links to your other social media profiles.
• Links to your own blog or website.

They’re looking for genuine media coverage. Think features in magazines, newspapers, major online publications, or on TV. It has to feel organic and earned, not purchased.

If you're aiming to be a recognized public figure or Instagram influencer, achieving widespread recognition through genuine media coverage is key to meeting Instagram's notability criteria.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Verification

Ready to apply? The process itself only takes a few minutes directly inside the Instagram app. Before you start, have a photo of your government-issued ID or official business documents ready to go.

1. Navigate to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings and Privacy.
3. If you have a creator or business account, tap on Creator tools and controls or Business tools and controls.
4. Scroll down and select Request Verification.
5. Fill out the form. You’ll first need to confirm your authenticity by entering your full name and uploading the required identification documents.
6. Next, you get to prove your notability. This is your chance to make a case for yourself. You’ll need to:
   • Select a Category: Choose what your account represents (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Music, Digital Creator/Influencer, etc.).
   • Define your Country/Region: Specify where your organization or public figure is most popular.
   • Describe Your Audience (Optional): Briefly explain who follows you and why. Keep it concise.
   • Also Known As (Optional): Mention other names your brand or you are known by.
   • Add Links: This is the most important part of the 'Notability' section. Provide up to five links to news articles, magazine features, or other independent media that showcase your public relevance. Do not link to your own website, YouTube channel, or TikTok profile. Strive for links from well-regarded news sources or trade publications in your industry.
7. Hit Submit, and you’re done! Instagram says they'll get back to you within 30 days through your Notification tab.

How to Actively Build Your Brand to Meet the 'Notable' Criteria

The verification application is just a form. The real work is in building a presence that's truly notable. If you don't have those news articles to link to yet, that’s your starting point. Being verified is a reflection of the work you do off of Instagram, not just on it.

Go on a PR Mission

You need to get people talking about you who aren't you. The best way to do this is by securing earned media mentions - stories written about you because you are a newsworthy subject.

• Use services like HARO (Help a Reporter Out): This free service connects journalists with sources for their articles. Responding to queries relevant to your industry can land you features in major publications.
• Craft a good story: Why are you interesting? Did you start your business with just $100? Did you innovate something unique in your industry? Pinpoint your compelling story and pitch it to local journalists or niche bloggers. Local news can be an excellent stepping stone to wider recognition.
• Issue legitimate press releases: While press release services where you just pay for distribution aren't great signals, a professional press release announcing something genuinely newsworthy (a major partnership, a significant new product, a big fundraising milestone) can get picked up by journalists organically.

For example, a boutique skincare brand could be pitched as a story on "cleantech beauty innovators" to a local magazine or a national trade publication. One or two good features like this can completely change your verification standing.

Strengthen Your Off-Platform Presence

When the Instagram review team gets your application, the first thing they likely do is Google you. What they find defines how they view your notability.

• Your Website is Home Base: A professional, well-designed website or digital portfolio acts as proof of your legitimacy. It should clearly explain who you are and what you do.
• Work on Your SEO: Think about what comes up when your name or brand is searched. You want the search results to be filled with positive, relevant links, including articles about you, your website, and guest appearances on podcasts or a professional LinkedIn profile.
• Consider Wikipedia: Getting a Wikipedia page is notoriously difficult because, much like Instagram verification, it requires significant sourcing from public media mentions. However, if you've already built up enough press to qualify for a Wikipedia article, you'll almost certainly qualify for Instagram verification.

By learning how to optimize your Instagram profile, you can ensure that your account effectively showcases your brand's professionalism and commitment, further supporting your notability for verification.

Don't Stop Creating Great Content

While content on Instagram isn't a direct review factor, a professional, consistent, and growing page shows commitment. It reinforces the image that you are a serious creator or business worthy of the title "public figure." Keep providing value to your audience - it’s what builds the community and brand identity that journalists find interesting in the first place.

Mastering how to use hashtags on Instagram can significantly enhance the discoverability of your content, helping to build the community and brand identity that Instagram looks for in notable accounts.

What to Do if Your Verification Request Is Denied

First off, don't panic or get discouraged. It's incredibly common for the first (or even second) application to be denied, usually because of insufficient "notable" links. A denial just means "not yet."

You can re-apply in 30 days. Don’t just hit "submit again" at the 30-day mark without improving your application. Use that time constructively. Try to land one or two more media features. Polish your website. Build your off-platform presence. Treat each denial as feedback pointing you toward where your brand-building efforts should go next.

Most importantly: never pay a third-party service that promises verification. These are always scams. The only way to get the traditional blue check is by applying for free through Instagram itself. Anyone offering verification for a fee is trying to trick you and could even put your account at risk.

Final Thoughts

Earning that blue checkmark for free is less about finding a secret hack and more about showing you've put in the work to build a recognized brand. Verification isn't the goal itself, it’s a milestone that reflects your credibility and authority in the real world. Focus on becoming genuinely notable in your niche through fantastic work and smart PR, and the application process becomes a simple formality.

We know that consistently building a brand across social media is a serious grind. Creating content, scheduling it at the right times, and engaging with your community is how you build the brand that eventually gets featured in the press, and it’s a lot to manage. That’s why we created Postbase - to streamline that workflow. Our visual calendar lets you plan your content strategy at a glance, and our reliable multi-platform scheduling tool helps you post consistently without living in the apps, which gives you more time to focus on a bigger-picture brand strategy.