How to Verify an Instagram Business Account

That little blue checkmark next to an Instagram handle is more than just a status symbol, it's a mark of authenticity that tells your audience you're the real deal. Getting verified might seem like a mysterious process, but it's actually a straightforward application that hinges on meeting a few specific criteria. We'll walk through exactly what Instagram is looking for, how to submit your application step-by-step, and what to do if you don’t get approved on your first try.

What 'Verified' Actually Means on Instagram

First, let's clear up a common misconception. The blue verification badge on Instagram isn't an endorsement from the platform, nor does it mean Instagram favors your content in the algorithm. It has a single, vital purpose: to confirm authenticity.

The badge signifies that Instagram has confirmed the account genuinely represents the public figure, celebrity, or brand it claims to be. This helps prevent impersonation and makes it easier for users to find the official accounts they’re looking for. While verification doesn't unlock special features, it adds a powerful layer of credibility and trust, signaling to potential followers and customers that your business is legitimate.

Are you Eligible? Breaking Down Instagram’s Verification Criteria

Before you even think about applying, you need to make sure your account meets Instagram’s basic requirements. Getting verified isn't just about filling out a form, it's about proving your account is worthy of that blue check. Instagram judges applications against four core pillars.

1. Authentic: Representing a Real Entity

This one is simple. Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legal entity. You’ll need to prove this with official documentation.

• For a person: You'll need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport.
• For a business: You can use official business documents like articles of incorporation, a tax filing, or a recent utility bill in your business’s name.

This isn’t optional, it’s a mandatory part of the application process used to confirm you are who you say you are.

2. Unique: The One and Only

Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Instagram typically only verifies one account per person or business. There are exceptions for language-specific accounts, but generally, you can't get multiple accounts verified for the same brand.

This rule also means that general interest accounts (e.g., @cutepuppypics) or fan accounts (@bieberfanclubforever) are not eligible for verification.

3. Complete: Your Profile is Polished and Public

Instagram won’t verify an account that looks half-finished. To be considered, your profile must be:

• Public: Private accounts cannot be verified. Period.
• Have a Bio: Your bio should be filled out, clearly stating what you or your business does.
• Have a Profile Picture: Use a professional headshot or a clean company logo.
• Be Active: You must have at least one post on your grid. An empty account has zero chance of being verified.

4. Notable: The Make-or-Break Factor

This is where most applications succeed or fail. It’s not enough to be real and unique, Instagram requires that your account represent a “well-known, highly searched for” person, brand, or entity. In simple terms, people need to be looking for you.

How does Instagram measure notability? They review for mentions in multiple, independent, credible news sources. Here's a deeper look at what that means:

What Counts as a 'Notable' Source?

Instagram wants to see that the world outside of social media recognizes you or your brand. They’re looking for evidence of genuine public interest. Examples of strong sources include:

• Feature articles in national magazines (Forbes, Vogue, Fast Company).
• News stories on major television networks or news publications (CNN, The New York Times, BBC News).
• Reviews or features in respected industry-specific publications (e.g., TechCrunch for a startup, Pitchfork for a musician).
• Appearance on a well-known podcast within your industry.

The key here is that the coverage must be organic and unbiased. The journalist or publication decided to cover you because you are newsworthy, not because you paid them.

What Does NOT Count?

This is just as important to understand. Many people waste their application by submitting links that Instagram will simply ignore. The following are not considered valid proof of notability:

• Paid or sponsored content: If an article is marked as "Sponsored Content," "Branded Content," or is clearly an advertisement, it doesn't count. Instagram wants earned media, not paid media.
• Press Releases: Distributing a press release yourself and having it get picked up by PR syndication sites is not the same as a journalist writing about you. These don’t count.
• Your Own Website or Blog: You can't use content you created to prove your own notability.
• Other Social Media Profiles: Linking to your TikTok or LinkedIn profile won't work. Instagram wants independent, third-party validation.
• Wikipedia pages: While having one can be a sign of notability, they can be edited by anyone and are often used as supporting evidence rather than the sole reason for verification.

To get verified, you need to focus on building your brand’s presence off of Instagram. This public relations work is often the hardest and most time-consuming part of the process.

How to Request Verification: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've reviewed the criteria and believe you're eligible, applying only takes a few minutes directly within the Instagram app. Follow these steps precisely.

1. Go to Settings: Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile. Tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger menu") in the top-right corner to open the menu, then tap "Settings and privacy."
2. Find the Application: Scroll down and tap on "Business tools and controls." (On some accounts, this might be under "Creator tools and controls"). From there, tap on "Request verification."
3. Confirm Your Authenticity: You'll be taken to the "Apply for Instagram Verification" form.
   • Step 1: Confirm authenticity: Your full legal name or your business's legal name goes here. Then, you'll need to upload a photo of your required documentation. Choose the Document Type (Driver's license, Passport, Articles of incorporation, etc.) and then tap "Add file" to upload it from your phone.
4. Confirm Your Notability: This is arguably the most important part of the application.
   • Step 2: Confirm notability:
     • Category: Select the category that best describes what you do (e.g., Fashion, Music, Business/Brand/Organization).
     • Country/Region: Enter the country where you or your business is most well-known.
     • Audience (optional): Briefly describe the people who follow your account. Who are they? What are they interested in?
     • Also known as (optional): If your brand is known by another name (like an abbreviation), add it here.
   • Links (Optional, But Don't Skip This): This section lets you provide up to five links to news articles that prove you are well-known. This is your chance to prove notability. Add your strongest pieces of press coverage here. Remember, don’t link to your other social media profiles or paid content. Focus on legitimate, unbiased articles written about you.
5. Submit and Wait: Double-check all of your information, then tap the "Submit" button at the bottom. The waiting game begins!

You've Applied. What Happens Now?

After you submit your application, Instagram will review it and notify you of their decision in your "Notifications" tab. The official timeline states you’ll get a response within 30 days, but it can often be much faster - sometimes within a few days.

If You're Approved… Woohoo!

Congratulations! A blue checkmark will automatically appear on your profile. There’s nothing else you need to do, but be mindful that you can't change your username without losing the badge. Also, the verification can be revoked if you violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Use.

If You’re Denied (It Happens!)

A denial is disheartening, but it's not a permanent ban. It's a very common outcome, usually because the account didn't meet the "notable" criteria. Don't worry, you can reapply in 30 days. Here’s how to use that month productively:

• Review Your Rejection: The denial notice is usually generic, but think about why you might have been rejected. Was your press not strong enough? Does your profile look incomplete?
• Focus on a PR Push: The best thing you can do is work on building your public profile outside of Instagram. Pitch yourself to journalists in your niche. Offer to write a guest blog on a respected industry website. Get quoted as an expert source. Land a feature in a local publication.
• Let It Grow Organically: Verification is a long game. Continue producing great content, growing your audience authentically, and establishing yourself as an authority in your field. Sooner or later, the press will follow, and your next application will be much stronger.

Final Thoughts

Successfully verifying an Instagram business account boils down to proving two things: that you are who you say you are, and that people are already talking about you. It's a stamp of authenticity built on your reputation outside the platform, reflected by a simple, powerful blue check.

Building that professional, authoritative presence is what verification is all about, and that kind of brand-building requires consistency. Since we know first-hand how time-consuming it is to juggle content for multiple platforms, we designed Postbase to make that simpler. By creating, planning, and scheduling all your social media content - including Reels and video - from one clean, beautiful calendar, you can stay consistent without the headache and focus on the bigger picture of growing your brand’s influence.