“After we got verified [on Instagram], it was a great asset to our social media team,” says Samantha Lim, Community Manager for monday.com. “Along with the trust it establishes when people interact with our brand, the features we got from Instagram helped with our campaigns.”
monday.com is just one of many businesses using Instagram to build a presence on the app, attract an audience, and inspire loyalty. monday.com is also one of many businesses on Instagram that can be threatened by impersonation and fake accounts, which is what makes verification so valuable.
In this post, learn more about why an Instagram verification badge is important, when you should seek verification, and how you can go about getting your account verified.
What is an Instagram verification badge?
An Instagram verification badge is a blue checkmark on an Instagram profile page that appears in someone’s profile, as well as in search results. The image below displays three Instagram profiles from businesses and public figures — HubSpot, Beyonce, and Telfar — that are verified, with the blue badge displayed next to their profile username.
Overall, the verification badge shows that Instagram confirmed the account to be authentic and owned by the celebrity, influencer, public figure, or business claiming to own it and that its content is legitimate (one of the most significant reasons to get verified on Instagram).
Why and when should you get verified on Instagram?
Getting verified on Instagram typically begins with a desire to show audiences that your account is your only real account, so they don’t follow an impersonator. It helps you create a credible and trustworthy presence on the app.
Verified accounts also appear higher up in search results, making it a valuable tool for businesses to generate awareness and exposure when users search for your name or keywords related to the content you share on the platform.
Instagram Verification Criteria
Anyone can request verification, but Instagram is careful about who it verifies, considering the blue badge carries significant weight.
Instagram says that there are a few key factors when reviewing requests. Most significantly, your account must align with Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines.
Your account also needs to be:
Authentic: Your account represents a real person (public figure, influencer, etc.) or a real registered business or entity.
Unique: The content you share needs to represent the unique qualities of the person or business requesting verification.
Complete: When you apply, your profile must be a public profile that contains a bio and profile photo and an active presence on the app.
Notable: Your account needs to represent someone that is well known or often searched for. Instagram reviews news sources for notability, but it does not consider paid or sponsored media.
How many followers to get verified on Instagram?
Instagram is tight-lipped about any numbers required for verification. While some sources say 10,000 followers, Instagram has never verified this claim.
It’s best to seek out verification that isn’t based on follower count but more about the presence you’re hoping to build on the app and if you think there is a possibility for impersonation.
Why Your Instagram Verification Application Could Be Denied
If your Instagram verification request is denied, it can be due to various reasons:
Your profile was not complete when you requested verification (i.e., you don’t have a profile photo).
The only content available to display your notability is paid or sponsored media.
You provided misleading information during the verification process.
You attempted to verify your account through a third party.
You applied for a verification badge multiple times before receiving a final decision from Instagram.
You can also lose your Instagram verification at any point if you violate community guidelines or terms of use. Instagram can disable your account for future use if you violate guidelines.
How to Request To Get Verified on Instagram
Now that you know everything about the verification process, let’s go over how you can apply.
1. Click on the hamburger button on the top right-hand side of your profile page, as shown in the image below, and select Settings, then Account.
2. In the Settings tab, select Account and scroll down to select Request Verification, as shown in the image below.
3. Once selected, you should see the Apply for Instagram Verification tool pop up, shown below.
In the form fields, you’ll be asked to confirm the authenticity of your or your business, verify your notability and relevance to the public interest, and add additional links that show your presence in the public sphere. It’s a best practice to include as much information as possible.
5. Once you’ve entered the relevant information, select Submit at the bottom of the application.
How long does it take to get verified on Instagram?
Instagram says you’ll receive a notification about your verification request in the Activity tab up to 30 days after submitting your request. While you wait, it’s best to continue using the platform as you normally would. If your application gets denied, you can submit another request after 30 days.
Whether you’re verified or not, the best way to interact with your audience on the platform and generate a presence is to be active and share valuable and informative content. Your audience will recognize that you’re there to help them succeed, and they’ll view you as a credible source.