In 2025, getting verified on Instagram is more than just a badge of status. It’s a way to build trust, boost visibility, and protect your identity online. Whether you’re a creator, public figure, or business, that blue checkmark can help you stand out in a crowded space.
Instagram now offers two types of verification. One is the traditional method, which is free and based on public interest and media recognition. The other is Meta Verified, a paid subscription that gives you the badge along with added benefits like premium support and account protection.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn who qualifies, what the requirements are, and how to get verified on Instagram. We’ll also share tips to improve your chances and answer the most common questions people ask about the blue checkmark.
Let’s get started.
What is Instagram Verification?
Instagram verification is the process of confirming that an account truly represents the person, brand, or business it claims to be. When your account is verified, a small blue checkmark appears next to your name on your profile and in search results. This badge signals to followers and potential followers that your presence on Instagram is authentic.
In 2025, Instagram offers two paths to get verified:
- Traditional verification. This is the original method, where Instagram grants the badge based on notability, public interest, and media presence. It’s free but selective.
- Meta verified. This is a paid subscription service introduced by Meta. With this option, anyone who meets identity and account requirements can apply. Along with the blue badge, you also get added perks like in-app support and protection from impersonation.
Instagram verification is available to a wide range of users, but not everyone qualifies automatically. The platform primarily verifies accounts that are likely to be impersonated or are in the public interest.
You can apply for verification if you are:
- A public figure, celebrity, or artist with a growing presence
- A content creator or influencer with a dedicated following
- A business or brand looking to boost credibility
- A media outlet, organization, or nonprofit with public visibility
If your account plays a key role in your industry or is commonly searched for, you may be a strong candidate.
However, not everyone should apply. If your account is incomplete, lacks activity, or hasn’t been mentioned in any public sources, your application is likely to be rejected. Instagram is also strict about accounts that use fake followers or try to manipulate engagement.
In short, verification is best suited for individuals and organizations who are already building trust, growing online visibility, and appearing in real conversations outside of the platform.
Check our guide on How to Use Instagram for Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Grow in 2025.
Why Get Verified on Instagram?
Earning the blue checkmark on Instagram isn’t just about looking official. It comes with several real benefits that can help you grow your presence and protect your identity on the platform.
Build trust and credibility
The blue badge instantly tells others that your account is authentic. Whether you’re a business or an individual, people are more likely to follow, engage with, and buy from verified accounts because they know you’re the real deal.
Protect yourself from impersonators
Verified accounts are less likely to be copied or impersonated. If someone tries to create a fake version of your profile, Instagram will prioritize your verified account in search results and take action against impersonators more quickly.
Get access to premium support
If you choose the Meta Verified option, you’ll gain access to better support services. This includes faster help with account issues, impersonation reports, and security concerns — a major benefit for creators and business owners who rely on Instagram daily.
Boost your visibility and engagement
Verified accounts often show up higher in search results and recommended lists. This can lead to more profile visits, better engagement, and stronger reach — all important for growing your audience and online brand.
What Are the Instagram Verification Requirements?
Instagram verification can be obtained through two primary methods: traditional eligibility-based verification or the Meta Verified subscription. Both give you the same blue checkmark, but the rules and process behind each are very different.
General Requirements (For All Accounts)
Whether you’re applying through the traditional method or Meta Verified, your account must meet some basic conditions:
- Authentic. You must represent a real person, brand, or legal business.
- Unique. Only one account per person or business can be verified (unless you have language-specific accounts).
- Complete. Your profile must be public and include a bio, a profile photo, and some level of activity (e.g., recent posts).
- Active. Your account should show ongoing use and follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.
General interest pages, fan accounts, and meme pages are not eligible for verification.
Traditional Verification Requirements (Free)
The traditional path is based on public notability, not just activity or followers. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of authenticity. You must submit official documents (like a passport or business license) that prove your identity or business status.
- Notability. Your account must represent a highly searched and widely recognized figure, brand, or entity. Instagram checks for multiple mentions in independent news sources. Paid, promotional, or press-release-style content won’t count.
- Consistency. Your account must follow a clear identity with no misleading or generic content. Changing your username after verification can result in losing the badge.
- Exclusivity. Only one account per person or business is allowed unless you operate regionally or in multiple languages.
Note: Even with a large follower count, your application can be rejected if you don’t meet Instagram’s internal standards for notability.
Meta Verified Requirements (Paid Subscription)
Meta Verified offers a faster, more accessible path to the blue badge. Anyone can apply as long as they meet identity and activity requirements:
- Age. You must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your country.
- Location. Your account must be based in a country where Meta Verified is officially available.
- Real name and photo. Your profile must use your legal name and a profile photo that clearly shows your face.
- Government ID. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required. It must match both your name and profile image.
- Video verification. You’ll be asked to record a short selfie video to confirm your identity.
- Two-factor authentication. This must be enabled for added account security.
- Subscription payment. A monthly fee is required. If you cancel, your badge will be removed.
Meta Verified doesn’t require media coverage or a public presence, making it an ideal option for newer creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
You may also like: How to Make Money on Instagram in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide.
How to Get Verified on Instagram
To get verified on Instagram in 2025, there are two main methods: applying for traditional verification (free) or subscribing to Meta Verified (paid). Both are done through the mobile app and follow a specific process with different requirements.
Option 1: Traditional Verification (Free)
This method is best for public figures, creators, or brands with proven notability.
1. Open the Instagram app and log into the account you want to verify.
2. Go to your profile and tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Tap “Business tools and controls” or “Account type and tools”, then select “Request verification.”
4. Fill out the application form with the following:
- Your full legal name
- A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Business documents (if applying on behalf of a company or brand)
- Proof of notability – this can include links to articles, news features, or official social media profiles with a large following
5. Tap Submit and wait for Instagram’s review, which typically takes up to 30 days.
You’ll be notified of the decision via the Instagram app. If denied, you can reapply after 30 days.
Note: Make sure your profile is public, has a profile photo and bio, and shows recent activity. Incomplete or inactive accounts won’t be approved.
Option 2: Meta Verified (Paid Subscription)
Meta Verified is ideal for users who may not qualify for traditional verification but want access to the badge, improved support, and extra security.
- Make sure you meet the basic eligibility:
- You’re 18 years or older
- Your profile uses your legal name and shows a clear photo of your face
- Two-factor authentication is turned on
- You have a government-issued ID that matches your profile name and image
- You’re located in a region where Meta Verified is currently available (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Brazil (now expanding), most European countries, selected Latin American countries).
- Open the Instagram app, go to your profile, and tap the menu icon.
- Look for Meta Verified in the menu or search for it under settings.
3. Follow the prompts to sign up and pay the monthly subscription fee (around $14.99/month in most regions).
- Upload your ID and complete a video selfie for identity verification.
- Once approved, your blue badge will appear, usually within 48 hours.
Note: If you cancel your subscription, you will lose the Meta Verified badge.
Key tips for both methods
- You must apply through the Instagram mobile app, web submissions are not supported.
- Your account must be public, with a complete profile, including a bio and profile photo.
- Traditional verification is harder to obtain but doesn’t require a subscription.
- Meta Verified is quicker and open to most users, though it does come with a recurring fee.
- Regardless of the method, you must prove authenticity and follow Instagram’s rules.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Verified
To boost your chances of getting verified on Instagram in 2025, focus on authenticity, public visibility, and building a strong, consistent digital presence. Instagram favors real people and brands with a proven footprint both on and off the platform.
Build Media Coverage (Not Sponsored)
Unpaid media coverage remains one of the most effective ways to prove notability. Instagram reviewers prioritize organic press, such as news articles, interviews, podcast features, or editorial write-ups — over paid promotions or PR placements.
Sponsored content doesn’t count, and press that appears in search results naturally carries more weight. Even small publications or niche blogs can help, as long as they’re credible and not paid placements.
Note: You should apply for verification during moments of peak exposure, like after a trending post or viral story, when your name is getting fresh attention online.
Use Consistent Branding Across Platforms
Consistency is key. Use the same name, handle, profile image, and tone of voice across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and your website. This unified branding builds credibility and makes your account easier to verify.
A consistent digital identity across platforms helps Instagram connect the dots and verify that your account represents a real, traceable presence.
Many verified creators note that accounts with strong cross-platform branding tend to build trust faster, both with Instagram and with audiences.
Get Publicity Through Press Mentions
Strong press mentions, especially non-paid ones, serve as proof that you or your brand is worth verifying. These can include:
- Interviews in industry blogs
- Mentions in local or national news
- Collaborations with known creators or brands
- Event appearances, panels, or public speaking
Include these links in your verification application. The more reputable and recent they are, the better.
Note: Accounts that regularly appear in unpaid, search-indexed media tend to get approved more often, even without massive follower counts.
Optimize Your Bio and Profile for Search
Instagram’s review team will evaluate how clearly your profile represents a real person or business. Make sure your profile includes:
- A clear, high-quality profile photo showing your face (or brand logo)
- A well-written bio explaining who you are and what you do
- Accurate contact information and a relevant business category
- A visible posting history with Reels, Stories, and feed posts
Avoid placing too many links to other platforms. Instagram discourages cross-platform promotion for accounts seeking verification.
Note: Users also report better outcomes when all fields in the application form are filled completely, with no missing info or mismatched names between profile and ID.
Don’t Fake It – Avoid Black Market Services
Never attempt to buy a blue check through unofficial sellers or agencies. These black market services violate Instagram’s policies and can get your account banned or blacklisted permanently.
Also avoid fake engagement strategies — like buying followers, using bots, or mass following/unfollowing. Instagram’s verification team checks for authentic growth and behavior, not artificial numbers.
Meta Verified can backfire if you subscribe too early. Community feedback suggests waiting until you have at least 10,000 followers and some form of public recognition. Otherwise, the badge may come across as “bought,” which can damage your reputation instead of improving it.
Accounts with strong organic growth — typically over 30,000 followers and regular unpaid media coverage — report the highest success rates when applying for traditional verification. Building real influence and PR visibility works better than any shortcut.
How to Get a Blue Check on Instagram: FAQs
Still have questions about Instagram verification? Here are the most common ones answered clearly and concisely to help you move forward with confidence.
How many followers do I need to get verified?
There is no official minimum follower count required for verification. However, accounts with 10,000+ followers and strong public presence tend to have better chances, especially for traditional (free) verification.
For Meta Verified, anyone over 18 can apply regardless of follower size — as long as identity requirements are met.
How long does Instagram verification take?
For traditional verification, the review process usually takes up to 30 days. You’ll receive a notification in the app once Instagram makes a decision. Meta Verified applications are often processed faster, typically within 24 to 48 hours after submitting your ID and completing the selfie video.
Can I apply again if my request is denied?
Yes. If your verification request is rejected, you can reapply after 30 days through the Instagram app. Take that time to improve your profile, build more press coverage, and correct any issues from your previous application.
Can I pay to get verified without using Meta Verified?
No. Instagram only allows paid verification through the official Meta Verified subscription. Any third-party service offering to sell a verification badge is against Instagram’s policies and should be avoided.
Buying a badge through unofficial sources can result in your account being restricted or permanently banned.
Can businesses get verified too?
Absolutely. Brands, companies, and organizations can apply for verification using either the traditional method or Meta Verified. Make sure to submit valid business documents and use a profile that reflects your official brand identity.
What happens if I use false info in my application?
Using fake names, incorrect documents, or misleading information will lead to automatic rejection. In serious cases, Instagram may suspend or disable your account permanently. Always make sure your profile info matches your ID and that your content aligns with your real identity or brand.
Will Meta Verified increase my reach?
Not directly. While Meta Verified gives you priority support and impersonation protection, it doesn’t guarantee better placement in feeds or search results. You’ll still need high-quality content and engagement to grow your visibility.
Some users report slight improvements in reach, but these are not guaranteed and may vary by account type and audience.
How to Get Instagram Verified: Final Thoughts
Getting verified on Instagram in 2025 is no longer just for celebrities and global brands. With the introduction of Meta Verified, more creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals have access to the blue checkmark — but how you earn it still matters.
If you’re aiming for traditional verification, focus on building your public presence. That means gaining organic followers, securing unpaid media coverage, and maintaining a complete, authentic profile that aligns with who you are and what you do.
If you’re considering Meta Verified, treat it as a tool for professional credibility and account security, not just a shortcut to status. While it offers faster access to verification, quality content and real engagement are still essential to be taken seriously.
No matter which path you choose, always remember:
- Be authentic
- Build trust with your audience
- Grow your visibility organically
- Avoid shortcuts or black-hat tactics
Verification is a milestone, not a goal. What really matters is what you do with your platform once you earn the checkmark.
