Getting an instant distinction in the sea of Instagram is the desire of many. It can be done both simply and difficultly, but in no case should you miss such an opportunity! In this material, we will share with you information about the essence of the verification process on Instagram. You will learn who has the right to this coveted checkmark, how to apply for verification and how to increase your chances of its successful approval.
The essence of verification on Instagram
In general, verification means checking the authenticity, accuracy, and correctness of information. In the context of Instagram, verification confirms the legitimacy of accounts of famous people, stars, and brands. The verification icon next to the account name appears in search results and on the profile.
It can be assumed that the Instagram checkmark symbol is only granted to those accounts that have a huge audience of thousands and millions of users. The official instructions do not specify a specific number of subscribers, but the importance of “wide recognition” is emphasized. Although technically any user can apply for a checkmark on Instagram, not everyone succeeds in getting confirmation.
It can be assumed that the Instagram checkmark symbol is only granted to those accounts that have a huge audience of thousands and millions of users. The official instructions do not specify a specific number of subscribers, but the importance of “wide recognition” is emphasized. Although technically any user can apply for a checkmark on Instagram, not everyone succeeds in getting confirmation.
What are the perks that come with the Instagram checkmark?
The Instagram check mark symbol indicates the authenticity of the account and the popularity of the person or brand. It helps to make the account official, distinguishing it from fake and fan pages. It becomes easier for users to find the real profile of a celebrity or company when this unique icon is visible next to their nickname.
Let's take a simple example: finding Lady Gaga's Instagram account and being sure of its authenticity is a matter of seconds, while for Adam Driver's account such confidence is not always guaranteed.
The Instagram check mark symbol indicates the authenticity of the account and the popularity of the person or brand. It helps to make the account official, distinguishing it from fake and fan pages. It becomes easier for users to find the real profile of a celebrity or company when this unique icon is visible next to their nickname.
Let's take a simple example: finding Lady Gaga's Instagram account and being sure of its authenticity is a matter of seconds, while for Adam Driver's account such confidence is not always guaranteed.
Thus, verification on Instagram gives public figures additional protection of their name and increases the level of trust, and for users it provides convenience in search. For influencers, whose main income depends on the platform, the verification icon becomes a coveted status symbol. The distinctive appeal of this checkmark gives the blog not only imaginary prestige, but also contributes to the possibility of increasing rates for advertising.
However, despite the importance of verification, it is important to understand that the presence of a check mark does not indicate support from the community. The platform does not prioritize verified accounts in content distribution algorithms. Moreover, verification does not confirm authority, knowledge, or competence in a particular field.
Account requirements
To get verified on Instagram, there are a few criteria that need to be met. First, the account must be authentic, representing a real person, registered business, or organization. It is also important that the account is unique and the page contains complete information, including a biography, avatar, and at least one post. In addition, the account must represent a well-known person, brand, or organization whose name or title is actively searched for by other users.
However, even meeting all the criteria does not guarantee successful verification. The verification process is at the discretion of the platform administration, and there may be cases of refusal even if all requirements are met.
Update of rules
Instagram's verification process has evolved over the years. In 2018, it involved just one step, requiring you to confirm your account's authenticity by providing your name and a photo of your ID. In 2021, the process became more detailed, allowing you to specify your industry, add nicknames, describe your audience, and provide external links to prove your account's visibility.
How to Request Account Verification on Instagram
To begin, go to your personal profile and click on the menu icon, which is represented by three horizontal lines in the upper right corner of the screen. After that, select “Settings”, then go to the “Account” section and find the “Request verification” option. Following these steps, you will be taken to a form that you need to fill out.
The Username field will contain your nickname. It is important to remember that if your verification request is approved, you will no longer be able to change your nickname. You will then be asked to enter your real first and last name. Next, select the type of document and upload a photo of the document.
Next, you must confirm that your account has public interest by selecting the category that best describes your activity:
- news / media;
- sport;
- government and politics;
- music;
- fashion;
- entertainment;
- digital content creator / blogger / opinion leader;
- gamer;
- international company / brand / organization.
Although some fields are optional, it is recommended to fill them out as well. Describe the audience interested in your account. Include all nicknames and names by which you are known, even in other languages. Also add links to your social networks and media mentions. When finished, click the “Submit” button.
So, you have completed the process of requesting account verification on Instagram. Now all that remains is to wait for notification of the decision. Please note that the answer to your request should arrive within 30 days. You will be able to see it in the “Action” section, where notifications about likes, comments and subscriptions are usually displayed.
If your previous request was rejected, you will be able to reapply after 30 days. For those eager to get a verified checkmark, this time can seem like a long ordeal. An example of this can be seen in the work of Vancouver street artist iHeart. On his Instagram blog, he ironically depicts this waiting period in a work he calls “30 Days of Grief.”
What will help you get a tick
Re-applying for a verified Instagram badge does not in itself increase the likelihood of a positive decision. This approach only makes sense if the user has become more famous and popular during the waiting period.
Secrets to Successfully Getting a Verified Checkmark on Instagram The tips in this section, although not direct instructions from the platform for the verification process, can still be very useful. Here are aspects that have a direct impact on the development of your brand on the social network, and indirectly contribute to increasing the chances of getting a verified checkmark on Instagram.
Profile design and quality content
Instagram sets a fairly low entry barrier for those wishing to get verified: a profile with an avatar, a completed header, and one published post. However, it is clear that this is far from enough for successful promotion on the network. Attractive and meaningful content will not only attract the attention of the Instagram team during verification, but will also help attract new subscribers and increase conversion.
Attracting “live” subscribers
Instagram verification guidelines do not explicitly mention the number of followers. However, given that the checkmark is given to public figures and popular brands, it is assumed that it has some significance.
However, it is worth emphasizing that you should not try to attract more subscribers through outdated “gray schemes” such as mass subscription, liking and using third-party services for cheating. Instagram detects such activity as suspicious and this can lead to temporary blocking or deletion of the account.
To stimulate audience growth in a safe way, you can use the recommendations presented in the article “9 Original Ways to Attract Followers on Instagram”.
Search query frequency
Users can find your account by searching in the Explore section. Instagram tracks and counts the number of searches for your name or nickname. If people are actively searching for your profile, this is considered natural interest. Although you will not be able to see analytics on this data, you can influence the increase of interest in your personal brand or company.
Reports of impostors
A well-known image or successful brand will sooner or later attract scammers who may copy your content or impersonate you. Your job is to track down these fake accounts and report them. This way, you will be more likely to attract the attention of the administration and become a more likely candidate for verification on Instagram. Ultimately, the purpose of verification is to distinguish real accounts from fake ones.
The right moment
Your visibility outside of Instagram is important for account verification. Achievements confirmed by independent media, news portals or professional communities can play a significant role. It is worth applying for verification when your brand or personality is widely known. It is important to keep in mind that Instagram does not consider paid or advertising content as news sources.
What to Avoid to Get a Checkmark on Instagram
Shady promotion experts may sometimes suggest different ways to circumvent the rules to get a tick on Instagram. But we want to warn you about such practices and explain why you should avoid shortcuts.
Buying a tick on Instagram
You already know that verification on Instagram does not require extra effort. Don’t fall for offers to buy a badge – the Instagram checkmark cannot be bought or transferred from one account to another. Suspicious scammers may tell stories about friends who have “connections on Instagram and can help.” Or offer to give you their checkmark, which they “no longer need.” Or even create third-party applications and promise a “full refund.”
Instagram conducts regular audits both on and off its platform to identify and remove violators. They don't stand still when it comes to removing accounts when they find that the verification checkmark was fraudulently obtained or someone is trading verified accounts.
Redirect subscribers to other social networks
In the context of official verification, Instagram does not welcome accounts created primarily to attract attention to profiles on other social networks. If you are active on YouTube, Telegram, TikTok or Twitter, you should be careful not to include too obvious links in your profile description or stories. It is better to leave a link to your website, landing pages or other online resources in the profile header, but not to other social networks.
The exception is a friendly connection with Facebook. If you already have a blue checkmark on Facebook and you don’t have one on Instagram, it’s a good idea to link your accounts and add links to them in your profile descriptions. This helps to confirm your authenticity.
Providing false information
Trying to deceive Instagram administrators when filling out the application will likely lead to negative results. Even if you manage to get a tick, providing false or misleading information will eventually result in Instagram permanently deleting both the badge and your profile.
Submitting multiple applications
If you submit multiple applications before the first one is reviewed, all of them will be rejected.
What to Avoid to Get a Checkmark on Instagram
Shady promotion experts may sometimes suggest different ways to circumvent the rules to get a tick on Instagram. But we want to warn you about such practices and explain why you should avoid shortcuts.
Buying a tick on Instagram
You already know that verification on Instagram does not require extra effort. Don’t fall for offers to buy a badge – the Instagram checkmark cannot be bought or transferred from one account to another. Suspicious scammers may tell stories about friends who have “connections on Instagram and can help.” Or offer to give you their checkmark, which they “no longer need.” Or even create third-party applications and promise a “full refund.”
Instagram conducts regular audits both on and off its platform to identify and remove violators. They don't stand still when it comes to removing accounts when they find that the verification checkmark was fraudulently obtained or someone is trading verified accounts.
Redirect subscribers to other social networks
In the context of official verification, Instagram does not welcome accounts created primarily to attract attention to profiles on other social networks. If you are active on YouTube, Telegram, TikTok or Twitter, you should be careful not to include too obvious links in your profile description or stories. It is better to leave a link to your website, landing pages or other online resources in the profile header, but not to other social networks.
The exception is a friendly connection with Facebook. If you already have a blue checkmark on Facebook and you don’t have one on Instagram, it’s a good idea to link your accounts and add links to them in your profile descriptions. This helps to confirm your authenticity.
Providing false information
Trying to deceive Instagram administrators when filling out the application will likely lead to negative results. Even if you manage to get a tick, providing false or misleading information will eventually result in Instagram permanently deleting both the badge and your profile.
Submitting multiple applications
If you submit multiple applications before the first one is reviewed, all of them will be rejected.
Maintaining Your Instagram Verification Status: Tips
Getting a blue checkmark from Instagram is a big deal, but it’s important to know how to maintain your status as a verified and authentic account. The following tips will help you maintain that status:
- Keep your account public As mentioned, it is important to have your account public when you apply and while you are waiting for verification. Once you have received the checkmark, it is also recommended that you do not make your profile private.
- Follow the rules Regardless of whether you have a check mark, following Instagram's rules and guidelines is mandatory. Violating the terms of use may result in your account being blocked or deleted. Remember that being verified does not absolve you of the responsibility for ethical and honest behavior in the community. Restoring a verified account after violating the rules will be a complex process.
- Ensure account security Verified accounts attract the attention of attackers who may try to access your account. To minimize risks, enable two-factor authentication. This will add an additional layer of protection and ensure the safety of your profile.
It is important to understand that the Instagram check mark is not only an honorable distinction, but also an obligation to maintain high standards and security of your account. Following these tips will help you maintain your status as a verified and trusted user of the platform.
Conclusion
Getting verified on Instagram is not only a prestigious distinction, but also a responsibility to the community and the platform. Receiving the blue checkmark gives you the opportunity to prove your authenticity and credibility, but also comes with a responsibility to maintain high standards of behavior and safety.
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