In today’s creator economy, a verified badge on Instagram can boost your credibility, help you stand out, and signal authenticity to brands and followers. Whether you’re a rising content creator, entrepreneur, or public figure, getting verified on Instagram adds value to your online presence. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of becoming a verified influencer on Instagram, including key eligibility criteria, how to apply, and how to increase your chances of approval.
What Does Instagram Verification Mean?
Instagram’s blue checkmark signifies that your account is:
- Authentic (represents a real person, brand, or entity)
- Notable (well-known and frequently searched)
- Complete (includes bio, profile photo, and consistent activity)
- Unique (only one verified account per person or brand)
It’s a way to show followers that your profile is the official presence of a public figure or brand—not an impersonator or fan account.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Verified Influencer on Instagram
Step 1: Meet the Basic Verification Requirements
Before applying, ensure your account satisfies Instagram’s public requirements:
- Your account must be public, not private.
- Profile must be complete, with a profile photo, bio, and at least one post.
- You must use your real name or the name of your brand.
- You must enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Most importantly, you must be notable. Instagram checks if you’re featured in credible media outlets (paid press doesn’t count).
You don’t need millions of followers—but you do need to be mentioned or covered in multiple well-known news sources. This is where many applications fail.
Step 2: Prepare Your Profile for Submission
Here’s how to strengthen your profile before applying:
- a) Polish Your Bio
Make your Instagram bio clear and professional. Use keywords that describe your niche (e.g., fashion blogger, fitness coach, entrepreneur). Include links to your official website or media coverage, if relevant.
- b) Use a Recognizable Profile Picture
Use a clear image of your face or brand logo. If people recognize you from other platforms, keep your photo consistent.
- c) Post High-Quality, Relevant Content
Be active. Post regularly with content that reflects your niche. Make your profile look legitimate and engaging.
- d) Get Featured in Online Media
This is crucial. Work on getting organic press—guest blog posts, podcast features, interviews, mentions in articles, etc. PR agencies often help with this, but you can also pitch yourself to journalists or write thought pieces on Medium or LinkedIn.
Step 3: Apply for Instagram Verification
Once your profile is optimized, follow these steps:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
- Tap Settings and Privacy > Account > Request Verification.
- Fill in the form:
- Full Name: Use your legal or real-world name.
- Known As: Add your professional or stage name.
- Category: Choose your niche (e.g., influencer, journalist, artist).
- Audience and Region: Briefly explain who your audience is and where they’re located.
- Add Links: Include 3-5 links that prove your notability—news articles, interviews, or major social platforms. Avoid paid or sponsored content.
- Tap Submit. Instagram will review your request—typically within 30 days.
Step 4: Increase Your Chances of Approval
If you’re not approved the first time, you can reapply after 30 days. Use that time to build your credibility further.
Here’s what helps:
- Cross-platform consistency: Verify yourself on other platforms (like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok).
- Google presence: Ensure your name brings up relevant results. Being searchable improves notability.
- Content collaborations: Partner with other verified creators or brands. This increases visibility and social proof.
- Tagging and mentions: Get mentions from other verified users, especially in Stories or Reels.
- Avoid engagement fraud: Buying followers or likes decreases your chance. Authenticity matters.
Step 5: Consider Meta Verified (Paid Option)
If you meet the basic eligibility criteria but can’t get verified through the traditional method, Instagram now offers a paid alternative called Meta Verified.
What is Meta Verified?
Meta Verified is a monthly subscription service by Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) that gives you:
- The blue verification badge
- Increased visibility and reach
- Proactive impersonation protection
- Access to customer support
How to Subscribe:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap Menu > Meta Verified.
- Follow the steps to verify your identity (upload a government-issued ID).
- Set up payment. As of now, it costs around $14.99/month in most countries.
- Once verified, the badge appears on your profile.
Important Note: With Meta Verified, you must use your real name and face on your profile. You can’t use nicknames or logos as profile photos.
Step 6: Maintain Your Verified Status
Verification is not permanent. Instagram can remove your badge if:
- You break the platform’s community guidelines.
- You mislead users with your profile info.
- You sell or transfer your account.
- You change your username or branding without updating Meta.
To keep your badge:
- Continue posting high-quality content.
- Stay active and engaged with your audience.
- Avoid violating Instagram’s rules.
My Personal Experience
When I applied for Instagram verification, I was rejected the first two times. I realized my press coverage was mostly from small blogs and I hadn’t set up two-factor authentication.
After spending three months building a stronger Google presence, pitching myself to podcast hosts, and doing a few guest blogs, I applied again—this time including solid media links and a refined profile.
It worked.
My advice: don’t rush the process. Build real-world credibility first. The blue checkmark is a result, not a shortcut.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a verified influencer on Instagram requires more than just followers. It’s about building a trusted, visible presence both on and off the platform. Whether you go the organic route or subscribe through Meta Verified, make sure your profile reflects who you are and the impact you’re making.
