Let’s be honest, it looks really good. But besides it just looking good, it has also proven itself to be super-helpful when it comes to building connections and gaining exposure.
Wondering how to get verified on Instagram? There’s a lot more to it than just clicking on a link. But I’m here to walk you through it.
It’s not exactly easy to stand out on Instagram. After all, there are more than 1 billion active users on the platform. There’s a decent chance that there’s someone with your exact name on the platform. So, how can you stand out from impostors and get yourself noticed?
By getting the coveted blue checkmark that means you’re verified on Instagram. It lets people know that you’re legit and that you have value to an audience. But if it were easy, everyone would do it. And it would lose most of its meaning.
When Instagram first started verifying Instagram accounts, it was never meant to be a symbol representing fame. It was meant to symbolize that the verified account, is who they say they are. In that case, shouldn’t everyone who verify their ID be verified? No. This approach changed, and Instagram is now only verifying “notable” entities.
Whether you’re a musician, comedian, gamer or a business owner, being verified on Instagram gives you that extra push from “just a musician” to a professional. The average SoundCloud-rapper isn’t verified on Instagram. But those who rank on Billboard 100 is. The point is, you can get verified without being on Billboard’s Top 100 ranking too. But it’ll cost you some money. Business owners are more likely to get invited to speak at conferences, podcasts and guest shows if they’re verified. It sounds cliché, but this is what the world has come to. Being verified makes you attractive. People get curious, and they get involved to learn more about you.
Having the blue verification checkmark badge added to your Instagram account means that you’re considered someone of interest on the social platform.
In Instagram’s own words, verification signals “authenticity and notability.” It also means that you’ve cleared something of a high bar. The verified badge means that Instagram considers an account to “represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand or entity.”
When you see the blue check, Instagram wants you to know you’re following an authentic account. Not a fan account or a fake one.
But it’s also important to know that being verified doesn’t equal an endorsement from Instagram. It also doesn’t mean that your content will show up more on the platform than posts from non-verified accounts. Instagram verification allows users to easily find the accounts they’re more likely to be looking for. Sometimes, that means the platform has to act fairly quickly as it seeks to verify accounts that might have recently gone viral or are a big part of what people in their community are talking about.
Anyone can request a verified badge on Instagram. However, Instagram is notoriously picky (and in many ways mysterious) about who actually gets verified. So, if you’re running an account that’s right on the cusp of “notable,” how do you know if you meet the criteria?
Just because you have a blue checkmark on Twitter or Facebook, for instance, doesn’t guarantee you’ll get one on Instagram.
Instagram is blunt, saying that “Only some public figures, celebrities, and brands have verified badges on Instagram.” In other words: “only accounts with a high likelihood of being impersonated.”
Here is what we do know about eligibility.
First, you must adhere to the network’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. On top of that, your account must meet each of these criteria:
If you’re relatively confident you meet these criteria, or you just feel like rolling the dice, it’s time to go ahead and verify your Instagram account.
The good news is: You can!
As long as you are able to check off all of the criteria listed above and provide proof of “notability” (i.e. show that person, brand, organization, publication or pet your account represents is in the public interest), you can get verified on Instagram. Technically, follower count is not a criterion when it comes to Instagram verification. The most important thing is to have press release ready before you require Instagram to verify your page.
Google yourself. Has your brand been featured in multiple news sources? Did a recent press release or white paper get picked up? Do you have a sound bite or a profile in a major international publication? Paid or promotional content definitely does not count.
If PR hasn’t been a priority for your brand thus far, you might have a more difficult time proving how “notable” you are. Especially because there’s no place to submit your proof: Instagram does its own research, so it’s up to you to make sure your news is above the fold and impossible to ignore.
If you’ve recently experienced a windfall of attention, or you’re planning a big announcement, think about capitalizing on it and applying for that checkmark while your name is hot.
© Miki Mitrev 2022. All Right Reserved.