You Don’t Need a Large Following for Instagram Verification

Getting a verification badge on any social media platform has become the pinnacle of online success. When it comes to Instagram, verified accounts have a blue tick beside their username. Verification is typically done mainly for public figures, businesses, and celebrities to reduce impersonation cases on the platform. However, there have been some recent changes made to the overall Instagram verification process.

According to Adam Mosseri, the current Head of Instagram, “While follower count was never a requirement to get verified through the in-app form (which anyone can apply for), we did have certain systems in place that prioritized accounts with high followings to help get through the tens of thousands of requests received every day. We’ve since removed this from the automated part of the process.” In other words, this means that accounts with a lower following have an equal chance of getting verified compared to an account with a larger following.

So, what are the requirements to get the blue badge? Let’s dive in. 

Can anyone get verified?

Technically, this is true. Unfortunately, it is still incredibly hard if you are not a public figure or celebrity with some sort of significance. The reason for verifying accounts is to reduce the possibilities of impersonation. This creates no need for someone who is not a public entity to get the blue badge. 

Requirements for getting verified on Instagram

The five requirements for being verified on Instagram include; being authentic, notable, unique, public, and with a complete profile. Let’s briefly look at each of these.

• Authentic: If the names you are using do not belong to you or if you are not a legitimate business, you will likely not be verified.
• Notable: Your user account should be one of those that is searched for by many people on Instagram. This is where things get easier for public figures. 
• Unique: Instagram can verify only one account per person or business. You can not have more than one account under the same business or individual being verified. 
• Public: If you want your profile to be verified, it has to be a public one. Instagram doesn’t verify private accounts.  
• Complete profile: Accounts that have missing information in their bio can not get verified on Instagram. So, make sure you have all the information filled out if you want that blue badge. 

Steps for getting verified on Instagram

1. Log into your account that you want to verify, then go to your profile page.
2. On your profile page, click the menu icon at the top right. You will be presented with several options. Select the gear settings icon at the bottom left of your screen. 
3. Click on Account and select the request verification option.
4. Confirm your identity. You will be required to input your full names or the names of your business. Make sure you use the registered names because you will have back this up with your National ID, driving license, or business registration details if the account is for a business. You will also be asked to input your commonly used name (your nickname or any official names). Finally, you will have to choose the category where your Instagram account falls.
5. When you’re sure about all the information provided, you can submit your request for review. There is no clear timeline of how long this process takes, but it usually takes less than a week to hear back. In some cases, it can take much longer. 
6. You may also find it useful to read some of Instagram’s new changes. Some of these could affect the verification process.  

Tips to increase your chances 

• Be real. Before you put in your verification request, make sure your account is authentic and represents you as a person or your business. You also need to submit your identification documents containing the name you use on your Instagram account.
• Make sure your account is public. 
• Follow all the rules. Your account activities should follow Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of use. Violating any of the rules could affect your chances of getting the blue badge. 
• Send a request for only one account.
• Make sure no section of your profile is missing information.
• Stay active. Try to have at least a few posts and some engagement before applying. 
• Avoid including links to other social platforms in your profile information. 
• Have a personal or business website.

In conclusion, the Instagram verification process is not easy. It will take some time to pass all the requirements, and the most challenging one is notability. Instagram typically looks for a presence that consists of online notability, namely press releases and article features. Anyone interested in obtaining verification must build up a brand. That way, your chances increase.