Verification on Instagram

Verification on Instagram (Updated for 2023)

Understanding Verification on Instagram

Purpose of Verification

• Authenticity: Assures users that the account is genuine.
• Visibility: Verified accounts may appear higher in search results.
• Trustworthiness: Builds trust with the audience, indicating a legitimate presence.

Introducing Meta Verified

What is Meta Verified?

• Verification Badge: A blue checkmark indicating the account is verified.
• Proactive Protection: Increased security against impersonation.
• Direct Support: Access to customer support agents.
• Increased Visibility and Reach: Enhanced prominence in some areas of the platform.

Eligibility Requirements for Meta Verified

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Account Authenticity:
  • Must be a real person or business.
  • Only individual profiles are eligible; businesses and entities cannot apply through Meta Verified.
• Prior Activity:
  • Have recent activity on your account, such as posts or engagement.
• Profile Completeness:
  • Display your real name on your profile.
  • Include a profile picture that shows your face.
• Two-Factor Authentication:
  • Must have two-factor authentication enabled.
• Government ID:
  • Provide a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the profile name and photo.

How to Apply for Meta Verified

1. Access Meta Verified Subscription:
   • On Instagram, go to your profile and tap the menu in the top right corner.
   • Select Settings and Privacy > Accounts Center.
   • Tap Meta Verified.
2. Set Up Payment Method:
   • Choose your preferred payment option (monthly subscription).
3. Complete Verification Process:
   • Submit a photo of your government-issued ID.
   • Ensure your profile name and photo match your ID.
4. Await Approval:
   • Instagram will review your application.
   • You will receive a notification upon approval.

Benefits of Meta Verified

• Blue Verification Badge: Indicates authenticity.
• Enhanced Protection: Proactive monitoring for impersonation.
• Customer Support: Access to real-time support for account issues.
• Increased Visibility: Potential for increased exposure in search, comments, and recommendations.
• Exclusive Features: Access to exclusive stickers for Stories and Reels (features may vary).

Traditional Verification for Notable Accounts

Eligibility Requirements

1. Authentic:
   • Represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
2. Unique:
   • Be the unique presence of the person or business it represents.
   • Only one account per person or business may be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts.
   • General interest accounts (e.g., @fashion) are not eligible.
3. Complete:
   • Public account with a bio, profile photo, and at least one post.
   • No “add me” links to other social media services.
4. Notable:
   • Represent a well-known, highly searched person, brand, or entity.
   • Featured in multiple authentic news sources.
   • Paid or promotional content does not count toward eligibility.

How to Request a Verification Badge

1. Log In:
   • Ensure you’re logged into the account you’re requesting verification for.
2. Navigate to Settings:
   • Go to your profile.
   • Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right corner.
   • Select Settings and Privacy.
3. Access Verification Request:
   • Tap Account Type and Tools.
   • Select Request Verification.
4. Complete the Application:
   • Confirm Authenticity:
     • Provide your full name.
     • Select the document type (government ID or official business documents).
     • Upload a clear photo of your ID.
   • Establish Notability:
     • Choose your category (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Government).
     • Specify your country/region.
     • Add links to articles, social media accounts, and other references that show your notability.
5. Submit Application:
   • Review your information.
   • Tap Submit.

After You Apply

• Review Process:
  • Instagram will review your application.
  • The process may take up to 30 days or more.
• Notification:
  • You will receive a notification in the Activity tab regarding the outcome.
  • If approved, the blue verification badge will appear on your profile.
  • If denied, you can reapply after 30 days.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Non-Transferable Verification:
  • Once verified, you cannot change your username.
  • Verification cannot be transferred to a different account.
• No Guarantees:
  • Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee verification.
  • Instagram reserves the right to approve or deny requests at their discretion.
• Avoid Third-Party Services:
  • Do not attempt to buy or obtain verification through unauthorized services.
  • Instagram does not charge for verification (except through the official Meta Verified subscription).
• Separate Verification for Facebook:
  • Verification on Instagram does not extend to Facebook.
  • You must apply separately for Facebook verification.

Losing Your Verified Status

1. Provide Misleading Information:
   • Supply false or misleading details during the verification process.
2. Violate Community Guidelines or Terms of Use:
   • Engage in actions that breach Instagram’s policies.
3. Sell or Transfer Verification:
   • Attempt to sell, transfer, or advertise your verification badge.
4. Change Account Details:
   • Change your username, display name, or profile to represent another entity.
5. Promote Other Services:
   • Use your profile to promote services not related to your verified identity.

Best Practices for Maintaining Verification

• Stay Active:
  • Regularly post content and engage with your audience.
• Comply with Policies:
  • Adhere to Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.
• Keep Information Updated:
  • Ensure your profile information is accurate and reflects your verified identity.
• Secure Your Account:
  • Enable two-factor authentication to protect against unauthorized access.

Conclusion