How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2026
Published on October 12, 2026
Instagram verification grants a blue checkmark badge next to your username, signaling that an account belongs to the real person, artist, brand, or organization it represents. This guide outlines the two distinct paths to earning this badge—traditional eligibility and paid subscription—and provides step-by-step instructions for both.
Key Takeaways
- Two Verification Paths: There are two ways to get verified: traditional verification for notable entities (free) and Meta Verified (paid subscription).
- Identical Badge Appearance: Both methods result in an identical blue checkmark, making it impossible for users to distinguish between the two types visually.
- Core Benefits: Verification provides impersonation protection, increased visibility in search and comments, access to exclusive stickers, and enhanced account support.
- Traditional Requirements: Traditional verification requires an authentic, unique, complete, and notable account that adheres to community guidelines.
- Meta Verified Eligibility: Paid verification is available globally for individuals 18+ with a government ID and for businesses, with pricing varying by platform and region.
Understanding Instagram Verification
Instagram verification is the process of receiving a blue checkmark badge that appears next to your username on the platform. This badge signals to other users that an account genuinely belongs to the user, artist, brand, or organization it represents. While celebrities and major brands have long held these badges, the landscape has shifted to include paid options for a broader audience.
There are two types of verification: traditional verification and paid verification through Meta Verified. Originally, verification was restricted to "notable and unique" individuals or brands, shrouded in mystery and largely inaccessible to most users. Today, anyone can obtain a verified badge on their Instagram or Facebook accounts by paying for Meta Verified.
Regardless of the method used, the benefits are uniform:
- Legitimacy and Trust: The process requires government-issued ID verification, establishing account authenticity. This helps the community confirm the account is genuine, increasing the likelihood that users will follow, message, and do business with the account.
- Impersonation Protection: Fake accounts exist for scams or parodies. A badge distinguishes your account from impersonators. Meta Verified adds proactive account monitoring to protect against hackers and impersonators.
- Visibility and Performance: Verified accounts appear at or near the top of comments and search results when users type a business name. They also appear as recommended businesses in the Feed, potentially driving more followers, website clicks, and conversions.
- Extra Features: Verified accounts gain access to perks like exclusive stickers on Instagram Stories and Reels to help content stand out.
It is crucial to note that the blue checkmark looks identical regardless of how it was awarded. Users cannot tell if an account was verified through traditional means or via the Meta Verified service.
Who Can Get Verified?
Anyone can request a verified badge, but the requirements differ significantly between the two methods.
Traditional Verification Requirements
To apply for traditional verification, you must be a notable public figure, celebrity, or brand meeting specific criteria. Instagram’s guidelines are somewhat vague, but known requirements include:
- Authentic: The account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
- Unique: Only one account per person or business may be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts. General interest accounts are generally not verified.
- Complete: The account must be public and complete, featuring a bio, profile photo, and active status at the time of application.
- Notable: The account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity. "Notability" is subjective, which historically made this path difficult for most users.
Meta Verified Requirements
Meta Verified simplifies the process with clearer criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Reside in a country where Meta Verified is offered.
- Have a public or private profile associated with your full name, adhering to naming standards, and featuring a profile picture with your face.
- Meet minimum activity requirements, such as a prior posting history.
- Provide a government-issued ID or driver’s license.
- Enable two-factor authentication on the profile.
- Follow Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines.
Meta Verified is also available for businesses globally. Business plans are sold in tiers, with higher tiers bundling extras like enhanced support and additional profile features. Pricing varies by country, currency, and whether you subscribe through the app or web; always check the price displayed in your account before committing.
Traditional Verification vs. Meta Verified
Choosing the right path depends on your current fame and budget. Traditional verification is free but difficult to obtain, while Meta Verified is a paid subscription open to almost anyone willing to pay a monthly fee.
| Feature | Traditional Verification | Meta Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | From $11.99/month on the web ($14.99/month on iOS and Android) for individuals, with tiered business plans |
| Eligibility | Notable public figures, celebrities, brands, and organizations | Anyone 18+ with a valid government-issued ID and a qualifying profile |
| Application Process | Submit a form with authenticity and notability documentation | Subscribe, then confirm your identity with an ID |
| Timeline | Typically a decision within 30 days | Usually quick once your ID is reviewed |
| Badge Appearance | Blue checkmark | Blue checkmark (identical) |
| Additional Benefits | Badge and search visibility | Proactive impersonation monitoring, account support, exclusive stickers |
| Availability | Global | Select countries, still expanding |
If you are regularly mentioned in the press or searched for by name, apply for traditional verification first since it costs nothing. If not, Meta Verified is the faster and more realistic route.
How to Get Verified on Instagram: Traditional Method
To request traditional verification for your business account, follow these five steps. Note that this process can only be completed using the mobile app, not the desktop version.
- Go to your Instagram profile: Open the Instagram app and ensure you are logged into the account you wish to verify. Tap your profile photo in the bottom right corner to navigate to your profile.
- Tap the hamburger menu icon: In the top right corner of your profile, tap the hamburger menu icon (three parallel lines). This opens your Instagram settings.
- Tap Business tools and controls: Scroll down in the settings until you see the "For professionals" section. Tap on "Business tools and controls."
- Tap Request verification: Scroll to the bottom of this section to find the blue "Request verification" link and tap it.
- Fill out the form: Complete the available form to request verification for your professional account. You must confirm both authenticity and notability with documentation.
How to Get Verified on Instagram with Meta Verified
For those opting for the paid route, the process is subscription-based:
- Subscribe: Navigate to the Meta Verified section in your settings or via the app store.
- Confirm Identity: You will be prompted to upload a government-issued ID or driver’s license to verify your identity.
- Payment: Complete the payment process. Prices vary by platform (web vs. mobile) and region.
- Review: Once your ID is reviewed, which is typically quick, you will receive the blue checkmark badge.
6 Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Verified
While specific algorithms are not public, adhering to best practices can help:
- Ensure Completeness: Have a clear profile photo, bio, and active posting history.
- Maintain Authenticity: Use your real name or recognized brand name consistently across platforms.
- Demonstrate Notability: Gather press coverage, news articles, and mentions from reputable sources to prove public interest.
- Secure Your Account: Enable two-factor authentication and keep your account secure to show you are a serious user.
- Engage with Community: Follow Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines strictly to avoid flags that could hinder verification.
- Be Patient: Traditional verification can take up to 30 days, so submit accurate information and wait for the decision without spamming support.
Common Myths About Instagram Verification
- Myth: The blue checkmark looks different depending on how you got it.
- Fact: The badge is identical for both traditional and Meta Verified accounts.
- Myth: You can get verified if you have a private account.
- Fact: Traditional verification requires a public account. Meta Verified allows private profiles but they must meet other strict criteria.
- Myth: Verification guarantees viral growth.
- Fact: While it boosts visibility and trust, content quality still drives engagement and growth.
What to Do If Your Instagram Verification Request is Denied
If your traditional verification request is denied, you can reapply after 30 days. Ensure your profile meets all criteria for notability and authenticity before submitting again. Alternatively, consider Meta Verified as a more accessible option that does not require proving "notability" in the same rigorous way.
FAQ: How to Get Verified on Instagram
Does verification cost money? Traditional verification is free. Meta Verified costs from $11.99/month on the web and $14.99/month on mobile apps for individuals, with different tiers for businesses.
How long does it take to get verified? Traditional verification decisions typically take within 30 days. Meta Verified is usually processed quickly once your ID is reviewed.
Can I get verified if I am not famous? Yes, through Meta Verified, which is available to anyone 18+ with a valid ID and a qualifying profile, regardless of fame.