How to Get Verified on Instagram: Secrets No One Told You

It’s not just about fame or the number of followers anymore—getting that coveted blue badge on Instagram is a blend of strategy, timing, and careful navigation through the platform’s complex verification process. Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: Instagram verification is not guaranteed—even for public figures or brands. It’s a process filled with ambiguity, but armed with the right information, your chances of obtaining verification can drastically increase. In fact, some of the most successful verifications happen quietly, without any public fanfare.

The Reality Behind Instagram Verification

Instagram verification is essentially a status symbol. The blue badge next to your name provides credibility and authenticity to your account, which can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and followers. However, the process isn’t as straightforward as one might assume. Instagram has set specific guidelines for who can be verified, but even then, there are countless cases where seemingly worthy accounts were denied. So, what exactly is Instagram looking for when they decide who gets verified? Let’s break it down:

1. Authenticity: Your account needs to represent a real person, brand, or entity. No pseudonyms or fan accounts here. If you’re not who you say you are, don’t expect to be verified.
2. Uniqueness: The account must be the only one of its kind representing the individual or brand. Instagram doesn’t verify multiple accounts for the same person or brand unless they operate in different languages.
3. Public Interest: This is where things get subjective. Instagram tends to favor accounts that are highly searched or frequently mentioned in major news sources. It’s not enough to have a large following—you need to demonstrate that there’s a public demand for your account.
4. Completeness: A complete profile is essential. This means having a profile photo, bio, and at least one post. Your account should also be public, not private.
5. No Red Flags: Finally, your account must follow Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of service. Accounts with any form of violations, such as spamming or posting misleading content, are automatically disqualified from verification.

The First Step: Building Credibility

Before even attempting to request verification, you need to build credibility outside of Instagram. The platform won’t verify you just because you’re popular on Instagram itself. Instead, get featured in notable publications or on prominent websites. Even if you’re not a celebrity, having your name or brand appear in the news or industry-specific outlets can increase your chances of verification.

A few tactics to consider:

• Write guest posts or get interviewed on websites relevant to your industry.
• Engage with news outlets, and pitch your story when relevant.
• Consider applying for awards or recognitions that could get you featured on credible platforms.

These actions may seem outside the realm of social media, but they increase your digital footprint, making Instagram more likely to recognize you as someone of public interest.

Submitting the Verification Request

Once you’ve built a credible presence, it’s time to submit your verification request. But here’s where things get tricky. Instagram’s verification form isn’t designed to give much feedback—you’ll either be approved or denied, with little explanation as to why. So, when filling out the request, you need to be as strategic as possible.

Here’s how to maximize your chances:

• Name Matching: Ensure that the name on your Instagram account matches the name used in all public materials about you or your brand. Discrepancies can confuse the verification team.
• Choose the Right Category: Instagram gives you a list of categories when submitting your verification request. Choose the category that best reflects your public persona. Even if you’re multifaceted (e.g., an entrepreneur, musician, and artist), choose the one that carries the most weight in your public image.
• Proof of Authenticity: While Instagram doesn’t let you attach documents, make sure your bio, website, and any other linked accounts are updated with current and accurate information. Everything should be consistent across the web.

Rejection Isn’t the End

Here’s something most people don’t talk about: getting denied is part of the process. Instagram verification is notoriously elusive, and many influencers, brands, and public figures have been rejected multiple times before getting approved. If you get denied, you’ll have to wait 30 days before reapplying, but that gives you time to work on the areas where your application may have fallen short.

During this waiting period, it’s essential to:

• Continue building your public presence: Push for more media coverage, grow your following, and stay active on Instagram.
• Refine your Instagram content: Ensure that everything you post aligns with Instagram’s values. Engagement matters—respond to comments, post regularly, and be involved in your community.
• Review your profile: Sometimes, a small tweak to your bio, name, or even the type of content you post can make all the difference.

The Influence of Third-Party Agencies

You might have heard about agencies or PR firms offering to help you get verified for a fee. While some agencies can offer legitimate services, such as increasing your media coverage or managing your public image, no agency can guarantee Instagram verification. Instagram is clear on this: any agency or individual claiming to have an “in” with Instagram’s verification team is likely misleading you. Instead, focus on organic growth and public recognition—those are the factors Instagram truly cares about.

The Unexpected Outcomes of Verification

Now, let’s talk about the other side of verification: what happens after you get that blue badge? The truth is, many verified users report that the perks aren’t as clear-cut as you might think. While verification does provide credibility, it won’t suddenly make you an influencer or a viral sensation. You’ll still need to maintain a strong presence on the platform, post regularly, and engage with your audience.

However, verification can offer:

• Better brand collaborations: Many companies prioritize verified accounts for partnerships, as the blue badge implies legitimacy.
• Higher engagement rates: Verified accounts often see a spike in follower interaction simply because users are more likely to trust the content of verified users.
• Increased visibility in searches: While Instagram hasn’t explicitly confirmed this, many users claim that verification boosts their profile’s visibility in searches.

Conclusion: Why Verification Isn’t the Endgame

At the end of the day, Instagram verification is more about what you do after you get verified than the verification itself. Sure, the blue badge is great for credibility, but the real success comes from how you use it to build your brand, grow your influence, and engage with your followers. Instagram verification should be seen as a milestone, not a final goal. The real challenge is staying relevant and continuing to provide value to your audience once you’ve reached this level.

In summary, while Instagram verification is achievable, it’s a process that requires strategy, effort, and persistence. Focus on building your public presence, refine your application, and remember that rejection isn’t the end—it’s just part of the journey. Stay committed, and that blue badge could soon be yours.