The Instagram verification badge gives your brand some sort of authentication. It tells a user the genuinity of an instagram account.
Here’s what Instagram says you need to get verified:
You must be:
- In compliance with Instagram’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
- Able to prove your identity
Your account must be:
- Authentic – representing an actual business or person
- Unique – the only account representing your business (except language-specific accounts)
- Complete – publicly accessible and includes bio, profile photo, and at least one post.
Your account must not contain any “add me” type links that send users to a different social media channel. - Notable – represents “a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity,” according to Instagram.
Instagram verification can be revoked, and your account may be deleted if you give them false or misleading information during the application process.
While Instagram only verifies people considered well-known or highly-searched for, they do review accounts featured in multiple news sources.
How to Request Verification from Instagram
Instagram verification is free, and no one will request payment to submit your application.
To request an Instagram verification for your brand or business:
- Log into the account you’re requesting verification for.
- Tap the menu icon on your profile.
- Go to: Settings > Account > Request Verification
- Enter your name and provide your acceptable form of I.D. (usually a government-issued photo I.D.)
What happens after you apply?
Instagram will notify you about the status of your verification once they make a decision.
If Instagram rejects your request, you can try again in 30 days.
In the next section, we’ll show you how some non-famous businesses got verified, even though their Instagram accounts were small.
More Ways for Small Businesses to Get Verified
In an article on Forbes, one writer (Tom Ward) launched an investigation into how he might get himself verified, even though he’s not famous.
After interviewing some people he knew who got verified, Ward determined that working through a digital agency might give you an edge.
According to Ward, agencies and publicists have access to an exclusive digital portal called “Media Partner Support.” He learned that having a media partner submit a request on your behalf may give you a better chance of getting verified.