How to Get Verified on IG: 2026 Complete Verification Readiness Playbook for Creators, Brands & Agencies

You can lose a verification opportunity in minutes—or gain a game-changing blue check that instantly raises credibility and discoverability. If you’re a social manager, creator, influencer or agency, the good news is verification is still within reach; the bad news is the rules keep changing and outcomes are frustratingly unpredictable.

This 2026 verification readiness playbook settles the uncertainty. Inside you’ll find a prioritized checklist that maps directly to Instagram’s requirements, a step-by-step application walkthrough, downloadable identity and press-evidence templates, ready-to-use appeal scripts, an ROI comparison of Meta Verified vs traditional verification, and practical automation workflows to handle DMs, comments and impersonation reports at scale. Follow this guide to apply faster, appeal smarter and manage verification-related growth without wasting time or budget.

What Instagram verification is and why it matters

The blue check is Instagram’s official verification badge that indicates an account represents a real, notable person, brand, or organization. There are two ways to get the badge: the traditional verification process—an application reviewed for notability, authenticity, and uniqueness—and the Meta Verified subscription, which grants a badge to accounts that pass identity checks and pay the subscription fee. Both display the same blue check but differ in eligibility, evaluation criteria, and timing.

Key practical benefits:

• Authenticity: reduces doubt about who runs the account. Tip: use consistent profile names and an official website link to support verification.

• Discoverability: verified accounts often appear higher in search and suggested profiles.

• Impersonation protection: makes it easier to flag and remove fake accounts.

• Trust and opportunity: some features, partnerships, and outreach prioritize verified accounts as a credibility signal.

Who typically gets verified: public figures, journalists, creators with notable reach, established brands, and agencies representing recognizable clients. Verification can drive engagement and commercial opportunities—verified creators often convert higher viewer trust into sponsorships, and verified brands streamline influencer outreach.

Practical tip: include verification status in pitch decks and media kits to accelerate partnerships. If verification triggers a surge in DMs and comments after media mentions, platforms like Blabla can help scale replies, automate moderation, and route leads so teams don’t miss opportunities while maintaining brand voice.

Below, we cover Instagram’s official eligibility rules and a side-by-side comparison of the traditional verification route and Meta Verified so you can choose the best path for your account.

Step-by-step: how to apply for Instagram verification (complete walkthrough)

With the verification criteria and the difference between traditional verification and Meta Verified explained in the previous section, this walkthrough focuses on the practical steps you need to take to apply and track your request.

Quick eligibility checklist

Before you begin the application process, confirm your account meets Instagram’s core requirements:

• Authentic: Represents a real person, registered business, or entity.

• Unique: The account is the unique presence of the person or business (only one account per person or business can be verified, with some exceptions for language-specific accounts).

• Complete: Public account with a profile photo, bio, and at least one post.

• Notable: Well-known, frequently searched for, or featured in multiple news sources (paid or promotional content doesn’t count).

Prepare your account and documents

Before submitting, gather everything Instagram will ask for and make sure your account looks professional and complete.

• Make your account public (verification is not available for private accounts).

• Fill out your profile: clear profile photo, descriptive bio, and at least one post that represents your work or brand.

• Collect identification: Government-issued photo ID for individuals (driver’s license, passport, national ID). For businesses, use official business documents (tax filings, utility bills, articles of incorporation).

• Prepare evidence of notability: links to news articles, features, or other reliable third-party coverage that show your public presence.

How to submit the verification request (Instagram app)

Follow these steps inside the Instagram mobile app to submit your verification request:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.

2. Tap the menu (three lines) at the top right and select Settings and privacy.

3. Choose Account, then tap Request verification.

4. Complete the form: enter your full name, choose the appropriate category (e.g., News/media, Sports, Government), and attach a copy of your ID or business documents.

5. Provide any additional information or links that demonstrate notability (press coverage, official website, notable collaborations).

6. Tap Send to submit your request.

What happens after you apply

After submitting, Instagram will review your application. Typical outcomes and timing:

• Review time: Instagram usually responds within a couple of weeks, though it can take longer.

• Approved: You’ll receive a notification and a blue verification badge will appear on your profile.

• Denied: You’ll be notified and can reapply after 30 days. Use the time to strengthen your evidence and public presence.

If your request is denied

Denials are common. Take these steps before reapplying:

• Review the denial reason in the notification (if provided).

• Gather more independent coverage or documentation that demonstrates notability.

• Improve your public profile: publish consistent content, secure features or interviews, and link to your Instagram from authoritative sites.

• Wait the required 30 days, then submit a strengthened application.

Tips to improve your chances

• Link to your official website and other verified social accounts from your Instagram bio.

• Make sure any press or third-party coverage is from reputable sources and is easily accessible.

• Keep your account active and consistent—regular posts and engagement help show authenticity.

• Do not attempt to buy a badge or use third-party services that claim they can guarantee verification—these violate Instagram’s terms and can harm your account.

If you’re considering Meta Verified instead of traditional verification, remember that Meta Verified is a paid subscription with different eligibility and benefits; refer back to the earlier section for a direct comparison before choosing which route to pursue.