After a series of Instagram tips in the summer of 2018, Facebook has since implemented new features to improve Instagram security. The social network believes that the more well-known a person or company, the more likely they are to fall victim to hacking attempts. That said, accounts that reach a large audience now have a new way to earn the infamous verified badge. Since August 28, 2018, every Instagram user can request account authentication using a form. However, if anyone can apply, few can get the Instagram verified badge.
How to certify your Instagram account?
- Apply on Instagram:
To land the Instagram request form, you must:
- First of all, make sure that you are on the correct account for which you are requesting the badge.
- Go to your profile and click on the button with the three lines in the upper right corner of the screen so that you have access to Instagram settings.
- Then click on Accounts.
- Scroll down and choose the option: ” Request verification”.
After these steps, you will need to provide Instagram with your username, your real name, and your first name along with a document that will define your real identity (passport, identity card, license).
When finished, click on “Send”.
The criteria Instagram asks to obtain the verification badge:
Turns out, when it comes to requesting verification, Instagram is pretty strict. First and foremost, it is important whether you are a public figure, celebrity, business, or brand.
Second, it is strictly necessary to take into account the number of eligibility requirements and accounts. In particular, having accepted the conditions of use and the rules of the Instagram community.
However, here are the criteria Instagram recommends for requesting a verified badge :
Have an authentic account:
This means that your account must represent a real person, an entity, or a declared company.
To be clearer, under no circumstances should your profile include photos that are not yours or that you invent a box that does not exist. It certainly won’t work!
This is probably the most difficult criterion to meet because “popularity” is difficult to measure.
Instagram is providing signs at this point, explaining that they are looking for accounts that “appear in multiple sources” and that the content should be considered non-paid or non-promotional.
But again, there is no information on the level of popularity an account needs to qualify for the verification badge.
So there is a mystery about how Instagram chooses which accounts to get them badges. ” Famous”,” Popular “or” very followed “are now very vague standards, but according to our research, you will need a minimum of Instagram followers on your account to increase your chances of getting it.
Have only one Instagram account:
This means that if your business has multiple Instagram accounts, only one can be verified, although Instagram seems to allow exceptions for language-specific accounts like @vogueitalia and @voguechina.
So we cannot have a fake account and hope for certification. Instagram also ensures that accounts dealing with general topics do not receive blue badges. For example the best MEME cats, the prettiest places in the world …
Have a full Instagram account:
Your account must also be complete and public (therefore accessible to everyone), have an Instagram biography, a profile picture, and at least one post. Instagram also recommends that your profile not contain add-me-style links to other social media accounts.
And after the verification request?
Once your request is processed, Instagram will send you a notification showing you whether your account has been verified or not.
If your request is denied, you will have to wait 30 days before submitting a new request.
Conversely, if your request is accepted, your certification badge will immediately appear in your account.
Keep in mind that Instagram will remove your blue badge if you enter incorrect or misleading information during the verification process, and may take additional steps to drastically delete your account.
Beyond exclusivity, Instagram verification is a great way to build trust and credibility as it demonstrates your legitimacy on the platform.
That said, if you meet all the requirements, you should apply to be certified on Instagram to preserve your account.
