On Instagram, verified profiles are marked with a blue checkmark icon. This mark means that the account has been verified by Instagram, and users can be sure that the profile is not fake. Fake accounts of famous personalities and organizations created by fans or swindlers often appear on social networks. In the case of a verified profile, the account belongs to the very person or brand on whose behalf the page is being maintained..
Verification does not show the attitude of the administration of the social network towards the owner of the profile. The social network Instagram does not use the blue checkmark to express approval of the page. This is just a confirmation that the account belongs to the exact person (or company) indicated in the page title.
Verification process
The Instagram verification process has never been simpler. Over the years, there has been no way for a user to submit a request to verify their account at all. Instagram decided which profiles to check and which not. However, in August 2018, the situation changed. From that moment on, it became possible to submit a request to verify your profile..
To do this, launch the Instagram mobile app, go to Settings and select Account. Now scroll down the screen to the "Request confirmation" item. After that, a special form will appear in which you will need to indicate your real name and surname, as well as attach a passport photo. Once you've done that, hit the Submit button and wait for Instagram to decide.
The company, as far as possible, will consider your request and report the result. If the answer is no, at least 30 days must elapse before the next verification request is submitted. If you want to send earlier, the system simply won't let you do it..
Which accounts get the checkmark?
Instagram recently updated its verification criteria . In addition to complying with the rules of the social network, your account must be:
- Authentic : Your profile must belong to a real person or organization.
- Unique: The account must not be a clone of any other profile.
- Full: for successful verification, the account must be public (that is, it must be available to all users), and a photo must be uploaded in the profile, a brief biographical information must be indicated, and there must be at least one uploaded image.
- Notable : As Instagram itself states, "Your account should represent a famous person, brand or organization."
Instagram does not describe in which categories the accounts are most often verified. The request page only says the following:
Currently, only those profiles whose owners, with a high degree of probability, cannot impersonate other people or organizations, have badges about successful verification.
It also clarifies that "only some public figures, celebrities and brands are checked." Given the above, it is unlikely that you will be able to identify an account if you are not a politician, an actor, or at least you do not have a large number of followers.
Many accounts with tens of thousands of subscribers are still not verified due to the fact that these profiles do not represent either a public person or a well-known brand. In contrast, Kraft Dressing's profile is verified, although this brand has less than a thousand followers and only three published photos.
How to increase the likelihood of passing verification
Again, unless you are a celebrity and represent a brand or business, your chances of getting verified on Instagram are slim. You can, of course, send a request, but it is far from the fact that something will come of this venture. If you think your account meets Instagram's verification criteria, we have a few tips that will increase the likelihood of success in this difficult endeavor.
Create profiles on other sites
If you are a famous person, you simply have to be present in places other than Instagram.
Enter your name into the Google search box and look at the results. If you don't have an active Twitter profile, your own website, or another channel of communication with your fans, it's time to fix this omission. You can create a YouTube channel at the same time, especially if you have videos that can bring at least some traffic.
Make sure your Instagram profile has links to these communication channels. Conversely, include links to Instagram on other social networks and on the website.
Become famous outside of Instagram
This advice may sound strange, but it is directly related to the previous one. In some cases, representatives of a social network may themselves want to verify your account. At least to make sure that you are not trying to impersonate another person or organization.
So, if your popularity is growing only due to Instagram, it is unlikely that accounts on other social networks will appear in Google search results if you enter your name in the search bar. But if you represent a well-known brand that users already know about from other services and sites, Instagram itself may want to make sure that you are you.
It is not always easy to determine if you have reached the point where other users might try to impersonate you. However, try not to lose sight of this point. Imagine a situation when your company recommends some products, and a fake account makes the same recommendations, but dilutes them with spam. It is unlikely that this will have a good effect on the reputation of your business.
Keep your account active
Instagram does not verify inactive accounts. With this in mind, try to be active on your profile more often. And don't just post your photos. Instagram takes into account a variety of activities, including replies to comments, likes on other users' posts, and the use of hashtags.
Use the services of an agency
The verification mark cannot be purchased. However, you can use the services of agencies that work with Instagram. In some cases, this can speed up the identification process. However, contacting the agency does not at all guarantee the passage of verification. If you are not a well-known person and do not represent a well-known brand, you will still get rejected.
There are many users on the Internet claiming that they have a “friend” on Instagram who can help with verification for money. However, you must understand all the risks. No one will give any guarantee, and if you pay the scammers money, you most likely will not be able to return them even through a court. Please also note that Instagram may deactivate your account if you “are trying to pass verification with a third party”. Is it worth the risk? The question is rhetorical. And do not use services to cheat subscribers!
Do you need it?
The average Instagram user doesn't need to send a verification request. If you do not suffer from copyright infringement by fake accounts, if you do not make a living on the Internet, then you do not need the icon with a blue checkmark. You shouldn't waste time, nerves and, possibly, money if you are motivated only by the desire to show off to other users.
Another thing is companies that use social networks to promote their products. If you represent a brand, identification may be necessary. However, keep in mind that in this case, the process may not be easy, and there are no guarantees.