To get verified on Instagram, you subscribe to Meta Verified, a subscription that includes the verified badge, after Instagram confirms your account using your activity and information or documents you provide. You may need to upload a valid government photo ID and sometimes a video selfie.
Verification on Instagram isn't what it was. There's a lot of old advice floating around about fame, press coverage and follower counts, and most of it no longer applies. Here's what's true now, myth by myth.
Myth: only famous people can get the badge
This used to be close to the truth. The badge once also required a person or brand to be notable and unique, but Instagram says that's no longer the requirement. Today the badge comes as part of Meta Verified, a subscription that also includes enhanced support and impersonation protection.
Accounts that already have a badge from the older rules can still subscribe to Meta Verified too, so it isn't only for newcomers.
Myth: a blue tick means an account is important
It doesn't. Instagram's help centre says a verified badge means Instagram has confirmed the account is the authentic presence of that person or brand. It isn't a sign of importance, authority or subject expertise, and Instagram doesn't use it to endorse anyone. It also works the other way: not every public figure has a verified badge, so a missing tick doesn't make an account fake.
Fact: Instagram checks you before confirming
Verification is based on your activity across Meta products and on information or documents you provide. When you subscribe, you may be asked for:
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- Photos of a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID showing your name, photo and date of birth.
- An ID where the name matches your profile name, or meets Meta Verified naming standards.
- A video selfie of your full face, which is used to check you're a real person.
Getting ID photos accepted first time
ID photos get turned down when they miss the requirements. Before you upload, check that all four corners are visible, the details are readable, the ID hasn't expired, and the photo's taken head on in good light without flash. A minute spent on a clear photo beats a rejected one.
Things that change once you're verified
- Verification can't be moved to a different account, so make sure you're verifying the one you'll keep. If you're not sure you've got duplicates, here's how to check whether you already have an Instagram account.
- Public figures, celebrities and brands that meet certain requirements may not be able to change their username once verified.
- The badge comes with impersonation protection and enhanced support, which matters most if your account is a target.
What to do before you subscribe
Pick the account you'll keep for good, settle on your username, and get a clear photo of an in-date ID with a name that matches your profile. Then subscribe to Meta Verified from that account. Go in knowing what the badge means: it says you're the real you, not that you're more important than anyone else. If your account's already been taken over, sort that first with this guide to recovering a hacked Instagram account.
Frequently asked questions
Does a verified badge mean an account is important?
No. Instagram says the badge shows the account is the real presence of the person or brand, not a symbol of importance, authority or expertise.
Can I move my verification to another account?
No. Verification can't be transferred to a different account.
