The Elusive Instagram Blue Tick

The blue tick next to your name that tells people you’re a public figure of significance, and protects your account by verifying that it is your authentic self. Verification on Instagram seems to be a big deal, but what does it mean and how do you get it? 

Verification, along with majority of Instagram’s features, is constantly developing and changing the ways that blue ticks are rolled out. Over the last few months specifically, there have been significant improvements made to the verification process. 

So, what is verification?

Essentially being verified on your Instagram account is a way to reassure other users that notable accounts they come across are owned by exactly who they say they are. It allows people to be sure of which accounts are safe and authentic. Instagram claims that blue ticks are not endorsed, nor are they a symbol of importance which allows the account owner special treatment or priority over things such as the algorithm. Relying on sources such as credible press coverage and examining the person’s cultural impact allows Instagram to remain impartial in the verification process.

Instagram has now simplified the verification access through the app itself to make it more accessible and known to users. You can apply for verification through a form in your account settings, this form has been updated to be more transparent about what the requirements for verification are - these are consistent across Instagram and Facebook. 

So how do I get verified?

Instagram requires that as a minimum to go into consideration you must follower their Terms of Use and Community Guidelines as well as requiring the following from your application:

• Your account must represent a real person, registered business or entity 
• Your account must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Notable entities for example pets or publications are also eligible 
• Only one account per person or business may be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts 
• Your account must be public and have a bio, profile photo and at least one post
• Your account mist represents a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity 

To prove your meeting of these requirements, Instagram requires you to submit multiple news features in which you feature (paid or promotional content will not be considered here). You can now add up to five news articles in order to give the Instagram team more context when reviewing your application. 

Nowhere in Instagram’s description of verification are there requirements for a minimum number of followers, promotions or income. So, if you can prove the you are a notable, well recognised and highly searched for person - you have the potential to be verified!

Nikki X