The process around who gets verified on Instagram and how to get that blue checkmark just got a lot less murky. Last week, Instagram unveiled a new function that allows users to apply for verification, introducing a formal system to what was previously pretty much a mystery. So how do you go about getting verified, and why should you care about trying? Read on for more on this and some steps you can take to make verification more likely for your brand.
How to Apply for Verification
The easiest part is applying. Simply head to your profile, navigate to the Settings page and scroll until you see “Request Verification.” If you don’t see this yet, don’t sweat it — try updating your app and see if it’s there. If not, you probably just don’t have access to the function quite yet, as Instagram is just now rolling it out.
The application process is simple: you’ll just need to fill out the short form and upload a photo of your ID. Instagram will let you know either way, and you can re-apply 30 days after a denied request.
How to Get Closer to Verification
The first step to applying for anything is making sure you’re qualified. So what are the requisites for verification on Instagram? The app offers a general outline that says that verified accounts must be authentic (represent a real entity), unique (the only account for that entity), complete (the account is public and has a bio, profile photo and at least one post) and notable (the account represents a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity. Instagram adds that it reviews accounts that have been featured in multiple news sources.)
The first three requirements are fairly easy to take care of; it’s that “notable” point that will likely be your biggest barrier. While that description isn’t super detailed, you can assume that you’ll need a solid amount of followers. There’s no set number though — there’s verified accounts with 1,000 followers and unverified accounts with millions. Regardless, more followers can’t hurt. Here are a few tips for growing your follower count:
- Tag posts with locations: This makes your content easier to discover.
- Target the right hashtags: More on that here.
- Write strong captions: This will keep your followers coming back and draw new ones in. Be conversational and concise and remember that your captions are a way to tell the story of your business.
After all this, you may be wondering what the point of getting verified is, other than bragging rights. It mostly comes down to credibility and authenticity, and it can help you grow your brand and set yourself apart from competition. If you can’t get verified right now, it’s not the end of the world — it is a pretty exclusive feature. While verification may not be in your near future, it’s worth striving for. After all, if you make an effort to organically grow your follower count and improve your Instagram presence and are still denied that blue checkmark, you still achieved something!
What do you think about Instagram finally rolling out an official verification request process? Let us know in the comments!
