How to Get a Blue Tick on Instagram (2025 Guide)
Posted on April 21, 2025
How to Get a Blue Tick on Instagram
Comprehensive Guide for 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction to Instagram Verification
Instagram verification is the process of getting a blue checkmark badge that appears next to your username on the platform. This verification badge signals to other users that an account is the authentic presence of a notable public figure, celebrity, brand, or entity it represents.
Why Get Verified?
- Builds credibility and trust with your audience
- Protects your identity from impersonators
- Increases visibility in search results
- Provides access to additional features
- Enhances your professional image
What a Blue Tick Represents
- Authenticity: Confirms you are who you claim to be
- Notability: Indicates public interest in your account
- Uniqueness: Shows you're the official account
- Completeness: Demonstrates your profile is fully set up
- Compliance: Shows you follow Instagram's guidelines
The blue verification badge appears next to your username when people search for you, view your profile, or see your posts in their feed. It looks like this: @username
Instagram's original verification process was quite exclusive and typically limited to celebrities, public figures, and major brands. However, in 2023, Meta (Instagram's parent company) introduced Meta Verified, making verification accessible to more users through a subscription model.
Two Ways to Get Verified on Instagram
Traditional Verification Free
Instagram's original verification system for notable public figures, celebrities, and brands.
- Requires proving you're a notable person or brand
- Application process through Instagram app
- No direct cost, but high threshold for approval
- Detailed requirements for authenticity and notability
Meta Verified Paid
Subscription-based verification service introduced by Meta in 2023.
- Monthly subscription ($14.99/month on mobile)
- Available to individuals and businesses
- Requires government ID verification
- Includes additional perks and support
Traditional Verification (Free)
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for traditional verification, your account must be:
- Authentic: Represent a real person, registered business, or entity
- Unique: Be the only account representing you or your organization (except for language-specific accounts)
- Complete: Have a bio, profile photo, and at least one post
- Notable: Represent a well-known, highly searched person, brand, or entity
- Public: Have a public profile (not private)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Open your Instagram profile
Launch the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to access your profile.
Go to settings menu
Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of your profile.
Find the verification request option
Scroll down and tap on Settings and privacy, then select Account and Account type and tools.
For Business or Creator accounts: Tap Business tools and controls or Creator tools and controls.
Request verification
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap Request verification.
Fill out the verification form
Complete the form with the following information:
- Full name: Your legal name or the official name of your business
- ID verification: Upload a photo of your government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, national ID) for individuals, or tax or business documents for businesses
- Category: Select the most appropriate category for your account (News/media, Sports, Government/politics, Music, Fashion, Entertainment, etc.)
- Audience country: Select your primary country/region
- External links: Provide links to articles, news coverage, or other websites that show your notability (min. 3 recommended)
Submit your request
Review all information and tap Submit.
Wait for review
Instagram typically reviews verification requests within 30 days. You'll receive a notification in your Activity tab once a decision has been made.
Important Notes:
- If your request is denied, you can submit a new request after 30 days
- Submitting false information may result in the removal of your verification badge
- Once verified, changing your username will require re-verification
- Instagram does not charge a fee for verification requests through this method
Meta Verified (Paid Subscription)
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Meta Verified, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be located in a country where Meta Verified is available
- Have a profile that matches your government ID with your full name
- Have a profile picture that shows your face
- Meet minimum activity requirements (previous posting history)
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Follow Instagram's Terms of Use and Community Guidelines
Meta Verified Benefits
- Blue verification badge that confirms your identity
- Proactive account protection against impersonation
- Direct account support with real customer service
- Exclusive stickers for Stories and Reels
- 100 Stars per month on Facebook to give to creators
- Increased visibility and reach in search and comments
Step-by-Step Subscription Process
Open your Instagram profile
Launch the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Access the menu
Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of your profile.
Navigate to Meta Verified
For regular accounts: Tap on Settings and privacy, then scroll down to find Meta Verified.
For Business or Creator accounts: You might first tap Account type and tools or Account controls, then locate the Meta Verified option.
Alternative method: Go to Business/Creator tools and controls, tap Request verification, then look for the Subscribe to Meta Verified option at the top of the page.
Start the subscription process
Tap Learn more or Subscribe to view the subscription details.
Choose your subscription
Review the subscription details and price ($14.99/month on mobile, $11.99/month on web).
Tap Subscribe or Continue to proceed.
Complete payment
Follow the prompts to complete your payment:
- On iPhone: Payment will process through Apple App Store
- On Android: Payment will process through Google Play Store
- On web: Payment will process through Meta's payment system
Verify your identity
Upload a photo of your government-issued ID to confirm your identity.
Ensure that the name on your ID matches the name on your Instagram account.
Wait for approval
Meta will review your application and verify your identity, usually within a few days.
Once approved, the blue verification badge will appear on your profile.
Important Notes:
- The subscription renews automatically each month unless canceled
- If you change your username, you will need to go through the verification process again
- The subscription covers both Instagram and Facebook if accounts are linked
- Some users may be placed on a waitlist before they can subscribe in certain regions
Comparison: Traditional vs. Meta Verified
| Feature | Traditional Verification | Meta Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $14.99/month (mobile) or $11.99/month (web) |
| Eligibility | Notable public figures, celebrities, brands | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| Approval Difficulty | High (stringent notability requirements) | Moderate (must meet basic requirements) |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days | Typically 3-7 days |
| Customer Support | No dedicated support | Direct access to customer support |
| Additional Benefits | Verification badge only | Verification badge + additional features |
| Badge Appearance | Identical blue checkmark | Identical blue checkmark |
Which Method Is Right For You?
Choose Traditional Verification if:
- You are genuinely notable (celebrity, public figure, well-known brand)
- You can provide extensive proof of public interest in you/your brand
- You're featured in multiple news sources or publications
- You don't want to pay a monthly fee
Choose Meta Verified if:
- You're not traditionally "notable" but want verification
- You value extra security and account protection
- You want access to dedicated customer support
- You're willing to pay a monthly subscription
- You want additional features and benefits
Tips to Increase Your Verification Chances
For Traditional Verification
- Build your online presence - Get featured in reputable publications, news articles, and press releases
- Complete your profile - Use a clear profile photo, write a detailed bio, and include a website link
- Be consistent across platforms - Use the same name and branding across all social media
- Build a following - While there's no minimum follower count, a substantial audience helps demonstrate notability
- Post regularly - Maintain an active account with consistent, high-quality content
- Secure your account - Enable two-factor authentication and practice good security
- Prepare documentation - Collect news articles, interviews, and features about you or your brand
- Try again - If rejected, wait 30 days, improve your application, and reapply
For Meta Verified
- Verify your profile matches your ID - Ensure your name matches your government ID exactly
- Use a clear face photo - Your profile picture should clearly show your face
- Enable two-factor authentication - This is required for Meta Verified
- Be active on the platform - Have a posting history before applying
- Check availability - Confirm Meta Verified is available in your region
- Prepare payment method - Have a valid payment method ready
- Have ID ready - Prepare a clear scan or photo of your government-issued ID
- Follow community guidelines - Ensure your account is in good standing
What Not to Do:
- Don't pay third parties claiming to get you verified (common scams)
- Don't submit false documentation or misleading information
- Don't create multiple verification requests within 30 days
- Don't change your username right before or after applying
- Don't violate Instagram's terms of service or community guidelines
Video Tutorials
How to Get Verified on Instagram 2025 (Full Guide)
How to Get Verified on Instagram for Free
How To Verify Instagram Business Account
Conclusion
Getting verified on Instagram is now more accessible than ever before. Whether you choose the traditional free verification method (for notable accounts) or opt for the Meta Verified subscription route, a blue tick can significantly enhance your credibility and presence on the platform.
Remember that verification is more than just a status symbol—it helps protect your identity, builds trust with your audience, and can give you access to additional features and support. Follow the step-by-step guides in this tutorial, implement our tips to increase your chances of approval, and soon you could be sporting that coveted blue checkmark next to your name.
Stay authentic, maintain an active presence on Instagram, and keep your profile updated to maximize your chances of verification success!