How to Get Verified on Instagram: Badge Options Explained

There are two paths to an Instagram verified badge: eligible creators can subscribe to Meta Verified, while notable public figures, celebrities, and brands can request verification under Instagram's account requirements. A badge confirms that Instagram has verified an account's authentic presence; it is not an endorsement or a measure of expertise.

What Does the Instagram Verified Badge Mean?

The badge helps people find the real account for a person or brand. Instagram says some badges belong to accounts verified under its activity and documentation process, while others come through a paid Meta Verified subscription.

Verification does not mean that every post is accurate, and it does not automatically verify the corresponding Facebook account. Facebook and Instagram verification are handled separately.

Option 1: Request Verification as a Notable Account

Instagram's Help Center describes four core requirements for public figures, celebrities, and brands applying without a Meta Verified subscription:

• Authentic: The account represents a real person, registered business, or entity.
• Unique: It is the primary presence for that person or business, with limited exceptions such as language-specific accounts.
• Complete: The account is public, has a bio and a recognizable image prepared to fit Instagram's profile photo size, and is active when it applies.
• Notable: The person or brand is well known and frequently searched, with coverage in multiple news sources. Instagram says paid or promotional coverage does not count toward this review.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval. Instagram evaluates the request and the information or documents supplied with it.

How to Request an Instagram Verified Badge

Menu names can change as Instagram updates the app, but the request is completed from the account's settings:

1. Open the Instagram profile you want verified.
2. Open the profile menu and account settings.
3. Find the verification request option.
4. Complete the requested identity or business information.
5. Submit the request and wait for the notification in Activity.

Instagram says its review notification may take up to 30 days. If a request is denied, you can submit another request after 30 days. Sending repeated applications before Instagram has decided can cancel the pending application.

Option 2: Subscribe to Meta Verified

Meta Verified is a paid subscription for eligible profiles. Meta lists the verified badge, enhanced support, and impersonation protection among its benefits. Availability, eligibility, identity requirements, and pricing can differ by account and location, so review the offer shown inside Instagram before subscribing.

Meta Verified and the notable-account application are not interchangeable. One is a subscription with its own eligibility process; the other is an application for qualifying public figures, celebrities, and brands.

What Are the Benefits of Instagram Verification?

The defensible benefit of the badge is identity clarity: it tells viewers that Instagram has confirmed the account represents who it claims to represent. Meta Verified may include additional subscription benefits, such as support and impersonation protection, depending on the current plan.

Avoid treating the badge as a guaranteed reach or ranking tool. Instagram explicitly says it is not a symbol of importance, authority, or subject-matter expertise.

Can Instagram Remove a Verified Badge?

Yes. Instagram says it may remove a badge or take account action for behavior such as selling or transferring the badge, supplying false or misleading information, attempting verification through a third party, or violating its standards and terms. Verification cannot be transferred to another account.

Before applying, make sure the username and account identity are stable, enable two-factor authentication, and keep control of the email and phone number connected to the profile.

If Your Account Is Not Eligible

You can still make the official account easier to recognize. Link to the Instagram profile from your website and other verified or official channels, use consistent branding, complete the bio, and report impersonating accounts through Instagram's support flow.

For current requirements, review Instagram's official pages about verified badges, verification outcomes, and Meta Verified.