How Can You Get Verified on Instagram in 2025?

That little blue checkmark next to an Instagram username carries more weight than ever. But here’s the thing: getting verified today looks completely different than it did just a few years ago. Whether you’re a local business owner wondering if you even qualify, or a creator tired of impersonation accounts stealing your audience, this guide breaks down exactly what it takes to earn that badge – and which path makes the most sense for your situation.

What the Instagram Verified Badge Really Means

The blue checkmark signals one fundamental truth: this account is authentic. It confirms that the person or organization behind the profile is exactly who they claim to be. Meta has repositioned verification from a status symbol reserved for celebrities into a credibility marker accessible to a much broader range of accounts.But let’s clear up what verification is not.

It’s not a growth hack. It won’t magically unlock viral reach or flood your account with new followers. While verified accounts do receive better placement in search results and some algorithmic prioritization, the badge itself doesn’t create audience growth. Its primary job? Building trust and protecting you from impersonators.

Verified Badge vs Meta Verified: Two Distinct Paths

Instagram now operates a dual verification system. Understanding which path suits your goals saves time and frustration.

The Traditional Verified Badge (Free) follows Instagram’s original model. You earn verification by demonstrating genuine public notability—media coverage, search interest, authentic audience relevance. It’s harder to qualify for, but it costs nothing and carries historically stronger credibility signals.

Meta Verified (Paid Subscription) opened the gates for creators and professionals who lack traditional celebrity status but want credibility and account protections. You subscribe monthly, verify your government ID, and gain the blue badge plus enhanced features like priority support and impersonation alerts.

Factor	Free Verification	Meta Verified
Best For	Public figures, celebrities, notable businesses	Emerging creators, local businesses, professionals
Cost	$0	$11.99-$14.99/month (varies by region)
Primary Requirement	Proven notability + media coverage	Government ID + profile completeness
Approval Timeline	Weeks to months (increasingly difficult)	1-7 days typically
Support Access	Standard	Priority customer service
Additional Features	None	Impersonation alerts, enhanced visibility, security features

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the free verification path if:

• You have significant media coverage from reputable outlets
• People actively search for your name or brand
• You’re concerned about appearing “too commercial”
• You have the patience for a lengthy review process with uncertain outcomes

Choose Meta Verified if:

• You want faster approval (days, not months)
• You need additional account protections and priority support
• You lack traditional notability but have a legitimate professional presence
• You’re willing to pay for convenience, features, and the badge itself

For public figures with established media presence, free verification makes more sense, it’s authentic to their status. For businesses, micro-influencers, and emerging creators, Meta Verified offers faster access and practical benefits that justify the monthly investment.

Two Ways to Get Verified: Free vs Paid

If you’ve been searching for how to get verified on Instagram for free, or wondering whether you can get that blue tick without being famous, here’s your answer: both are possible, but through different doors.

Option A: Apply for the Verified Badge (Free)

The free path to verification is straightforward in theory but selective in practice. Instagram looks for four core requirements, and notability is the variable that trips most people up.

Eligibility Checklist

Your account must be:

• Authentic: Represent a real person, registered business, or legitimate entity (not parody or fan accounts)
• Unique: Only one verified account per person or business (language-specific accounts are exceptions)
• Complete: Include a profile picture, bio, and at least one post; account must be public
• Notable: Demonstrate you’re a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity

That fourth requirement – notability – deserves special attention. Unlike follower count (which has no minimum), notability requires external validation. Instagram looks for:

• Media coverage: Features, interviews, and mentions in reputable news outlets, blogs, and industry publications
• Public interest signals: Evidence that people actively search for your name or brand
• Search visibility: Wikipedia pages, knowledge panels, or significant online presence
• Community engagement: Strong follower loyalty and interaction patterns

Here’s encouraging news for local accounts: you don’t need national media coverage. A boutique business featured in local newspapers, chamber of commerce mentions, or industry trade publications can build legitimate notability. Regional recognition counts – but you’ll likely need more of it than in previous years.

Option B: Subscribe to Meta Verified (Paid)

If the free path feels like climbing a mountain, Meta Verified is the chairlift. You still need to meet certain requirements, but the notability barrier disappears entirely. Instead, you pay for the badge and gain access to a suite of features.

Meta Verified Tier System (Complete Breakdown)

Meta Verified launched a 5-tier system in 2025, replacing the previous 2-tier model. Here’s what each tier includes:

Tier	Price (Monthly)	Best For	Key Features
Standard	$11.99 (web), $14.99 (iOS/Android)	Creators, small business owners	Blue checkmark, impersonation alerts, priority support, ad-free experience, account security features
Plus	$44.99 (intro), $49.99 (standard)	Small-to-medium content creators	All Standard features + enhanced visibility in search and recommendations, advanced analytics dashboard
Premium	$119.99 (intro), $149.99 (standard)	Agencies, high-volume creators	All Plus features + team member management (up to 3 people), advanced creator tools, dedicated account manager access
Max	$349.99 (intro), $499.99 (standard)	Large agencies, multi-account businesses	All Premium features + team management (unlimited), priority support escalation, custom feature requests
Business Subscriptions	Varies by account type	E-commerce, service businesses	Shop verification, customer messaging tools, payment processing features, business analytics

Benefits Beyond the Badge

Meta Verified includes the blue checkmark plus concrete features that justify the monthly cost for many users:

• Identity verification: Government ID confirmation provides impersonation protection
• Dedicated support: Priority customer service access for account issues
• Enhanced visibility: Boost in search rankings and recommendations
• Account security alerts: Notifications if someone attempts to access your account
• Advanced features: Some subscription tiers include extended video uploads or other platform benefits

Expert Insight: “Verified accounts experienced a +30.2% increase in engagement metrics and +79% increase in profile activity post-verification.” — Industry Case Study Analysis

Eligibility Requirements

The bar here is much lower than free verification:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Located in a country offering Meta Verified
• Government-issued photo ID matching your profile name and picture
• Profile picture that includes your face
• Minimum activity history (evidence of prior posting)
• Two-factor authentication enabled
• Compliance with Instagram Terms of Service

Critical Subscription Information

Meta Verified is a subscription, not a one-time achievement. Your badge persists only while you remain subscribed and compliant. You’ll lose it if:

• You cancel your subscription
• You violate Meta’s Community Guidelines
• You change your username, display name, or profile photo (temporary removal until re-verification)
• Your profile information becomes misleading

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Verification on Instagram

Once you understand the two verification paths and their differences, the next step is actually applying for the badge. Here’s how the process works from start to finish for both methods.

Applying for Free Verification

Step 1: Prepare Your Account

Before you even open the verification form, make sure your profile is bulletproof:

• Switch to a Creator or Business account (free and required for most)
• Add a clear profile photo showing your face
• Write a compelling bio with relevant keywords
• Post at least 3-5 pieces of content
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Set your account to public

Step 2: Access the Verification Form

On the Instagram app:

1. Tap the hamburger menu (three lines) in your profile’s top right
2. Select “Creator tools and controls” or “Business tools and controls”
3. Tap “Request verification” at the bottom

Step 3: Choose Your Category

Instagram displays category options. Select the one most accurately representing your account:

• News/Media
• Sports
• Government/Politics
• Music
• Fashion
• Entertainment
• Blogger/Influencer
• Business/Brand/Organization
• Other

Pick carefully—this affects how Instagram evaluates your application.

Step 4: Fill Out the Form

Provide the following:

• Full name or trading name: Exactly as it appears on your ID
• Government ID upload: Clear photo of driver’s license, passport, or national ID
• Country/region specification: Where you’re primarily known
• Alternate names (optional): Any other names you or your business operates under

Step 5: Submit Notability Evidence

This is where applications succeed or fail. Include supporting documentation such as:

• Links to 3+ articles from reputable publications featuring you
• Additional social media accounts showcasing your public presence
• Wikipedia pages or knowledge panels (if applicable)
• Business website or official domain
• Professional credentials or industry recognition

Step 6: Submit and Wait

Tap Submit. Instagram’s review typically takes a few days to several weeks, though some applications clear in 48 hours. You’ll receive a notification in the Instagram app (not via email) confirming approval or denial.

Applying for Meta Verified

The paid path is faster and more straightforward:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm you meet the basics: 18+, located in a supported country, public or private profile with real name and face photo, prior posting activity, and two-factor authentication enabled.

Step 2: Access Meta Verified Signup

In the Instagram app:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy → Account
2. Scroll to Meta Verified
3. Tap “Upgrade” or “Subscribe”

Step 3: Choose Your Subscription Tier

Review the tier table above and select which option best matches your needs. Consider:

• Do you need enhanced visibility features (Plus+)?
• Do you manage multiple accounts or a team (Premium/Max)?

Is the Standard tier sufficient for your goals?

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID and take a selfie for facial recognition matching. Meta uses AI to verify the ID photo matches you. ID must be valid (not expired).

Step 5: Complete Profile Verification

Confirm your full legal name, profile information accuracy, and profile picture (must show your face).

Step 6: Process Payment & Receive Badge

Complete payment via your app’s payment method (Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or billing account). Meta typically adds the badge within 1-7 days after ID verification clears. You’ll receive a notification when your subscription is active.

Documentation & Proof: What to Prepare

Having the right documentation ready before you apply saves headaches.

For Individuals

• Unexpired passport, driver’s license, or national ID card with current photo
• Links to articles, interviews, podcasts, or published content featuring your name
• Consistent naming across all platforms

For Businesses

• LLC formation documents, incorporation certificate, or business license
• Proof of official domain ownership
• Recent tax filing or utility bill in the business name
• Brand consistency between Instagram username and official registration

For Notability Proof (Free Verification)

• Feature articles and news coverage from publications with established authority
• Wikipedia pages or knowledge panels (helpful but not required)
• Industry awards, certifications, or mentions from respected sources
• Verification on other platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or X
• At least 3 articles strongly recommended; 5+ articles increases odds significantly

Pricing & Regional Availability (What Changes by Country)

Meta Verified pricing varies by region, device type, and subscription tier. Here’s a device & pricing breakdown table for your reference:

Platform	Standard	Plus	Premium	Max
Web Browser	$11.99/mo	$44.99/mo	$119.99/mo	$349.99/mo
Android (Google Play)	$12.99/mo	$49.99/mo	$129.99/mo	$369.99/mo
iOS (Apple App Store)	$14.99/mo	$54.99/mo	$149.99/mo	$399.99/mo

Why the difference? iOS pricing is higher because Apple charges a 30% platform fee. Web browser subscriptions are typically cheapest and are the recommended purchasing method if cost is a factor.

Regional Variations

Pricing varies internationally:

• Australia: AU$20.99 (Standard) – AU$599 (Max)
• Canada: CA$17.99 (Standard) – CA$599.99 (Max)
• EU: €9.99 (Standard) – €399.99 (Max)
• UK: £9.99 (Standard) – £339.99 (Max)

Introductory Pricing

Meta offers discounted rates for the first 3 months of new subscriptions, then increases to standard pricing shown above. The discount is approximately 30% for most regions and tiers.

What If Meta Verified Isn’t Available in Your Country?

Meta Verified is rolling out gradually but is now available in most major markets. If you don’t see the option in your settings:

• The feature appears in Settings > Account > Meta Verified only if available in your country
• Meta expands to new countries quarterly
• Focus on free verification or check back in 30-60 days
• You can always apply for free verification while waiting for Meta Verified availability

Regional Verification Tips

For local businesses and regional creators without national media presence, building credible local authority is key.

How to Build Regional Notability

• Target local media: Small newspapers, city blogs, chamber of commerce publications
• Industry publications: Trade journals and niche business publications relevant to your field
• Regional partnerships: Collaborations with local influencers, businesses, or community organizations

Handling Name Differences Across Languages

If you operate under different names in different markets (say, “María González” in Spanish-speaking regions and “Mary Gonzalez” in English ones), consistency matters. Upload ID that matches one version and explain the naming variance in your application. Instagram understands multilingual markets exist.

If You Get Rejected: Fixes, Appeals, and Reapply Strategy

Rejection stings. But it’s not the end of the road, though the path forward is more uncertain than it was in previous years. Instagram doesn’t explain rejection reasons in detail, but the most common issues fall into predictable categories. Here’s a rejection troubleshooting checklist you can reference:

Issue	Likely Cause	Fix
Profile incompleteness	Missing bio, unclear photo, private account	Complete all profile fields, go public, ensure clear face photo
Insufficient notability	Lack of media coverage or public interest signals	Pursue press features, industry mentions; aim for 5+ articles
Policy violations	Past guideline strikes or borderline content	Audit and remove problematic posts
Identity mismatch	Name on profile doesn’t match ID	Align naming across ID and Instagram exactly
Documentation issues	Blurry ID photo, expired documents	Resubmit clearer, valid documentation with current expiry

Current Approval Reality Check

Important caveat for free verification: As of December 2025, even accounts with strong credentials experience rejection. Users with 30,000+ followers, international media coverage, and platform verification have reported continuous denials over 5+ months. This suggests:

• Instagram’s notability standards may have become more strict
• The approval process is more discretionary than purely data-driven
• Media coverage is necessary but not sufficient for approval
• Account category and timing may play undisclosed roles

If rejected for notability despite media coverage, understand that reapplication with additional documentation is not guaranteed to succeed. Some accounts may simply not meet Instagram’s current, and undisclosed, approval threshold.

Reapplication Timing & Strategy

You can reapply after 30 days from denial. Don’t resubmit immediately with the same application—use that month strategically.

If rejected for notability

• Pursue at least 2-3 new pieces of media coverage
• Start with smaller, niche publications; major outlets notice emerging names after local coverage builds
• Expand presence on other platforms (TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn verification helps)
• Understand that approval is not guaranteed even with solid documentation

If rejected for profile incompleteness

• Rebuild your profile from scratch: clear photo, detailed bio, consistent naming across platforms
• Ensure two-factor authentication is enabled before reapplying
• Post 5-10 pieces of high-quality content to establish activity history

If rejected for policy violations

• Audit all posts and stories for Community Guideline compliance
• Remove anything borderline or controversial
• Ensure no past strikes remain on your account
• Consider waiting 60+ days before reapplication to demonstrate sustained compliance

The Appeals Process

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a formal appeals process for the free verified badge. Your only option is resubmitting 30 days later with strengthened documentation.

For Meta Verified, if your subscription is flagged for removal or denied, you can contact Meta support directly through the app’s Help section. Include documentation showing profile legitimacy and community guideline compliance.

Realistic expectations: If you’ve been rejected 3+ times for free verification despite media coverage, you may have simply not reached the notability threshold Instagram currently requires. Consider Meta Verified as an alternative, or continue building media presence and reapply annually.

Avoid These Verification Killers

Certain behaviors will tank your application, or get an existing badge removed:

• Fake engagement: Bot likes, bought followers, engagement pods
• Misleading identity: Parody accounts, impersonation, profile misrepresentation
• Username instability: Frequent name changes or inconsistent profile information
• Policy violations: Repeated Community Guideline strikes, hate speech, copyright infringement
• Impersonation reports: Multiple reports of fake account behavior

If any of these violations apply to your account, clean house before applying. Fake engagement, policy violations, and misleading identity information will immediately disqualify your verification request.

How Instagram Compares to Other Platforms

Thinking about verification across multiple platforms? Here’s how they stack up:

Platform	Paid Option	Free Option	Key Requirement	Typical Timeline
Instagram	$11.99-14.99/mo	Yes	ID + notability (free) or ID only (paid)	Days (paid) to weeks (free)
TikTok	No	Yes	Strong notability + authenticity	Weeks to months
X (Twitter)	$8-16/mo	Limited	Subscription or significant influence	Days (paid)
YouTube	No	Yes	100K+ subscribers	Automatic at threshold

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Instagram verification has evolved into a two-tier credibility system. The free path remains theoretically accessible but increasingly selective, while the paid subscription path democratizes access for anyone with a legitimate identity.

Getting verified on Instagram in 2025 comes down to understanding which door you’re walking through. If you have the press coverage and public interest to prove notability, the free path rewards that credibility without ongoing costs. If you need faster access, account protections, and priority support—and you’re willing to pay for convenience – Meta Verified removes the notability barrier entirely.

The bottom line: Whether you pursue free or paid verification, your primary focus should remain content quality, authentic audience building, and genuine engagement. The checkmark is a supporting credibility signal, not the foundation of a successful presence.

Choose your path based on your circumstances, understand what each offers honestly, and proceed with realistic expectations about what verification will and won’t do for your account.