I. Introduction
If you are an aspiring Instagram influencer or brand, getting Instagram verified can be an important milestone in your social media career. Instagram verification helps validate your account as authentic, increases your social media credibility and visibility, and provides many more opportunities.
It is no wonder that every brand and influencer dream of getting verified on Instagram. However, the process can be tricky and time-consuming. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep and discuss all the steps and requirements needed to get verified on Instagram.
II. Understand Instagram Verification
Before diving into the process of verification, it is essential to understand what the famous blue checkmark means. Instagram verification is a status symbol that is granted to a person or brand’s account to signify its authenticity. The blue checkmark indicates that the account owner is established, credible, and influential in their respective field.
Verified accounts typically belong to public figures, influencers, celebrities, or brands. It is not just a badge of honor, but it also provides distinct features to help account owners monetize their channels by unlocking sponsorship, advertising, and promotional opportunities.
To be eligible for Instagram Verification, you need to satisfy a few criteria. The criteria revolve around the authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and compliance of your account.
III. Building an Instagram Presence to Get Verified
The first step towards getting verified on Instagram is building a substantial Instagram presence. While there is a little more to it than merely having a large number of followers, the general rule of thumb is that the bigger your following, the more likely you are to get verified.
However, merely having a large following will not guarantee verification. Here are some essential things that influencers and brands must do before applying for Instagram verification:
Creating High-Quality Content
The quality of the content you post on your Instagram account is the key to your success. High-quality content includes eye-catching visuals, relevant and engaging captions, and proper hashtag usage. Your content should add value and resonate with your audience.
Engaging with Your Audience
It is imperative to immerse yourself in your followership community to foster engagement and conversations on your post. At the same time, you’ll want to respond to all comments and messages you receive to encourage more interactions with your audience.
Growing Your Follower Base
Vanity metrics like followers and engagement are crucial to your Instagram success. Growing your follower base can be done through a variety of methods, including posting regularly, utilizing powerful hashtags, cross-promoting with other Instagram users, and running Instagram ads.
Authenticity & Quality Should Be the Priority
It is essential to maintain authenticity while making sure that the content you publish aligns with your audience’s interests and values. It is also important to remain consistent in the quality of your content across all posts, from captions to your photos and videos.
IV. Applying for Instagram Verification
Once you’ve built up your Instagram account and established a solid influence, it’s time to apply for Instagram verification. Follow these steps to apply for verification:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Verification
1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner
2. Select the “Settings” option and navigate down to “Account”
3. Look for the “Request Verification” option and enter your full name
4. Upload a photo ID that verifies your name along with your birth date
5. Provide some background information on your account and why it’s eligible for verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Applying for verification can be challenging, and many users make mistakes that can negatively affect their chances. Here are some common mistakes you must avoid:
- Poor quality photos: Always ensure that the picture you upload is clear and of the correct format and size.
- Generic account: Before applying, ensure that your account is not generic and has no blurry or low-res images. High-quality content matters.
- Incomplete information: Make sure you fill out all the required fields completely. Incomplete submissions can lead to a rejected application.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Approval
Fret not, as many aspiring influencers have achieved verification on their first try. Plus, there are a few tips to help improve your chances of getting verified on Instagram:
- Be Patient: The process can take time, and you need to be patient enough to await a response.
- Be Authentic: Authenticity is essential, and Instagram looks for that when deciding on accounts to verify
- Update Regularly: It’s important to keep your Instagram profile up-to-date to keep it in line with Instagram’s guidelines
V. Collaborate & Network with Industry Leaders
Collaborating and networking with industry leaders and colleagues can significantly boost your chance of getting verified on Instagram. Collaborating with other verified accounts in your niche allows you to expand your audience by tapping into their followership’s potential.
Networking with other credible brands and influencers in your niche helps you establish connections that can foster growth and, possibly, open doors to unexplored opportunities.
You can also promote your Instagram account through collaboration posts, sponsored content, and shoutouts from other influencers and brands in your industry.
VI. Behind the Scenes of the Instagram Verification Process
Instagram’s verification review process is opaque, but it is thought to be a manual process that is conducted by a human being. Here are some factors that Instagram reviewers consider when verifying an account:
- A legitimate account that accurately represents a notable figure or brand
- A significant following. A large number of followers is not necessary but can increase your chances of approval
- A complete bio, link, and profile photo
Spotting fake Instagram accounts can be challenging, so addressing these points can go a long way in your quest for Instagram verification.
VII. Dos and Don’ts of Instagram Verification
Best Practices to Follow While Pursuing Instagram Verification
Here are some best practices every aspiring Instagram influencer or brand should follow while pursuing Instagram Verification:
- Be Authentic: Authenticity is the key to a successful Instagram account. Ensure that your account reflects your brand and values.
- Build a Complete Profile: Instagram only verifies accounts with complete profiles comprising a clear profile photo, complete bio, and description.
- Acknowledge audience engagement: Audience engagement is key. Always remember to engage with your audience.
Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes you should avoid while pursuing Instagram Verification:
- Avoid Buying Followers: Purchasing Instagram followers can harm your ability to get verified.
- Don’t Overdo It: While engagement is vital, do not spam your audience with irrelevant posts.
- Attempt Verification Too Early: You need to have established a substantial online presence before you apply. Early application can result in a rejection.
Optimize Your Profile, Communicate with Instagram, and Stay True to Your Brand
It is essential to optimize your Instagram Profile to meet the verification criteria, communicate regularly with Instagram, and stay true to your brand identity and values.
VIII. Pros and Cons of Instagram Verification
Getting verified on Instagram has a few pros and cons, depending on your career goals. Here are some of them:
Benefits of Increased Credibility and Visibility.
Getting verified on Instagram can provide a host of benefits, including:
- Indicating that you or your brand is authentic and reliable
- Providing more opportunities for monetization than an unverified account
- Influencing follower confidence in your brand or content
Potential Downsides
Some downsides of Instagram verification rejection or criticism include:
- Rejection can affect your confidence and dampen your ability to grow your social media.
- Criticism from the media, colleagues and other influencers in your industry
IX. Real Stories of Instagram Verification Success
To wrap up, let’s highlight some real-life examples of Instagram influencers or brands that have succeeded in getting verified on Instagram.
Benjamin Rugs, an Interior Designer and Owner of Benjamin Rugs And Furniture’s Instagram account, got verified on Instagram a few years back after tirelessly working on his account, keeping up with Instagram’s updates, and using relevant hashtags.
Natalie Off Duty, a successful fashion blogger, has a real name of Natalie Suarez. After spending years writing and publishing fashion blogs, she grabbed Instagram’s attention with her unique style, and Instagram verified her account under her domain name.
These are some great examples of what it takes to pursue Instagram verification and achieve your goals.
X. Conclusion
In conclusion, Getting verified on Instagram is a challenging yet prestigious achievement for influencers and brands. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you an insight into what Instagram Verification is, its eligibility criteria, the steps you need to perform, what you should do and avoid, the process behind it, and real-life examples of success—you’re one step closer to achieving Instagram Verification.
