Account help
How to get verified on Instagram
Understand Instagram verification in 2026: Meta Verified subscriptions, notable-account applications, eligibility, preparation, timing and scam warnings.
Published · Updated · 10 min read
Quick answer
Instagram has two legitimate verification paths: subscribe to Meta Verified if your eligible profile and region support it, or apply for notability-based verification if you represent a notable person, brand or entity. Both confirm authenticity; neither makes Instagram endorse your expertise or content.
The two verification paths are not the same
A blue badge now indicates that Meta has confirmed an account's authentic presence based on activity and information or documents provided. Some badges belong to notable accounts approved under public-interest criteria; others come with an active Meta Verified subscription.
Instagram explicitly says the badge is not an endorsement or proof of importance, authority or subject-matter expertise. Treat verification as identity confirmation and impersonation protection, not as a guaranteed reach or ranking feature.
| Path | Who it is for | Core requirement | Ongoing cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Verified | Eligible personal and professional creator profiles where available | Identity confirmation, eligible profile and subscription requirements | Recurring subscription |
| Notability-based application | Notable people, brands and entities in the public interest | Authentic, unique, complete and notable presence | No application fee |
Path 1: subscribe to Meta Verified
Meta Verified for creators is a paid monthly subscription offered to eligible profiles in supported locations. The process includes choosing the profile, setting up payment and confirming identity. Meta may require a valid government-issued photo ID whose name and photo meet its rules.
Current benefits can include a verified badge, enhanced support and impersonation protection, but availability and exact benefits vary by profile and region. Check the offer shown inside your own Instagram or Accounts Center rather than trusting a third party's price screenshot.
Check availability in Instagram
Open your profile menu and look for Meta Verified or the relevant Accounts Center option. Availability can vary, so use the option shown in your official app.
Review eligibility before paying
Confirm that the profile type, identity details, name, photo, activity and security settings meet the current requirements.
Prepare valid identification
When requested, use an unexpired government-issued photo ID with a clear name, date of birth and face image that satisfy Meta's identity rules.
Enable required account protection
Follow Instagram's security prompts. Meta's current creator flow may require Advanced Protection for profiles being verified.
Submit through the official flow
Pay and upload information only inside Instagram, Facebook or Accounts Center. Meta says eligible creator applications normally receive an in-app status update after review.
Path 2: apply as a notable person, brand or entity
The traditional application remains relevant to public figures, celebrities and notable brands. Instagram evaluates whether the account is authentic, unique, complete and notable, in addition to compliance with its terms and community standards.
Notability is the part most applicants misunderstand. A follower number alone does not establish it. Meta looks for a well-known, often searched person, brand or entity and reviews coverage in multiple news sources. Paid or promotional content is not treated as independent evidence in the criteria Meta describes.
- Authentic: the account represents a real person, registered business or entity.
- Unique: it is the only presence for that person or business, with limited exceptions such as language-specific accounts.
- Complete: it has an appropriate profile photo, bio/about information and recent activity.
- Notable: the person or entity is well known, often searched and covered by multiple independent news sources.
How to prepare a stronger legitimate application
Make identity consistent
Use a clear profile name, category, bio, official website and contact information that identify the same person or organization.
Complete the account
Add a recognizable profile photo, accurate bio and recent original posts. Remove confusing impersonation-style language.
Secure the account
Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication or the protection Instagram requires, and review account access.
Document independent coverage
Collect accurate URLs from established independent publications that genuinely cover the person or brand. Do not submit paid advertorials as if they were editorial proof.
Apply once and wait
Use only the official Instagram workflow. Meta says repeated applications before a decision can cancel the existing request.
Build authenticity if denied
Link the Instagram account from your official website and other official profiles, correct incomplete information and continue earning real coverage before reapplying.
How long Instagram verification takes
Meta's current help information distinguishes the timelines. A Meta Verified creator application may receive a status update within about three working days after a completed submission. A notability-based badge request can take up to 30 days, with the decision delivered through Instagram activity notifications.
A denied notability request can generally be submitted again after 30 days. Do not pay a person who claims they can move your application to the front of an internal queue. Verification cannot legitimately be sold, transferred or guaranteed by an outside agency.
Verification scams to avoid
- Direct messages offering a guaranteed badge for a one-time transfer or cryptocurrency payment.
- A login page reached from an urgent email that is not an official Meta or Instagram flow.
- Requests for your password, backup codes or two-factor code from an agent.
- Promises to transfer a badge from another account or sell a verified username.
- Paid articles presented as guaranteed notability evidence.
- Pressure to submit false documents or misleading identity information.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get verified on Instagram?
Use one of two official paths: subscribe to Meta Verified if your eligible profile and region support it, or submit a notability-based badge request if you represent a notable person, brand or entity. Apply only through Instagram or Accounts Center.
How many followers do you need to get verified on Instagram?
Instagram does not publish a fixed follower minimum for a notability-based badge. Authenticity, uniqueness, completeness and notability matter; a high follower count alone does not prove notability.
Can you pay Instagram for verification?
Meta Verified is an official recurring subscription for eligible profiles and includes a badge. Paying an outside person or agency does not create a legitimate guarantee and can expose your account to fraud.
How long does Instagram verification take?
Meta says a completed Meta Verified creator application may receive an update within three working days. A traditional notability-based request can take up to 30 days. Timelines and availability can change.
Can I reapply if Instagram denies verification?
Meta's current help information says a denied notability request can be submitted again after 30 days. Improve the account and evidence rather than repeatedly submitting the same material.
Does a blue badge increase reach?
Instagram describes the badge as confirmation of authenticity, not an endorsement or proof of authority. Do not treat organic reach or follower growth as a guaranteed verification benefit.
Sources and fact-checking
Platform controls can change. This article was checked against the official sources below on August 2, 2026.
- Verified badges on Instagram— Instagram Help Center
- Subscribe to Meta Verified for creators— Instagram Help Center
- About Meta Verified for creators— Meta Help Center
- ID requirements for Meta Verified— Meta Help Center
- What happens when you apply for a verified badge— Instagram Help Center