How to Get Verified on Instagram

Many users aim to get the blue checkmark (verification symbol) next to their Instagram username. However, verification on Instagram can be quite difficult. Instagram selects accounts to verify and users cannot submit any request forms. The platform typically verifies accounts of celebrities and some business accounts. However, your efforts can increase your chances of getting verified. Engage proactively with other users and attract attention through other social media platforms. Don't worry if you aren't verified; there are still many ways for others to know your account is authentic.

Use popular hashtags (#). A common way for users to find accounts on Instagram is through hashtags. Using popular hashtags will help other users discover your posts. If they like your content, they'll decide to follow you.

• Popular Instagram hashtags include #love, #ootd (short for “outfit of the day”), #photooftheday, and #instagood.
• Consider using hashtags related to your personal brand or your company's brand. For example, if you're a comedian, you can use hashtags related to your performances.
• Stay aware of trending topics. If the newsfeed just covered an event, many people tend to use hashtags related to the topic to discuss it.

Engage with other users. Interacting is one of the best ways to increase followers on Instagram. To gain followers, like photos you come across when clicking on hashtags. Leave genuine comments on other users' accounts. This encourages them to follow you.

• Avoid posting automated comments. Others will find it annoying when you leave comments like 'Nice photo. Follow me back!' Instead, write comments related to the image and let others decide to follow you. For example, 'Such a cute cat! I love calicos!'

Post pictures at 2 AM and 5 PM. 2 AM and 5 PM are Instagram's golden hours. Studies show that content posted during these times typically receives the most engagement and likes.

• To maximize your post’s reach, use popular hashtags during these hours.

Update your profile to increase followers. This will make your profile appear more often when people search for relevant hashtags. Choose hashtags that clearly represent yourself. For example, if you're a backpacker in Ho Chi Minh City, your bio could say, 'A #saigon lover who enjoys #phuot.'

Prove your account is authentic. Instagram only verifies accounts they believe to be real, not fake. To increase your chances of verification, post content that proves your account is authentic.

• Link your Instagram to other verified social media accounts. If you frequently share Instagram photos on your verified Twitter account, it helps verify your identity.
• Post personal photos. Anyone can take a generic landscape photo, but posting content that is personal increases your chances of getting verified.

Verify your Facebook account. Verifying your Facebook account, whether for business or personal use, can increase your chances of getting verified on Instagram. If you have a Facebook page for your business or personal use, go to "Settings," click "General," then select "Page verification" and finally click "Get started." You’ll need to provide a phone number for Facebook to send a verification code, which you will enter as prompted. After this step, Facebook will process your account verification request.

• Similar to Instagram, it’s recommended to post personal content to demonstrate that your account is authentic.

Promote your account on other social media platforms. As you may know, Instagram only verifies a select number of accounts. Typically, public figures or internet celebrities have a higher chance of getting verified. For businesses, you must be well-known for a chance at verification. Therefore, you need to boost your following outside of Instagram as well. The more famous you or your business is, the easier it will be to get verified on Instagram.

• Platforms like YouTube allow you to upload your own video content. Try posting shareable videos such as product reviews or lists. If you're building a brand, creating a YouTube channel will help increase your visibility.
• If you're an artist, such as a singer or comedian, you can post your performances on YouTube and promote them on sites like Twitter. This will help you gain more followers on these platforms and boost your popularity.

Find other ways to prove your account is authentic. Instagram will only verify accounts if you are a public figure or widely recognized. Individuals and businesses typically have a harder time getting verified. If you think Instagram might not verify your account, try other methods to prove your account is real.

• Link your Instagram account to your personal or business website.
• Share Instagram posts on other social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Don’t buy followers. Some sites offer the option to buy fake followers to quickly boost your count. Instagram is cautious about verification and can easily spot when you’ve purchased fake followers. While you might think buying fake followers will help get your account verified faster, Instagram will not validate your account if it detects this behavior.

Delete automatic comments. Sometimes fake accounts may randomly follow real accounts and post automated comments under your photos. These comments can negatively impact your account, making it seem as though you’ve bought fake followers, even if you haven’t. If you notice any automatic comments from fake accounts, it’s advisable to delete them right away.

• Automated comments are usually generic. You might often see comments like "Sweet pic!" or "Nice!" posted repeatedly from the same account. These are fake accounts, and it's best to remove such comments.

Review and follow Instagram’s community guidelines. Instagram will not verify accounts that do not comply with its community guidelines. Read the rules carefully and ensure you don’t post anything that violates them and could get you into trouble.

• Only share videos that you have permission to post. Avoid sharing copyrighted material.
• Do not upload explicit images or content that is not appropriate for general audiences.
• Refrain from posting illegal content.
• Only post respectful and meaningful comments under other people's posts.