How to Get the Blue Tick on Instagram in 2026 (Verified Badge Guide)

Trust is more valuable than ever, whether online or offline. With AI-generated profiles, bots, and impersonators becoming increasingly common, a verified Instagram account (blue tick) is no longer just a status symbol. Now it’s become a critical tool for credibility, business, and community building.

This guide will walk you through every step to get the blue tick in 2026, with simple, clear instructions for beginners, future-focused tips, and expert strategies.

What Instagram Verification Means

A verified badge (blue tick) confirms that Instagram has authenticated your account as a real person, business, or brand.

Future-Focused Insights for 2026 (Predictions and Expectations):

• AI & Authenticity: With AI-generated accounts and deepfakes increasing, verification will continue to be essential for trust. Industry analysts expect Instagram to incorporate more AI tools to detect inauthentic activity, though exact details are not officially confirmed.
• Evolving Notability: Instagram may begin valuing niche recognition, such as top contributor badges on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Patreon, or verified website activity. These are expected trends and not guaranteed policies.
• Utility Over Prestige: By 2026, the blue tick is likely to be a practical tool for business and online communities, rather than just a status symbol.

Who Can Get Verified on Instagram

Anyone can apply, as long as the account meets these criteria:

• Authentic Account – Real person, registered business, or brand.
• Unique Account – Only one account per person or brand is eligible.
• Complete Profile – Must have profile photo, bio, and active posts.
• Notable Account – Press coverage or public recognition helps with free verification. Meta Verified allows accounts with fewer mentions to still apply, but approval is subject to review.
• Follow Instagram Rules – Must comply with Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.

Tip: There is no minimum follower count. Even small businesses or micro-influencers can apply if they meet the authenticity and profile requirements.

Why Get Verified on Instagram

Getting verified on Instagram is more than just having a blue tick—it signals authenticity, builds trust, and can help you grow your online presence. Whether you’re a creator, small business, or professional, a verified badge can open doors to credibility, visibility, and opportunities.

• Prevent Impersonation – Protects your account from fake profiles and impersonators.
• Boost Trust & Credibility – Verified accounts are seen as more reliable and authentic.
• Increase Visibility – Verified accounts are often prioritized in search results and recommendations.
• Attract Brand Partnerships – Many brands prefer verified accounts for collaborations and sponsorships.
• Grow Followers & Engagement – Verified accounts may see higher engagement, though actual increases vary depending on audience size, content type, and region.
• Improve Business Results – Increased trust and visibility can lead to higher sales, leads, or opportunities.

Two Paths to the Blue Tick (2026 Edition)

There are two main ways to get verified:

1. Request Free Verification – Ideal for notable public figures, brands with press mentions, or anyone with a strong online presence.
2. Subscribe to Meta Verified – Paid option that provides access to verification features, but does not guarantee approval. All accounts must pass ID and eligibility checks.

So:

• Choose Free Verification if you have media coverage, a Wikipedia page, or a recognized public presence.
• Choose Meta Verified if you are a small creator, entrepreneur, or professional without press coverage but want a faster path to verification if your account meets eligibility requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide: Request Free Verification

Requesting free verification on Instagram is the official, no-cost way to get your blue tick. Follow these steps carefully to increase your chances:

Step 1: Log in to Your Instagram Account

• Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
• Make sure you are logged into the account you want to verify (personal, creator, or business account).

Tip: Only one account per person or brand is eligible for verification.

Step 2: Navigate to the Verification Request Page

• Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile.
• Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
• Go to Settings → Account → Request Verification.
• If you’re a creator account, this may appear as Creator Tools → Request Verification.

Step 3: Fill in Your Details Accurately

You will need to provide the following information:

• Full Name or Business Name – Enter your legal name or registered business name.
• Government-issued ID – Upload a clear photo of your passport, driver’s license, or national ID. Make sure all details are visible.
• Industry Category – Select the category that best describes your account (e.g., influencer, musician, business, blogger).
• Notability Proof – Add links to your media coverage, press articles, official websites, or verified social profiles. These help Instagram confirm your public recognition.

Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application

• Double-check that all information is correct and your documents are legible.
• Tap Submit to send your request to Instagram for review.

Step 5: Wait for Instagram’s Response

• Instagram typically reviews verification requests within up to 30 days, though processing times can vary.
• You will receive a notification in your activity feed once your application is approved or rejected.
• Tip: Do not submit multiple requests within 30 days; this can negatively affect your application.

Step 6: After Approval

• If approved, the blue tick will appear next to your account name.
• Ensure your account remains active and follows Instagram’s guidelines to avoid losing verification.

Step 7: If Rejected

• Review Instagram’s feedback and improve your online presence, profile, and media coverage before reapplying after 30 days.

Step-by-Step Guide: Subscribe to Meta Verified

Meta Verified costs approximately $14.99/month (pricing varies by region). It offers the verified badge along with features like proactive impersonation monitoring and direct support.

Important: Subscribing does not guarantee approval. Accounts must meet Instagram’s eligibility requirements and pass verification checks.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before subscribing, ensure your account meets all Meta Verified requirements:

• Age: You must be 18 years or older.
• Profile Photo: Your profile must include a clear face photo if it’s a personal account.
• Active Posting History: Your account should have posts, stories, or reels reflecting consistent activity.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Government ID: Prepare a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID) that matches your profile information.
• Business Accounts: Must have a Meta Business Account, an Instagram professional account, and a Facebook business page linked.

Step 2: Open Meta Verified in Instagram

• Open the Instagram app and log in to the account you want to verify.
• Tap your profile picture → menu icon (three lines) → Meta Verified under For Professionals.

Step 3: Select the Account to Verify

• Choose the account you want to verify.
• Meta Verified allows up to two eligible accounts (one Instagram and one Facebook account).

Step 4: Pay the Subscription Fee

• The subscription costs approximately $14.99/month (may vary by region).
• Payment options: Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Meta Pay.
• Enter your payment details and tap Subscribe.

Step 5: Submit ID Verification

• Confirm or update your profile information, including name and profile picture.
• Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID.
• For business accounts, provide business name, address, phone number, and website.
• Tap Submit to send your verification request for review.

Step 6: Wait for Instagram’s Review

• Meta Verified reviews usually complete within a few days, but processing times can vary.
• You will be notified in your activity feed once the account is approved.
• Tip: Ensure your account stays active and follows Instagram rules during this period.

Step 7: After Approval

• Your blue tick will appear next to your profile name.
• You’ll gain access to priority support, proactive impersonation monitoring, and other Meta Verified features.
• Keep your subscription active to maintain the verified badge.

Step 8: If Rejected

• Check for errors in your ID submission or eligibility requirements.
• Fix any issues and reapply if necessary.

What to Expect by 2026 (Speculative):

• Meta may introduce tiered subscriptions with advanced analytics, ad credits, or exclusive digital tools.
• The core verification benefit—the blue tick—will remain the main feature.

Advanced Tips to Increase Your Chances

Follow these proven tips to boost your chances of getting the Instagram blue tick in 2026.

1. Build Cross-Platform Presence – Link authentic profiles on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, or a professional website. Instagram often considers your overall online presence when evaluating notability.
2. Wikipedia Page – A neutral, well-sourced Wikipedia page can enhance credibility. Ensure it follows Wikipedia’s notability guidelines, including verifiable references from reputable sources.
3. Consistent Branding – Use the same name, profile photo, and bio across all platforms. Consistency reinforces authenticity and makes it easier for Instagram to verify your identity.
4. Digital Press Coverage – Get featured in reputable newsletters, podcasts, online magazines, or local digital news outlets. This counts as media recognition and strengthens your verification application.
5. Timing & Strategy – Submit verification requests right after media coverage, product launches, collaborations, or notable achievements. Timing can improve the visibility of your application.
6. Engage Your Audience Regularly – Active engagement signals authenticity. Respond to comments, interact with followers, and maintain consistent posting to show you’re a real, active account.
7. Professional Profile Quality – Ensure your profile picture is clear, bio is informative, and posts are high-quality. Verified accounts often reflect professionalism and credibility.
8. Secure Your Account – Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and use a strong password. Security demonstrates that your account is well-maintained and authentic.
9. Link Official Websites or Blogs – If you have a business, brand, or personal website, link it in your bio. This provides additional proof of authenticity for both free verification and Meta Verified applications.
10. Leverage Industry Recognition – Awards, certificates, or recognitions in your niche can help. Instagram reviewers may consider niche authority alongside traditional press coverage.
11. Engage in Collaborations – Partnerships with other verified or reputable accounts in your industry can improve your credibility and strengthen your application.
12. Maintain Authentic Content – Avoid reposting low-quality or spammy content. Your account should clearly reflect your identity, brand, or business to meet verification standards.

Apply these strategies consistently to strengthen your verification application and stand out.

Major and Minor Reasons for Verification Rejection

Even small mistakes can cost you the Instagram blue tick; here are the most common reasons applications get rejected.

Major Mistakes:

1. Lack of Media Mentions or Online Visibility – Instagram looks for authentic notability; accounts without press coverage or credible online mentions may be rejected.
2. Incomplete Profile – Missing profile photo, bio, or posts signals inactivity or inauthenticity.
3. New or Inactive Account – Brand-new or rarely posting accounts have lower chances of approval.
4. Geographic Restrictions – Verification may not be available in all countries; ensure your region is supported.
5. Failure to Comply with Instagram Rules – Violating Community Guidelines or Terms of Use automatically disqualifies your application.
6. Not Providing Proper ID or Business Documents – Missing, invalid, or mismatched government ID or business registration papers will result in rejection.

Minor Mistakes:

1. Using a Different Name Across Platforms – Inconsistent naming on Instagram and other platforms can weaken your authenticity.
2. Profile Photo Issues – Blurry, unclear, or non-human photos reduce verification chances.
3. No Two-Factor Authentication Enabled – Security features like 2FA signal account legitimacy; not enabling it may hurt your application.
4. Submitting Multiple Accounts at Once – Trying to verify multiple accounts for the same person or brand simultaneously can lead to denials.
5. Lack of Clear Online Branding – Inconsistent visuals, unclear bio, or no brand story appear less credible.
6. Ignoring Small Digital Press or Mentions – Local blogs, podcasts, or niche publications strengthen your case; ignoring them reduces perceived notability.

Focusing on these major and minor mistakes increases your chances of securing the blue tick.

What to Do If Your Verification Request is Rejected

Rejection is common, but you can improve your chances with a clear, step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Criteria

• Go back and double-check the four main requirements: Authentic, Unique, Complete, and Notable.
• Make sure your Instagram account follows all Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.
• Verify that your profile photo, bio, and posts are consistent and professional.

Step 2: Improve Media Coverage and Online Presence

• Increase your press mentions: aim for features in blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or online magazines.
• Build cross-platform credibility: link your Instagram to verified accounts on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, or your professional website.
• Engage your audience regularly through posts, Reels, and Stories to show activity and authenticity.
• Consider creating a Wikipedia page (if your brand or profile is notable) to strengthen your online authority.

Step 3: Optimize Your Profile

• Make sure your profile is fully complete:
  • Clear profile picture
  • Engaging bio
  • Active posts (feed, Reels, Stories)
• Maintain consistent branding across all social platforms.
• Enable two-factor authentication for added credibility.

Step 4: Wait at Least 30 Days Before Reapplying

• Instagram recommends a 30-day waiting period between applications.
• Use this time to implement improvements instead of resubmitting immediately.
• Track your media coverage, cross-platform growth, and engagement metrics to strengthen your next application.

Step 5: Consider Subscribing to Meta Verified (Optional)

• If your account meets eligibility, Meta Verified provides an additional route to apply for the blue tick.
• Ensure you have:
  • Government-issued ID matching your profile
  • Active posting history
  • Two-factor authentication enabled
• Remember: Meta Verified does not guarantee approval—your account still needs to pass verification checks.

Step 6: Reapply Thoughtfully

• Submit your next verification request with updated evidence of notability and improved account activity.
• Include links to press mentions, social profiles, and websites to strengthen your case.
• Time your reapplication strategically after a new media feature or important online milestone.

Rejection is just a step toward success—use it to improve your profile, credibility, and chances for the blue tick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does Meta Verified improve reach or algorithm ranking?

Officially, it does not. The primary benefits are verification, trust, and support. Indirectly, higher credibility may lead to increased engagement.

Q: Can a normal user get verified?

Yes, as long as the account is authentic, unique, and complete.

Q: How many followers are needed?

No minimum. Notability and engagement matter more than follower count.

Q: How long does verification take?

Free verification: up to 30 days, depending on account complexity.

Meta Verified: typically a few days, but timing varies.

Q: Can you lose your blue tick?

Yes, if you violate guidelines, cancel Meta Verified, or make your account private.

Conclusion:

In 2026, digital authenticity will be your most valuable currency. The Instagram blue tick is no longer just a prestige marker—it is a strategic tool for credibility, business, and community trust.

Whether you earn it through free verification or subscribe to Meta Verified, focus on authentic presence, consistent branding, cross-platform activity, and strategic timing. Avoid relying on misleading shortcuts, and build your verifiable presence step by step. This approach ensures your blue tick is earned legitimately and your digital reputation remains strong.