How Can I Get Blue Tick on Instagram?

Quick answer

Instagram's blue checkmark can come from two different systems. The original, free verification badge is reserved for notable, authentic, unique accounts representing real public figures, celebrities, or brands, and is granted through a manual application reviewed by Instagram. The newer Meta Verified is a paid monthly subscription (available in a limited set of countries) that gives subscribers a blue badge plus extra account protections, but it requires meeting baseline eligibility (minimum age, an established posting history, and government ID verification) and is not a signal of fame — it's a paid feature, and losing eligibility or canceling the subscription can remove the badge.

Key takeaways

• Free notability-based verification requires proof you're authentic, unique (one real-world person/brand, no duplicate accounts), and notable — usually shown through coverage in multiple recognized news sources
• Apply via Settings and privacy > Account Center > Verification (accessible from your Instagram or Facebook settings)
• Meta Verified is a paid subscription available only in select countries, requiring you to be 18+, submit a government ID, and have an account with some posting history
• The two badges look identical but mean different things — Meta Verified doesn't imply celebrity status or media notability
• Approval for either path is not guaranteed; Instagram/Meta can reject applications or later remove a badge if requirements are no longer met or the account violates policy
• Buying a "verification service" from a third party outside Instagram's own tools is not a real path to verification and is a common scam

Path 1: Free notability-based verification

This is the original blue check, meant to confirm an account belongs to the real, well-known person, brand, or entity it claims to represent — protecting public figures from impersonation rather than rewarding popularity.

Eligibility criteria Instagram looks for

• Authentic: the account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity, and you generally need to add a government ID or business documents when requested
• Unique: only one account per person or business can be verified (except for language-specific accounts); duplicate or fan accounts don't qualify
• Complete: a public account with a bio, profile photo, and posting activity — not a blank or inactive profile
• Notable: the account should represent a well-known, highly searched person, brand, or entity, generally demonstrated by coverage in multiple newsworthy sources — Instagram has said it does not count paid/promotional content as evidence of notability

How to apply

1. Go to your profile and open Settings and privacy
2. Tap Account Center (this is the shared hub Meta uses across Instagram and Facebook)
3. Find Verification in the Account Center menu, or search "Request verification" in the app's search bar within Settings
4. Follow the prompts to submit your legal name, a government-issued ID, and links to at least one recent news article about you or your brand from a recognized outlet (not sponsored content, interviews you paid for, or your own website)
5. Instagram reviews the application — timelines aren't fixed, and there's no guaranteed outcome; you can typically reapply after 30 days if denied

Path 2: Meta Verified (paid subscription)

Meta Verified is a subscription bundle rolled out gradually since 2023, letting individuals pay a recurring fee for a blue badge plus account benefits. It is explicitly separate from the notability-based badge.

What it requires

• Minimum age 18
• An account with an established history (not brand new)
• Government ID verification that matches the name and photo on your profile
• Ongoing subscription payment — the badge is tied to active payment, not a one-time purchase
• Availability limited to specific countries Meta has launched the program in; it is not available everywhere

What it includes

• A blue verification badge
• Proactive account monitoring for impersonation attempts
• Access to (typically faster or dedicated) account support
• Some additional profile features that have varied by rollout, such as exclusive stickers or increased visibility in certain surfaces

Important caveats

• Meta Verified does not mean you're a notable public figure — it's a paid feature anyone meeting the baseline criteria can get
• If you cancel the subscription, fail to renew payment, or later violate policies, Meta can revoke the badge
• Because it's a subscription, some users perceive it as less prestigious than the classic notability-based badge, which cannot be bought at any price

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying a third-party "verification agency" or individual outside Instagram's own Account Center flow — Instagram does not authorize anyone to sell or guarantee verification, and these are scams
• Applying for notability-based verification with only sponsored posts or self-published content as "proof" of notability — Instagram generally wants independent news coverage
• Assuming Meta Verified guarantees permanent status — missed payments or ID mismatches can remove the badge
• Running multiple accounts for the same person/brand and expecting more than one to get verified

Tips

• Build a genuine media presence (interviews, press mentions, notable partnerships) before applying for free verification — this is the strongest signal Instagram's reviewers look for
• If notability-based verification is denied, check your Account Center for the specific reason given and address it (e.g., incomplete profile, insufficient notability evidence) before reapplying
• If you mainly want impersonation protection and don't yet have major public notability, Meta Verified (where available) may be the realistic near-term option instead of waiting on notability review