Instagram Verified Badge: How to Get It, and What to Do If It’s Denied or Removed

Meta says some verified accounts are owned by a notable person, brand or entity, while others are subscribed to Meta Verified.

1. Subscribe to Meta Verified: a paid subscription with the verified badge, enhanced support, impersonation protection and more, if you meet its eligibility criteria. See how to get Meta Verified.
2. Apply for the badge: if you’re a public figure, celebrity or brand that meets the requirements below.

Meta says that if you already have a verified badge under its earlier rules, you can still subscribe to Meta Verified.

For accounts not subscribed to Meta Verified, Meta says it looks at several factors. Besides following the Terms of Use and Community Standards, the account must be:

1. Authentic: a real person, registered business or entity.
2. Unique: the unique presence of that person or business. Only one account per person or business can be verified (except language-specific accounts), and Meta doesn’t verify general-interest accounts such as meme pages.
3. Complete: public, with a bio and profile photo, and active when you apply.
4. Notable: a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand or entity. Meta says it reviews accounts featured in multiple news sources and doesn’t count paid or sponsored media.

Meta says to make sure your username is what you want before applying, because once verified you may not change it.

These are Meta’s steps for public figures, celebrities and brands that meet the requirements.

1. Make sure you’re logged in to the account you want verified.
2. Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right.
3. Tap Menu in the top right.
4. Below Your insights and tools, tap Professional dashboard, then Settings in the top right.
5. Tap Request verification.
6. Enter your full name and provide the required identification, such as a government-issued photo ID or official business documents.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions, then tap Submit.

Meta says submitting a request doesn’t guarantee verification, even if you’re eligible. If you already subscribe to Meta Verified, Meta says you get the badge after successfully applying and completing the verification process. If you’re verified for notability, Meta suggests turning on two-factor authentication. Our advice: only provide ID through this in-app form, never to anyone who messages you.

Meta says you’ll receive a notification in Activity up to 30 days after applying, saying whether your account was verified.

1. Check Activity by tapping Notifications in the top right.
2. If your request is denied, you can submit a new request after 30 days.
3. Don’t apply again while you’re waiting: Meta says applying multiple times before a decision cancels your application.

Meta says that if your account doesn’t have a badge, you can help let people know you’re authentic by linking to it from your official website, Facebook Page, YouTube or Twitter account.