Instagram Verification – Should I Be Verified?
February 24, 2021
“Should my brand be verified on Instagram?” It’s a question many small businesses ask.
The short answer is yes.
Why getting verified matters on social media
When a social media user notices that your account is verified, it tells them that it’s not just another account. It’s an account that belongs to someone they are going to want to pay attention to — an influencer, brand or company in most cases.
That little blue checkmark is like having proof that your account is worth following. And it can go a long way toward helping to build trust in your brand.
The problem is that, on Instagram, getting verified isn’t easy.
What verification means to Instagram
According to Instagram, if you’re “a notable, well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity,” then you should be verified.
This means that, to Instagram, if you are still just an aspiring social media influencer or a new, unknown, brand, your account doesn’t need to be verified.
If people can find your Instagram account easily and there is little to no likelihood that someone will impersonate you, then Instagram won’t verify you.
People who want Instagram verification often see it as a status symbol. And in a way, it is. But Instagram doesn’t see it this way, and they verify accounts for the purposes of authenticity.
“Accounts representing well-known figures and brands are verified because they have a high likelihood of being impersonated. We want to make sure that people in the Instagram community can easily find the authentic people and brands they want to follow.”
Putting the cart before the horse
One person who contacted us was looking for someone she could pay to get her verified on Instagram. A few marketing services (the type who burn their clients, mind you), offered to take her money to give her Kim-Kardashian-like status.
There was only one hang-up. This person had 426 followers. Kim had 131 million followers.
The bottom line is that you’re a well-known name and have a huge following, it’s going to be easy to get verified on Instagram.
If you’re not, the way to get verified is to gain popularity and get enough followers that Instagram deems verification necessary for your account, which means that you need to consistently post engaging, shareable content.
If you are an established business brand, it’s easier to get verified without having an enormous, Kardashian-like audience, but you still need to be known within your industry.
Once you gain some brand recognition, apply to have your account verified (you can do this directly through the app).
Because — in a way — that little blue check does say something about you. It says that you’re a brand people know.
Want help building a verification-worthy Instagram presence for your brand? Our social media managers are here to help. See our plans and pricing.
Originally published on 4/8/19
Get Plans and Pricing Below
Get the know-how to get ahead
Get business, marketing and sales tips written by experienced industry practitioners. 100% free. Cancel anytime.