How to become verified on Instagram
For social media marketers, validation is often synonymous with verification. Most major social networks have a system of verification that sets certain accounts apart from the general population—Instagram included. Unfortunately, getting verified on Instagram isn’t an easy task. Having grown to become one of the most dominant and significant social media networks in the world today, the demand for Instagram verification is at an all-time high. In this article, we’ll discuss the current state of Instagram verification and what you can do to ensure your audience knows your profile is authentic to your business.
Can I apply for verification?
Unlike other social networks such as Facebook, verification application is currently unavailable for Instagram. Much like Twitter, accounts that are likely to be copied or impersonated will have a better chance of becoming verified. Instagram’s website states:
“Right now, only some public figures, celebrities and brands have verified badges. It’s not currently possible to request or purchase a verified badge. If your account doesn’t have a verified badge, there are other ways to help let people know that you’re authentic. For example, you can link to your Instagram profile from your official website, Facebook page or Twitter account”
While there is no direct application form like Facebook or Twitter, there is a loophole. Using a digital marketing agency or publicist to submit an application on your behalf is a common practice. Instagram calls it “Media Partner Support.” According to Instagram, “Media partners can submit requests on behalf of public figures. Media partners will hear back within two days of submitting their request.” For instance, if you happen to be a photographer for a verified Instagram page, use them as an alibi.
Position yourself to avoid impersonation
A verified badge means Instagram knows you are who you say you are and wants to help its users build trust that they are in fact following the real @insert_djname, not some imitator who may end up spamming you with illegitimate content you weren’t looking for.
Your Instagram page should list your name, a link to your website or SoundCloud profile and your other social media accounts, making it easier for Instagram to verify your authenticity – if you’re popular on other social media accounts, this is a good idea. In addition to this, make sure to cross-post your Instagram pictures across all your accounts. For example, upon searching “Martin Garrix” on Instagram, a large number of fan accounts and impersonators appear in the search bar, however, the top result, is the official Martin Garrix account. So what makes it official? In Martin’s bio is a link to the portal for his latest release ‘Game Over’. The portal gives users the choice of purchasing/streaming the single on a number of other verified streaming platforms/online music stores. As these are all linked to legitimate websites which are also verified, this makes Instagram’s job of verifying Martin, easy.
Stay legitimate
Buying followers is easy. There are plenty of sites which offer large numbers of followers for small sums of money, however, don’t be tempted by these sites. Instagram is careful with its verification process and can easily recognize bought followers. While you may see buying followers as a shortcut to verification, Instagram is unlikely to verify your account if your followers are not legitimate.
In addition to this, fake accounts sometimes randomly follow real accounts and may post spammy, computer generated comments on your pictures. These comments may reflect poorly on your account, as they can make it look like you bought followers even if you did not. If you notice any spammy comments from obviously fake accounts, delete them right away.