There can be many accounts that carry the name of a person, brand or organization on Instagram. The blue tick tells viewers that an account has been confirmed as the real one. It builds trust, but it is also surrounded by myths and scams, so it helps to know exactly how verification works.
In this guide we explain what the blue tick is and what it does, the two ways to get one (classic verification and the Meta Verified subscription), the requirements, whether a minimum follower count exists, how to apply, how long it takes, the benefits and eligibility of Meta Verified, whether it is paid, why applications are rejected, how to prepare your profile, what brands should do, and how to avoid blue tick scams.
What Is the Instagram Blue Tick?
A profile badge showing that the account’s connection to the person or organization it represents has been verified.
What Is the Blue Tick For?
It helps people find the real account, reduces impersonation and adds credibility to a profile.
Ways to Get the Blue Tick on Instagram
Classic Instagram Account Verification
For accounts that represent publicly recognized people, brands or organizations.
Meta Verified Subscription
A paid monthly subscription that verifies identity and adds extra features for eligible individual and business accounts.
Classic Verification vs. Meta Verified
| Classic verification | Meta Verified | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free application | Paid monthly subscription |
| Basis | Authenticity and public recognition | Identity verification and subscription |
| Duration | Lasts while rules are met | Depends on an active subscription |
Requirements for Classic Verification
- The account must be real: it represents a genuine person or business.
- The account must be unique: only one account per person or business, apart from language-specific accounts.
- The profile must be complete: bio, profile picture and at least one post.
- The person or brand must be well known: featured in several news sources, not only paid or promotional content.
How Many Followers Are Needed?
Instagram hasn’t announced a fixed minimum follower count. For classic applications, recognition and authenticity matter more.
How to Apply for Classic Verification
Go to your account settings, find the verification request and fill in the form with your name, category and identity details or documents.
How to Use News Links in the Application
Add links to independent, reliable coverage about you or your brand, not your own site or sponsored material.
When Is the Application Resolved?
There’s no fixed time. You will receive the result in your notifications.
What Is Meta Verified?
A subscription service that confirms your identity with an official ID and gives extra account protection and support.
Advantages of Meta Verified
A verification badge, impersonation protection, and access to extra support and features.
Meta Verified for Creators
Eligible accounts need to meet age, profile completeness and activity requirements.
Meta Verified for Businesses
Businesses can apply with their business details and documents.
How to Apply for Meta Verified
Apply from within your account settings, confirm your identity and start the subscription.
Is the Instagram Blue Tick Paid?
Classic verification is free. Meta Verified is a paid monthly subscription.
Does Buying Meta Verified Increase Followers?
No. It isn’t a growth tool; you still need quality content. See ways to increase your Instagram followers.
Does a Blue Tick Get You on Explore?
No. It doesn’t guarantee engagement or reach. See how to increase Instagram engagement.
Why Is a Blue Tick Application Rejected?
- Recognition may be insufficient.
- The profile may be incomplete.
- The account may not clearly represent the person or brand.
- Documents may not be suitable.
- The account may be about a general topic.
- False or misleading information may have been given.
- The account may not be actively used.
- Platform rules may have been violated.
How to Prepare Your Profile Before Applying
- Use a clear profile name.
- Match the username to the brand.
- Use a quality profile photo.
- Write a complete bio. See how to write an Instagram bio.
- Add the official website. See link in bio.
- Update contact information.
- Share content regularly. See Instagram content creation techniques and how to make Instagram Reels.
Use a professional account first; see Instagram professional account.
What Should Brands Do?
Build recognition through press coverage, consistent branding and real customer relationships. See digital reputation.
Blue Tick Scams
Beware of messages that promise a blue tick for money or ask for your password or login code. Only Meta Verified is an official paid route; offers from third parties to sell you a blue tick are not safe. See Instagram ads for legitimate promotion.
For professional help, see Instagram social media consulting, social media consulting and our social media management service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Instagram blue tick?
A profile badge showing that the account’s connection to the person or organization it represents has been verified.
How do I get the Instagram blue tick?
Publicly recognized accounts can apply for classic verification. Eligible individual and business accounts can apply for a Meta Verified subscription.
Is the Instagram blue tick free?
The classic verification application is free. Meta Verified is a monthly paid subscription.
How many followers do I need for a blue tick?
Instagram hasn’t announced a fixed minimum follower count. In classic applications, recognition and authenticity matter more.
Is a Meta Verified blue tick permanent?
The Meta Verified badge depends on an active subscription and the account keeping its eligibility.
Is the classic blue tick permanent?
The badge can remain as long as the account keeps the verification requirements and platform rules. Transferring the account or misleading changes can affect the badge.
Does getting a blue tick increase engagement?
A blue tick doesn’t guarantee engagement or reach. Content quality and audience relationship need to be improved separately.
Can the Instagram blue tick be bought?
Only Meta Verified is the official paid verification option. Offers to sell blue ticks from third parties are not safe.
Why is a verification application rejected?
Insufficient recognition, an incomplete profile, unsuitable documents, wrong information or an account that isn’t authentic can all be reasons.
