You‘ve probably noticed those coveted blue verification checkmarks on some of your favorite Instagram accounts. But contrary to popular belief, you don‘t need millions of followers or incredible fame to get verified yourself.
As an online privacy professional, I‘ve helped clients navigate Instagram‘s exclusive verification process for years. And I can confidently say that with the right strategy and persistence, that sought-after blue badge can be within your reach.
Let‘s explore what it takes, step-by-step, to stand out from the crowd and get verified on Instagram this year.
The Value of Verification in 2024
That tiny blue checkmark signifies that Instagram has reviewed your account and formally confirmed your identity. Only about 4% of accounts ever get approved.
For public figures, verification aims to:
- Ensure followers engage with authentic accounts, not impersonators
- Clearly distinguish official pages from fan accounts
- Reduce confusion around names and handles
It also gives influencers, creators and personal brands:
- A perceived boost in credibility and authority
- Helps them stand out in crowded niches
- Drives higher post engagement – verified accounts see 20-30% more likes and comments per post
While verification began as an identity confirmation tool, it has evolved into an elite status symbol on social media. It‘s a valuable marketing asset that says to audiences, partners and sponsors – "This creator has officially made it."
Gaining verification requires effort – but pays dividends in reach, credibility and branding potential for years to come.
Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Verified
Follow this five-step blueprint to position your account for verification eligibility this year:
Step 1: Establish Yourself as an Authority
To catch Instagram‘s eye, first work on growing your account authority and personal brand. While you don‘t need millions of followers, you should have an engaged audience invested in your content.
Expert tips to rapidly expand your reach:
- Post consistently – Multiple times per week, minimum
- Engage often – Reply to comments, like posts, follow influencers
- Run contests/giveaways – Encourage shares and tags
- Go multi-channel – Cross-promote from other social accounts
- Optimize your profile – Include website links, contact methods and other authority signals
An authentic, growing audience shows Instagram you‘re a public figure on the rise worthy of verification.
Step 2: Demonstrate Risk of Impersonation
To qualify, Instagram needs to know real impersonators could capitalize on your brand.
Be sure to communicate:
- Name similarity – A common name (like Sarah Johnson) primes confusion
- Visual similarity – You resemble a celebrity lookalike
- Brand imitation – Aspects of your content style or assets could be stolen
Attach media examples of past impersonators or brand imitation risks in your request. The more proof you show, the better.
Step 3: Personalize Your Presence
Adding personality makes your account magnetic and more verification-worthy:
- Post Stories daily – Give followers a peek into your daily life
- Go Live often – Host real-time talks and fan Q&As
- Share personal moments – Photos of family, hobbies and special access
Followers who connect with the human side of your brand become loyal advocates. Their tags and word-of-mouth support continue fueling your growth.
Step 4: Expand Your Visibility
Getting seen far and wide signals influence worthy of Instagram‘s elite status:
- Leverage hashtags – Use both popular and niche tags to increase discovery
- Run monthly contests/giveaways – Encourage shares and tags
- Collaborate with influencers – Request shoutouts from larger followings
- Contribute guest content – Build links and name recognition by publishing widely
More visibility and discussion of your brand strengthens your verification eligibility.
Step 5: Make Your Verification Request
Once ready, submit a verification request through Instagram‘s internal form:
- Provide your full legal name, bio, website
- Upload identity documents like business licenses
- Explain specifically why your account needs verification, emphasizing impersonation risks
I recommend clients prepare verification requests as polished, professional presentations. Outline the ongoing benefits Instagram gains by verifying your unique talents and sphere of influence.
It often takes a few tries, but your persistence pays dividends once approved!
Buying Verification Services: The Risks
You may encounter services promising instant verification through backdoor connections or internal tools.
*But never buy into these. Verification services often employ tactics like:
- Automating fake likes/follows from bot accounts
- Abusing employee-only admin tools
- Making false verification/impersonation claims on your behalf
Purchasing verification risks getting your account:
- Flagged for Terms of Service violations
- Shadowbanned or limited in reach
- Outright deleted or deactivated for fraud
Stick to above-board tactics for getting verified the honest way. While longer, this path avoids damaging your account reputation.
What If You Get Rejected? Alternatives to Consider
Even when perfectly eligible, about 20% of well-qualified accounts get rejected on the first verification request.
If your initial request gets denied, try these next steps:
Verify an alternative account – Build up a secondary business page focused on a narrower aspect of your brand, then reapply there. Niche formats like this often have better approval odds over broad personal accounts.
Request an explanation – Politely ask Instagram why you were rejected and for any advice on getting accepted in future attempts. Show you take the process seriously.
Strengthen your case – Spend 1-2 months further improving your content, distribution and authority signals before requesting again.
See multiple verification rejections as obstacles making your eventual approval even more momentous!
Maintaining Verification Status
Once gaining that coveted elite status, the real work begins maintaining your verification. Be sure to:
- Continue posting great content multiple times per week
- Keep engaging highly with your growing audience
- Act professionally both on and off the platform
- Avoid actions seen negatively or controversially by Instagram
Maintaining your reputation protects verification status for the long haul.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Verification
As early social networks decline, Instagram‘s influence rises exponentially. I expect verification to only grow in status value and competitive appeal through 2025-2030.
Instagram is on track to hit 2 billion monthly active users this year. Standing out from the crowd with a blue check gives creators an instant authority edge for converting audiences into:
- Adoring fans
- Paid sponsorships
- Potential business opportunities
For those serious about social media stardom – there has never been a better time to set your sights on getting verified.
Let my comprehensive, step-by-step guide illuminate the path ahead. I‘m confident that with the right smart strategy, your account can join the verified elite this year!
Your online privacy friend,
[Your name]