How to Get Verified on Instagram: Meta Verified vs. Traditional Badge
Complete guide to Instagram verification in 2026 — Meta Verified subscription requirements, costs, and steps, plus the traditional public-figure verification process.
Quick Answer
There are two ways to get verified on Instagram in 2026:
- Meta Verified — Subscribe for a monthly fee ($14.99/month on web, $19.99/month on iOS/Android). Requires a government ID, profile photo matching your ID, and two-factor authentication enabled. Approval is usually within 48 hours.
- Traditional verification — Free, but reserved for notable public figures, celebrities, and brands. Apply through Settings → Account type and tools → Request verification. Approval is based on notability and press coverage.
Meta Verified: The Subscription Path
What Is Meta Verified?
Meta Verified is a paid subscription that gives you a blue verification badge on Instagram (and Facebook). It's designed for creators and individuals who want the credibility of verification without needing to be a public figure.
Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Your account must have a profile photo that matches your government ID.
- Your account must have two-factor authentication enabled.
- You need a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID).
- Your account must have some activity history (not brand new).
- Your profile must be public (at the time of writing; Meta has tested private account support in some markets).
Cost
- Web: $14.99/month (USD)
- iOS / Android: $19.99/month (USD) — higher due to app store fees
- Pricing varies by country
What You Get
- Blue verification badge
- Proactive account protection (impersonation monitoring)
- Access to exclusive stickers for Stories and Reels
- Direct access to Meta support for account issues
- Verified badge on Facebook (if linked)
How to Subscribe
- Go to Settings and activity → Accounts Center.
- Tap Meta Verified.
- Tap Subscribe and follow the prompts.
- Submit your government ID for verification.
- Wait for approval (usually within 48 hours).
Traditional Verification: The Free Path
Who Qualifies?
Traditional verification is reserved for accounts representing:
- Notable public figures (celebrities, athletes, politicians)
- Major brands (globally recognized companies)
- Entities with significant press coverage
Instagram requires that your account be:
- Authentic — represent a real person, business, or entity
- Unique — the one-and-only presence for that person/brand
- Complete — have a bio, profile photo, and at least one post
- Notable — represent a well-known, highly searched-for person or brand
How to Apply
- Go to Settings and activity → Account type and tools.
- Tap Request verification (if available for your account).
- Fill out the form:
- Full name
- Known as (professional/stage name)
- Category (your field or industry)
- Upload a government-issued ID
- Provide links to press coverage, social media profiles, or other evidence of notability.
- Submit and wait (typically 30 days for a decision).
Tips for Approval
- Provide multiple sources of press coverage — news articles, not press releases.
- Ensure your name matches your ID.
- Have a complete profile with consistent branding.
- Show presence on other platforms (Wikipedia page, major social accounts).
Meta Verified vs. Traditional Verification
| Meta Verified | Traditional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $14.99–$19.99/month | Free |
| Who qualifies | Anyone with a valid ID | Notable public figures/brands |
| Approval time | ~48 hours | ~30 days |
| ID required | Government ID | Government ID |
| Press coverage needed | No | Yes |
| Impersonation protection | Yes | No |
| Support access | Yes | No |
| Can lose badge | Yes (cancel subscription) | Yes (violate terms) |
Common Questions
Can I lose my verification badge?
Yes. Meta Verified badges are lost if you cancel your subscription or violate Instagram's terms. Traditional badges can be removed if Instagram determines your account no longer meets notability requirements or if you violate terms of service.
Does verification make my account more visible?
Instagram has stated that verification does not give your content preferential treatment in the algorithm. However, the badge may increase trust and click-through rates, which can indirectly improve reach.
Can I get verified on Instagram but not Facebook (or vice versa)?
With Meta Verified, you get the badge on both platforms if your accounts are linked through Accounts Center. Traditional verification is platform-specific — you need to apply separately for each.
Is Meta Verified available in my country?
Meta Verified is available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. Check Settings → Accounts Center → Meta Verified to see if it's available in your region.
Related Guides
- How to Change Your Instagram Username — update your @handle
- How to Secure Your Instagram Account — protect your account
- Instagram Two-Factor Authentication Guide — enable 2FA
- Instagram Account Guide — all account management guides
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