Short answer
There are two routes. Meta Verified is a paid subscription that adds a badge after an ID check. The original notability-based verification is free but granted only to accounts that are authentic, unique, complete and notable — which in practice means coverage in several independent news sources. Apply from the app’s account settings with your ID and press links. Most rejections come down to insufficient independent coverage.
Two kinds of blue tick
Since Meta introduced paid subscriptions there are effectively two badges. Meta Verified is available to eligible creators and businesses for a monthly fee after an identity check, and lasts as long as the subscription. The original notability badge is granted to public figures, brands and organisations that Meta considers notable; it does not depend on a subscription and is the one most brands and public figures actually want.
The notability requirements
- Authentic — a real person, registered business or entity.
- Unique — the one account representing that person or business (language-specific exceptions exist).
- Complete — public account, bio, profile photo and at least one post.
- Notable — a well-known, highly searched-for person or brand, evidenced by coverage in multiple news sources. Paid or promotional content is not counted.
How to apply
Open your profile settings and find Request verification — on professional accounts it sits under the account type and tools section; the exact path changes between app versions. You will provide your legal name, a government-issued ID or official business documents, your category, your country, and links that show notability. The press links carry most of the weight, so prepare them before applying. If a request is declined you can reapply after a waiting period — Instagram has stated 30 days — but only with stronger evidence.
Why applications get rejected
- Coverage is thin, paid, or limited to self-published profiles and press releases.
- The account is not the single, complete, public representation of the person or brand.
- Name inconsistencies between the ID, the account and the articles.
- Recent guideline violations on the account.
The realistic path is genuine notability first — independent editorial coverage, a consistent public identity across platforms and a clean account history — then a well-prepared application. That is how our blue tick consulting works; it never promises a badge, because only Meta grants it.
Beware of “guaranteed verification”
Anyone selling an instant or guaranteed notability badge is either running a scam or using methods that can get the account penalised. Meta does not sell the notability badge. More warning signs are in our guide to recovery and verification scams.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meta Verified the same as the old blue tick?
Both show a badge, but Meta Verified is a paid, identity-checked subscription, while the notability badge is granted for being a notable public figure or brand and does not depend on paying.
How many followers do I need to get verified?
There is no follower threshold. Notability is judged mainly on independent coverage and how widely the name is searched, not on follower count.
How long after applying will I hear back?
Instagram says it reviews requests and notifies you in the app; it often takes days to a few weeks. Declined applicants can reapply after the stated waiting period.
Do press releases count as press coverage?
Generally no. Paid, sponsored or self-published content does not demonstrate notability; independent editorial coverage does.
Sources: Instagram Help Center