After thousands of accounts got suspended due to hackers’ threats, the famous social media app Instagram has taken some quick actions to make the platform more secure for its one billion users. In these efforts, among the several features that Instagram for the first time has offered its users a straightforward way to verify their account by filling in a form.
What is verified badge?
A verified badge is simply a check that appears next to an Instagram account’s name in search and on the profile. It means Instagram has confirmed that an account is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity or global brand it represents.
Yes, it is good news that Instagram is allowing for an in-app form for account verification, but this doesn’t really make your chances of getting the blue tick any better. Instagram itself has spelled this out very clearly, “submitting a request for verification does not guarantee that your account will be verified.”
While it’s too early to tell if Instagram will be handing out more verified badges to users, they’ve at least made the process much more transparent. Now, any user can request to be verified with a few steps.
Follow the six easy steps to adorn your profile with the blue badge –
1. GO TO YOUR PROFILE
Click the profile button in the bottom right corner.
2. NAVIGATE TO SETTINGS
Click the three lines button in the top right corner, and clicking the Settings gear at the bottom of your screen.
3. SCROLL DOWN TO REQUEST VARIFICATION BUTTON
Under the Account section, tap Request Verification.
4. FILL OUT THE GIVEN FORM
You will be directed to a screen where you’ll need to enter your account name, your legal or business name
5. UPLOAD YOUR ID PHOTO
Upload a copy of your government-issued photo ID
It must show your name and date of birth. Accepted documents include a driver’s license, passport, or national identification card. If you don’t have a government-issued ID, you can also use an official business documents such as a tax filing, recent utility bill, or article of incorporation.
6. GET NOTIFIED!
Tap Send, and wait for Instagram to review your request, and look for a notification in your notifications tab.
The last criterion is the toughest. Instagram requires that your account be ‘notable.’ You might think that your account is, but unless you are a “well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity” you probably won’t make the cut.
