How to Get Verified on Instagram (2026 Guide)
Updated: October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
The blue check, Instagram's verified badge, shows that an account really belongs to the person or brand it claims to be. It used to go only to celebrities and big brands. Since 2023, anyone who meets the requirements can get it through a Meta Verified subscription. This guide covers both routes, the documents Meta asks for, and what to know before you pay. Everything here comes from Meta's own help pages.
Two ways to get the blue check
For a small business or a newer creator, Meta Verified is the realistic option.
- Meta Verified: a monthly paid subscription. You get the badge once Meta confirms your identity or business details. You don't need to be famous.
- Verification request: some accounts still see a free request option in settings. Instagram reviews whether the account is notable and makes the call itself.
Meta Verified requirements
To subscribe as a business, your account needs to be a professional account, and Meta may ask for extra documents to confirm your business details. If you're still on a personal account, switch to a business account first.
- You're at least 18.
- Your profile uses your full name and a photo that shows your face.
- The account has a posting history. Brand-new empty accounts aren't accepted.
- You have a government ID with the same name as your profile.
- Two-factor authentication is on.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu in the top right.
- 2Open Accounts Center, then Meta Verified.
- 3Pick the profile you want to verify. If you add both an Instagram and a Facebook profile, they need to be in the same Accounts Center.
- 4Choose a plan and enter your payment details.
- 5Upload your ID and finish the steps on screen.
Review usually takes a few days. Don't change your profile name or photo in the meantime, since a change can restart the review.
What the subscription includes
- The blue verified badge on your profile and posts.
- Monitoring and removal of accounts impersonating you.
- Access to support by email or chat. Meta notes this may not be available to every subscriber.
- On higher plans, extra discovery tools such as better placement in search.
How much it costs
Meta sets prices by country. In the US the basic plan is $14.99 per profile per month, and the higher plans cost more. You'll see the current price for your country under Accounts Center > Meta Verified. Some plans can only be bought in the mobile app.
Before you subscribe
- The badge is tied to the subscription. Cancel and the badge goes away.
- Changing your profile name, username, date of birth or profile photo after verification can mean verifying again.
- The basic plan doesn't promise more reach. The badge builds trust; your content is still what brings followers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get verified on Instagram for free?
Only notable accounts can. Some accounts see a verification request option in settings, and Instagram decides. Otherwise the badge comes with a Meta Verified subscription.
How many followers do you need to get verified?
Meta Verified has no follower minimum. You need an ID, a face photo, a posting history and two-factor authentication.
Does the blue check increase reach?
The basic plan makes no such promise. The badge shows the account is authentic; reach still depends on how your content performs.
What happens if I cancel?
The badge and the subscription features are removed. Your account and posts stay as they are.