You've likely seen a lot of verification badges. As with Twitter, Facebook, and even Tinder, the little blue checkmarks are meant to show that the platform has confirmed that the account in question is trustworthy or at least that the user is who they say they are.

Instagram verification is the process of getting a blue checkmark badge that lets other Instagram users know that an account really belongs to the user, artist, brand, or organization it represents. These badges are meant to make the real accounts stand out so that Instagram users can be sure they are following the right person or brand. They show authority and are easy to find in search results and on profiles.

On Instagram, anyone can ask for a verified badge. But Instagram is known for being picky (and in some ways mysterious) about who gets verified. So, if you have an account that is just on the edge of being "notable," how do you know if you meet the requirements?

Even if you have a blue checkmark on Twitter or Facebook, that doesn't mean you will have one on Instagram.

Instagram is honest when it says, "On Instagram, only a few well-known people, brands, and celebrities have verified badges." In other words, "only accounts that are likely to be used by someone else."

First, you have to follow the terms of service and community rules of the network. In addition, your account must meet all of the following requirements:

• Authentic: Is your account a person, company, or brand? Meme pages and fan accounts aren't allowed.
• Unique: Instagram verifies just one account per person or company, with few exceptions.
• Public: Instagram doesn't verify private accounts.
• Complete: Do you have a full bio, a picture of yourself on your profile, and at least one post?
• Notable: Instagram says that a name is notable if it is "well-known" and "highly searched for."

The process of verifying your account on Instagram is actually pretty easy:

• Go to your Instagram profile and tap the hamburger icon in the top right corner
• Tap Settings
• Tap Account
• Tap Request Verification
• Fill in the application form.
• Your legal name
• Your “known as” or working name (if applicable)
• Select your category or industry (for example: blogger/influencer, sports, news/media, business/brand/organization, etc.)
• You also need to submit a photo of your official government ID. For individuals, that could be a driver’s license or passport. For businesses, a utility bill, an official business document, or tax filings will do.
• Tap Send.

Instagram says that after their team looks over your application, you'll get a response in the "Notifications" tab. Instagram makes it clear that they will never email you, ask for money, or otherwise get in touch with you. This is because scammers have been a problem in the past and still are. You'll get a clear yes or no in a few days or a week (though some say it can take up to 30 days).

Even if your Instagram account meets the requirements for verification, it's not a given that you'll get the blue checkmark. This is made clear by Instagram. To give yourself the best chance of being accepted, it's a good idea to follow these tips:

• Complete Your Bio
• Become Newsworthy
• Optimize Your Online Presence
• Grow Your Instagram Following
• Post Regularly
• Increase Engagement

When trying to get the blue checkmark on Instagram, there are certain mistakes that should be avoided at all costs.

Here are some of the things that you should not do if you want to get approval:

• Don’t use third-party services to apply.
• Don’t add links in your bio to other social media channels.
• Don’t break Instagram’s rules and policies.
• Don’t give false information.
• Don’t buy Instagram likes or followers.

If someone could pretend to be you, your business, or your brand, you should ask for verification as soon as possible. Getting the Instagram verified sticker has many benefits, some of which are listed below:

• The checkmark on Instagram helps to showcase the exclusivity of your brand.
• It’s an easy way to increase brand awareness and grow your follower count.
• It is an effective strategy to protect your brand and its reputation from imposters.
• It increases trustworthiness between your brand and your followers.
• Brands prefer to work with influencers or marketers with verified accounts.
• The blue verification badge also helps users to easily find your brand on social media.
• Your account will usually appear at the top of the search results when someone is looking for your brand.
• Accounts with the verified badge also get early access to other special features on Instagram, such as the “swipe up” feature on Instagram stories which requires a brand to have upwards of 10,000 users in order to gain access to the tool. Verified accounts are exempted from this rule.