The badge has one simple use, and that is to recognize the account as the brand’s official profile. Instagram verification prevents impersonation, which is why it’s reserved for celebrities, global brands, and public figures.
The platform offers a verification program for accounts that represent well-known brands and influencers where there is a high likelihood of the account being impersonated. This is to help ensure that users in the Instagram community are dealing with authentic brands and people that they want to follow.
Instagram first allowed users to request for verification in August 2018. And for those that have the sticker, it means that the platform has confirmed that the profile belongs to a public figure.
When someone makes a request, Instagram takes into account a variety of factors in determining whether or not to grant the request for verification.
One of the main factors they consider is if there’s a high probability of the accounts being impersonated. Applicants need to be public figures, such as brands, celebs, or influencers in order to receive the blue checkmark verification.
Advantages of the Blue Checkmark on Instagram
If your business or brand is at risk of being impersonated, then you need to get the verification mark. There are many advantages to getting the Instagram verified sticker, 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 from impostors
- It increases trustworthiness between your brand and your followers
- Brands prefer to work with influences or marketers with verified Instagram accounts
What Can You do to Get Verified on Instagram?
If you want to have that little tick beside your name, then you need to turn yourself into a “public figure, celebrity, or global brand.” In other words, you need to become a real influencer.
There is some evidence, however, that you first need to do this on a platform or on the Internet. If you have many genuine followers on Instagram, then people can obviously find you quickly enough. They are unlikely to be confused by whether your account is your own (unless you share your name with another influencer).
Hence you should first build a brand or high following and fame somewhere else, the best on the web!