Instagram certification is a blue badge that attests to the authenticity of an account belonging to a public figure, celebrity or global brand. It enhances credibility, visibility and trust on the social network. To obtain certification, you need to respect Instagram's terms of use and community guidelines, as well as prove your notoriety through reliable sources of information. Anyone can apply for certification, but it is not granted automatically.
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Zoom in on the Instagram blue badge
There was a time when Instagram certification seemed like a mere urban legend. Obtaining a certified account on this platform was something of an unknown, yet something that everyone wanted to do. Today, however, things have changed, and you can now apply for Instagram certification yourself. There's even the option of paying to ensure you get it, thanks to the Meta Verified subscription, which has been available in Canada since May 31.
What is it exactly?
Instagram's famous blue badge, the rare pearl of social networks, is the ultimate status symbol, the medal that attests to your fame among a multitude of potential customers. This little symbol, sometimes mysterious and confusing, has a much deeper meaning.
Earning Instagram certification is like getting a VIP pass to an exclusive party. This prestigious blue badge, which sits next to your name, signals to users that they can trust you, because your account is authentic and verified by Instagram.
Why is it useful?
First of all, you should know that it's Instagram itself that awards this certification, after a notable evaluation of your account.
Protection against fake accounts
Instagram certification aims to protect users by combating fake accounts and distinguishing genuine accounts from imitations and parodies.
Instagram's blue badge is used to differentiate real public figures from the hundreds of fake accounts that try to imitate them with similar names.
Promoting your company
These certificates of authenticity also play an essential role for companies in boosting their visibility. They provide a spotlight in a dark room, drawing attention to your account and giving it extra credence.
With this blue badge, you can stand out and gain the trust of users, which can be a huge advantage for your business on Instagram.
Getting certified on Instagram adds an extra layer of trust for your audience and helps you stand out from the crowd. Certifying your Instagram Business account proves its authenticity to new users discovering it for the first time. By achieving this certification, you establish your credentials, reinforce your brand image and significantly improve your e-reputation. And guess what? When people trust you, they subscribe, explore your products and services, and most importantly... they buy.
Instagram: the difference between a classic account and a certified account
| CLASSIC ACCOUNT | CERTIFIED ACCOUNT | |
| Profile | Public or private | Audience |
| Last name | Pseudo or unofficial | Official name |
| Profile view | - Profile picture
- Biography - Posts (optional) |
- Complete profile
- Regular activity |
| Number of accounts | One or more | Unique |
| Identification | Cell phone number / e-mail | Administrative document supporting a verified identity |
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Criteria for Instagram certification
Instagram is a reserved land, keeping the sesame of entry to a privileged few. As an access point for ordinary accounts, only authentic, singular and complete profiles, with a sincere respect for the laws of Instagram, can take advantage of it. There's no room for deception, whether it's fake accounts or illusory likes.
Who?
On Instagram, the valuable verified badge (free version) can be awarded to important entities such as companies, public figures or prominent brands, some examples of which include:
- Leading media such as news agencies, online publications, television and radio stations;
- Prominent personalitiesincluding celebrities, politicians, athletes, artists, content creators and celebrity influencers;
- Award-winning companies having captured the hearts of Instagram subjects;
- Universally recognized brands.
How?
A certified Instagram account is certainly very useful. However, it takes heart and effort. If everyone could get a certified Instagram account for free, these valuable symbols would quickly lose their luster. That's why joining Instagram's elite requires meeting certain prerequisites.
In addition to compliance with the platform's general rules of use, Instagram has defined six verification criteria to earn this coveted badge:
- Authenticity: you must prove your true identity. An identity card is required;
- The majority : you must be at least 18 years old;
- Notoriety: invest in a social media strategy, create quality content and gain popularity on Instagram ;
- A single account;
- A public account ;
- A complete profile: take the time to fine-tune your biography and optimize your Instagram Business account.
Steps to Instagram certification
Now you know all the eligibility requirements for a certified Instagram account. Here, we show you how to submit your application in seven easy steps:
- Access your settings from the Instagram application;
- In the "Account" menu, select "Verification request";
- Enter your user name and your full name;
- If you are an individual, please provide proof of identity, such as a passport photo. If you represent a company, please provide an official document as identification;
- Confirm the public interest of your account by selecting the relevant business category, then indicating the region in which you operate and describing your audience. You can also present all the names by which you are known, for example, in different languages;
- Add links (not mandatory): Here you have the opportunity to provide links to other social network accounts or articles that demonstrate your reputation;
- Send your request and look forward to your account being verified by the Instagram team.
Once you've completed these steps, all you have to do is wait for the Instagram team to respond. By following these steps, you increase your chances of joining the elite group of certified accounts on the platform.
Instagram has not specified an exact response time for the verification request, but rest assured, generally, it can take up to 30 days maximum. While you wait, keep creating quality content and interacting with your community to build your brand awareness.
Free Instagram certification
To boost your brand awareness, explore the benefits of influencer marketing and strengthen your engagement through social listening. It's one of the most important requirements for earning a badge.
Notwithstanding, be sure to heed this important caveat: when reviewing your Instagram badge application, only the organic engagement you've experienced will be taken into consideration when assessing your notoriety. In other words, mentions, comments and "likes" generated by your Instagram ads will not be taken into account. So this is your opportunity to focus on managing your community and investing in strategies that drive genuine engagement.
By focusing on direct interaction with your audience, you can make your account shine and increase your influence on the platform.
Tips for a rejected Instagram certification request
Indeed, getting your Instagram account certified can be a daunting task, but don't be discouraged. If your first application is rejected, you can reapply after 30 days.
Here are three tips to optimize your profile if your Instagram badge request has been rejected:
Multiply the links to your Instagram page
Promote your account on your other social media channels, your website and even in your e-mail signature, especially if you're active in e-mail marketing. This will attract more subscribers and increase engagement with your account.
Maintain a consistent identity
Use a consistent profile photo with the same username across all your social media channels (such as your company Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn company page, etc.). This consistency reinforces your personal or corporate brand, and makes it easier for users to identify your account.
Take advantage of all promotional materials
Don't hesitate to promote your Instagram account on your business cards, product packaging, banner ads and any other traditional advertising medium. Visibility is essential to attract new followers and increase your brand awareness.
Remember, the road to certification can be littered with obstacles, but by staying persistent and implementing these tips, you'll give yourself the chance to earn the badge.
Buying an Instagram certification
A revolution is underway with the brand-new "Meta Verified" system, which opens up new opportunities for those seeking Instagram certification. This time, however, access will not be free, but open to all for a fee.
What is Meta Verified?
Like Twitter Blue, Meta launched its new paid offer in February 2023: Meta Verified. This offer gives you a certified account on both Instagram and Facebook. And guess what? Good news for our Canadian friends: Meta Verified is now available in Canada.
Aimed primarily at content creators on Instagram, this revolutionary offer gives you a host of benefits. You can now verify your account, gain visibility and be better protected against identity theft.
As you can see, Meta Verified is a real sesame for creators who want to give their online presence a boost. So, if you're ready for a unique and rewarding experience on Instagram and Facebook, don't miss this opportunity.
What are its characteristics?
Meta Verified offers you an exceptional experience on the platform, with official recognition of your account and exclusive benefits that make all the difference, including:
- A verified badge : Proudly display the badge that testifies to the authenticity of your account, authenticated by the platform itself.
- Protection against identity theft: Sleep soundly thanks to our proactive surveillance, which tracks down imposters seeking to target influential figures.
- Online assistance : Need help? You have access to a real person to answer your questions and solve common problems related to your account.
- Greater visibility and reach: your presence will be highlighted in certain key areas of the platform, such as searches, comments and recommendations.
- Exclusive features: Take advantage of unique publishing options.
Join the elite of certified users today. At present, however, businesses cannot benefit from Meta Verified, but rest assured that the social network intends to make this offer available to a wider audience in the coming months. New opportunities will soon open up for businesses to benefit from the exclusive advantages offered by this system too. Stay tuned for further announcements and get ready to join the ranks of the privileged certified.
How much does it cost?
With Meta Verified, access to the verified badge will be at your fingertips, but it will cost you 11.99 $ USD per month on the web and 14.99 $ USD per month on iOS and Android. This fee opens the doors to certification and exclusive benefits, allowing you to shine among verified users on Instagram and Facebook.
For those who have already obtained Instagram certification, or who transpose the conditions to obtain it for free, there's no need to subscribe to the paid offer. You're already a member of the exclusive club of certified or empowered accounts, and you can enjoy all the benefits that come with it at no extra cost.
Meta Verified is therefore an offer designed to extend certification possibilities to a wider audience, without impacting those who have already earned their verified badge.
To remember
Here's a concise checklist with all the best practices for aiming for the blue badge on Instagram:
Stay authentic
Make sure you can prove your identity when applying for certification.
Meet eligibility criteria
Check that you meet all the criteria, such as the minimum age of 18 and the limit of one certified account per person or company.
Boost your brand awareness
Work on your online presence to increase your visibility and engagement with your audience.
Brand consistency
Make sure you use a consistent username and profile photo across all your social networks.
Promotion
Add smart links to your Instagram account on your other social media, website, email signature, and traditional advertising media.
Collaboration with influencers
Use influencer marketing to increase your brand awareness and reach.
Attentive community management
Be responsive to your audience's comments and messages to establish a strong bond with your followers.
Be patient
The verification process can take up to 30 days. If your first application is rejected, please wait this long to try again.
In short, you gain moreInstagram subscriptionsYou'll increase your brand awareness and boost your conversion rate, all thanks to that little blue badge on your name that puts you on a par with the world's biggest companies and celebrities.
