How to Get Verified on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

There’s no doubt that everyone wants social media verification, but why is it so hard to get? Here are a few tips that will help you get a step closer.

From big brands to small brands, a verified badge on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook is an affirmation that you’ve made it – that you belong. It also sets you apart from fake accounts and competitors’ brands.

In recent years, more and more accounts have become verified, but there is still plenty of confusion as to how to do it. Below, we’ll break down the process for the three major social media platforms.

Instagram

Image by marysuperstudio.

To increase your chances of getting verified, make sure that your profile is public – profile image and bio are requirements as well. The most challenging part of the verification process is Instagram’s “notable” metric, which measures how well-known you are. Appearing in multiple news articles is a great way to increase your chances. (However, paid content doesn’t count.) This last part can be difficult if you’re a small brand, but knowing what to aim for can at least get you started.

Follow the steps below to get verified:

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Go to your profile.
3. Tap on the hamburger menu.
4. From there, go to “Settings”
5. Scroll and tap on “Request Verification.”
6. Provide the required form of identification.

Note: People who want to get verified need to submit a valid government-issued ID with a name and date of birth. Businesses, on the other hand, will need to provide a recent utility bill, tax filing, or article of incorporation.

Twitter

Image by Cuby Design.

The verification badge was initially Twitter’s idea, and their verification process was a secret for a long time, but they did open it up for public submission via a form back in 2016. Unfortunately, they stopped this process in late 2017, and it hasn’t come back yet. Per a Tweet made on Feb. 26, 2018, they are working on a new verification process, and they have halted the public submission process. The rest of Twitter’s verification process is currently being tweaked, and that information is still unknown.

4 / We’re working on a new authentication and verification program. In the meantime, we are not accepting any public submissions for verification and have introduced new guidelines for the program. https://t.co/j6P0HGXIVq

– Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) November 15, 2017

However, there are a few things you can do. Twitter’s new verification guidelines state that it only verifies accounts that it deems to be of public interest, like musicians, politicians, journalism outlets, actors, businesses, and media. Your best bet is to fill out your profile, including your bio, profile image, header image, and location.

If you’re serious about social media, you’re already focusing on growing your following and engaging with your followers, and if you aren’t, now is the time. It’s a good idea to get published in online publications – not always an easy feat, we know – which will increase your online profile. Being followed by verified accounts may also increase your chances.

Getting that verification badge from Twitter is an art and science, but it’s worth it. Smaller brands might find the verification badge elusive, but keep engaging with your audience and growing your brand – it will come in due time.

Here are the steps to get verified on Twitter:

1. Fill out your profile.
2. Fill out your bio.
3. Include a profile image.
4. Include a header image.
5. Include a location.
6. Get your brand published in online publications.

Facebook

Image by Golden Sikorka.

First off, Facebook has two kinds of verified badges: a blue one and a gray one. The gray one is easy to acquire, but it’s only for small local businesses like coffee shops or restaurants. The blue badge, however, is the one that most brands are after, and it’s much harder to get. Facebook says they only verify eligible brands, media organizations, and public figures. Since Facebook has the most significant reach of all social media platforms, it can be vital for brands to have the blue badge, but getting it is no easy task.

Follow these steps to get verified:

1. Include a profile picture.
2. Insert a cover photo.
3. Make sure your Facebook page follows Facebook’s guidelines.
4. Fill out this form.

Just like Instagram, you must submit a valid government-issued ID or recent utility bill, tax filing, or article of incorporation. Once you’re here, give them your pitch as to why you should be verified, provide a few links to articles written about your brand, and don’t forget to submit a form of identification, which varies depending on the account type. After that, wait a few days.

If your verification request gets denied, you can proceed with these steps for a gray verification badge:

1. Click on “Settings” at the top of your page.
2. Click “General.”
3. Select “Page Verification.”
4. Click “Verify this Page.”
5. Select “Get Started.”
6. Select a verification method (Either through a phone number or by providing documents).