The Ultimate Guide to Getting Verified on Facebook & Instagram in 2025

In the digital age, verification badges on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become a symbol of authenticity, credibility, and public interest. That coveted blue tick instantly signals to users that an account is the real presence of a public figure, celebrity, brand, or organization. Getting verified can significantly boost your online presence, build trust with your audience, and unlock new opportunities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to get verified on both Facebook and Instagram in 2025, providing you with the steps, requirements, and insider tips to increase your chances of earning that blue badge of honor.

Why Get Verified on Facebook and Instagram?

Verification badges offer numerous benefits for individuals and organizations:

• Authenticity and Trust: Verification confirms to users that your account is the genuine, official presence, helping to prevent impersonation and build trust with your audience.
• Increased Credibility: A blue badge instantly enhances your credibility and authority on the platform. It signals that you are a noteworthy and legitimate entity.
• Enhanced Visibility: Verified accounts often receive increased visibility in search results and recommendations within Facebook and Instagram, potentially leading to greater reach and follower growth.
• Access to Features (Potentially): In some cases, verification may unlock access to exclusive features or tools on the platforms.
• Brand Protection: For businesses and brands, verification is crucial for protecting your brand identity online and ensuring customers can easily find your official page.
• Prestige and Recognition: Verification is a status symbol, indicating that you have achieved a level of public recognition or notability in your field.

Getting Verified on Facebook: Step-by-Step

Facebook verification applies to Pages for businesses, brands, and organizations, as well as profiles for public figures and personalities. Here’s how to apply:

1. Eligibility Requirements for Facebook Verification:

• Authenticity: Your Page or profile must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
• Uniqueness: It must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Only one Page or profile per person or business can be verified, with exceptions for language-specific Pages.
• Completeness: Your Page or profile must be public and have a profile photo, cover photo, name that aligns with guidelines, and at least one post.
• Notability: You must represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity. Facebook reviews news sources, considers widespread recognition, and looks for organic interest.

2. Applying for Facebook Verification:

• Access the Verification Request Form: Go to the Facebook Verification Request Form. You can find it by searching “Facebook verification request” or navigating through Facebook Help Center. (As of my last update, you can typically find it by going to your Page’s Settings -> Page Verification or by searching in Facebook Help Center for “verification badge.”)
• Select Page or Profile: Choose whether you are applying to verify a Page or a Profile.
• Provide Documentation: You will need to provide documentation to prove the authenticity and notability of the Page or profile.
  • For Pages (Businesses/Organizations): Submit a business document such as your certificate of incorporation, business license, tax filings, or articles of association.
  • For Profiles (Public Figures): Submit government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your profile, such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
• Explain Notability: In the form, you’ll have a section to explain why your Page or profile should be verified. Provide compelling reasons highlighting your notability and public interest. Include:
  • Category Selection: Choose the category that best describes your Page or profile (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Government & Politics, Music, Fashion, Entertainment, etc.).
  • Country or Region (if applicable): Select the country or region where your audience is primarily located.
  • Supporting Links: Provide 5 links that demonstrate your notability. These can include:
    • News articles, media coverage, interviews, press releases
    • Official website
    • Social media profiles (other platforms)
    • Industry recognition, awards, achievements
    • Avoid links to paid or promotional content, social media posts, or Wikipedia. Focus on credible, independent sources that demonstrate your public relevance.
• Submit Your Application: Review all information and documentation carefully before submitting your verification request.

3. Waiting for Review and Notification:

• Facebook will review your application. The review process can take time, from a few days to several weeks, and there is no guaranteed timeframe.
• You will be notified of the decision via a notification on Facebook.
• If Approved: Congratulations! You will receive the blue verification badge next to your Page or profile name.
• If Denied: Don’t be discouraged. Facebook often provides general reasons for denial, but not specific details. You can re-apply after 30 days. Focus on improving your notability and addressing any potential shortcomings in your initial application.

Getting Verified on Instagram: Step-by-Step

Instagram verification is similar to Facebook, aiming to confirm authentic and notable accounts. Here’s the process:

1. Eligibility Requirements for Instagram Verification:

• Authentic: Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
• Unique: It must be the unique presence of the person or business it represents. Only one account per person or business can be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts.
• Complete: Your account must be public and have a complete profile (bio, profile photo) and at least one post.
• Notable: You must represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity. Instagram reviews news sources, considers widespread recognition, and looks for organic interest.

2. Applying for Instagram Verification:

• Request Verification Through the App: Instagram verification requests are submitted directly through the app.
  • Go to your Profile.
  • Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
  • Tap “Settings”.
  • Tap “Account”.
  • Tap “Request Verification”.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the verification request form.
  • Account Type: Select whether you are a “Public Figure, Celebrity, or Sports” or “Business or Brand”.
  • Category: Choose the category that best describes your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Government & Politics, Music, Fashion, Entertainment, etc.).
  • Country or Region (if applicable): Select the country or region where you are best known.
  • Upload Documentation:
    • For Businesses/Brands: Upload a business document such as your tax return, certificate of formation, articles of incorporation.
    • For Public Figures/Celebrities: Upload a government-issued photo ID such as driver’s license, passport, or national ID card.
  • Explain Notability (Optional but Highly Recommended): While marked as “optional,” it’s highly advisable to use the “Please tell us why this account should be verified” section to strengthen your application. Explain your notability and public interest, similar to the Facebook process. Provide up to 5 links to support your claim of notability (news articles, website, other social media, etc.).
• Submit Your Request: Tap “Send” to submit your verification request.

3. Waiting for Review and Notification:

• Instagram will review your application. The review process can take time, and there’s no guaranteed timeframe.
• You will be notified of the decision in your Instagram notifications.
• If Approved: Congratulations! You will see the blue verification badge next to your Instagram username.
• If Denied: Don’t give up. Instagram provides general feedback on denials. You can re-apply after 30 days. Focus on building your notability, improving your online presence, and addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Verified on Facebook & Instagram

• Focus on Notability: Verification is primarily about notability and public interest. Actively work on building your public profile and recognition in your field.
• Get Media Coverage: Earn media mentions in reputable news outlets, industry publications, blogs, podcasts, or reputable websites. This is strong evidence of notability.
• Build a Strong Online Presence: Maintain an active and engaging presence across multiple online platforms (website, other social media). Show consistent content creation and audience engagement.
• Grow Your Organic Following (Authentically): Focus on organic follower growth by creating valuable content and engaging with your audience. Avoid using fake followers or engagement tactics, as this can harm your verification chances.
• Be Active and Consistent: Maintain consistent activity on your Facebook Page or Instagram profile. Post regularly, engage with comments, and show that you are actively using the platform.
• Ensure Profile Completeness & Professionalism: Make sure your profile is complete, professional-looking, and adheres to platform guidelines. Use high-quality profile and cover photos, write a compelling bio, and ensure your name is accurate.
• Be Patient and Persistent: The verification process can take time, and denials are common. Be patient, persistent, and keep working on building your notability and online presence. Re-apply if initially denied, after addressing feedback and strengthening your profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Verification Application

• Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Double-check all details and documentation before submitting.
• Lack of Notability Evidence: Failing to provide strong evidence of public interest and notability. Weak links or irrelevant sources can hurt your application.
• Using Promotional or Paid Links as Evidence: Focus on independent, credible sources, not self-promotional content.
• Applying with a Private Account (Instagram): Your Instagram account must be public to be eligible for verification.
• Violating Platform Guidelines: Ensure your Page or profile adheres to Facebook and Instagram’s Community Standards and Terms of Service. Violations can disqualify you.
• Using Third-Party Verification Services: Avoid using unofficial “verification services” that claim to guarantee verification for a fee. These are often scams and violate platform policies. Verification is free and must be applied for directly through Facebook and Instagram.

After You Get Verified: Maintaining Your Badge

• Maintain Authenticity and Activity: Continue to maintain an authentic and active presence on your verified account. Verification is not a one-time achievement; it’s an ongoing responsibility.
• Adhere to Platform Guidelines: Continue to follow Facebook and Instagram’s Community Standards and Terms of Service. Violations after verification can lead to badge removal.
• Protect Your Account Security: Take steps to secure your verified account to prevent hacking or impersonation. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Celebrate Your Verification (Responsibly): Acknowledge your verification badge with your audience, but avoid being overly boastful. Focus on continuing to provide value and build your community.

Earn Your Blue Badge and Elevate Your Presence

Getting verified on Facebook and Instagram is a valuable step in establishing your online presence and building credibility. While the process can be competitive and requires meeting specific criteria, by focusing on authenticity, notability, and providing compelling evidence, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Start working towards verification today and unlock the benefits of that coveted blue badge!