In 2025, there are two main ways to get the Instagram verified badge (blue check):
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Traditional Verified Badge (Free, by application):
- For public figures, celebrities, brands, or notable personalities.
- You must apply through Instagram with an authentic, unique, complete, and notable account.
- Required documents include photo ID, tax filings, or official business documents, plus links proving public interest.
- Instagram reviews your application and grants the badge if approved.
- If denied, you can reapply after 30 days.
- Changing your username requires you to re-verify your account.
- This badge indicates your account has been verified based on your activity and provided documents.
To apply: Open Instagram app → Profile → Menu → Account Type & Tools (or Creator Tools & Controls) → Request Verification → Fill out form and submit [1] [2] [4] [7].
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Meta Verified Subscription (Paid verification):
- Available for personal or business accounts who may not meet the strict public notability criteria.
- Cost is around $14.99/month (could vary by region).
- Requires government-issued ID to confirm identity.
- Benefits include the verified badge, proactive security against impersonation, priority customer support, better visibility in comments and Stories, exclusive content features, and sometimes additional profile tools.
- Must maintain subscription to keep the badge.
- Changing username or canceling subscription causes loss of verification, needing re-verification or resubscription.
- Signing up via Instagram: Profile → Edit Profile → Show Your Profile is Verified → Unlock Benefits → Pay and submit ID for confirmation [1] [2] [5].
The verification badge serves primarily to confirm authenticity rather than importance or expertise. It helps build trust, protect against impersonators, and potentially increase visibility. Both methods require you to comply with Instagram’s rules to keep the badge [2] [3] [6].
In summary, Instagram verification in 2025 can be obtained either by meeting Instagram’s standard criteria for a verified badge or by paying for the Meta Verified subscription service, which extends verification to a broader range of users with added benefits.