How to Get Verified on Instagram and Twitter (X)
Getting verified on Instagram and Twitter (X) can significantly boost your online presence, lending credibility and authenticity to your profile. The coveted blue checkmark signals to followers that you're a legitimate public figure, brand, or entity. However, the verification process for both platforms requires careful preparation and adherence to specific guidelines. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to get verified on Instagram and Twitter (X) as of September 2025, based on the latest available information.
Why Get Verified?
Verification on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X) offers several benefits:
- Credibility: The blue checkmark establishes trust with your audience.
- Visibility: Verified accounts often get better visibility in search results and recommendations.
- Protection: Verification helps prevent impersonation and protects your brand identity.
Let’s dive into the steps for each platform.
Getting Verified on Instagram
Instagram’s verification process is designed to confirm the authenticity of accounts representing well-known figures, celebrities, brands, or entities. Here’s how to apply:
1. Meet Instagram’s Verification Requirements
To qualify for verification, your account must be:
- Authentic: Represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
- Unique: Be the only account representing the person or brand (with some exceptions for language-specific accounts).
- Complete: Have a public profile, a bio, a profile photo, and at least one post.
- Notable: Your account must represent a well-known, highly searched-for person, brand, or entity.
Instagram prioritizes accounts that are featured in multiple news sources. Press from blogs or paid content typically doesn’t count.
2. Prepare Supporting Documentation
You’ll need to provide documentation to prove your identity or business legitimacy. Acceptable documents include:
- A government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
- A utility bill or tax filing for businesses.
- Articles of incorporation or other official business documents.
Ensure your documents are clear, legible, and match the name on your Instagram account.
3. Submit a Verification Request
Follow these steps to apply:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top-right corner and select Settings and privacy.
- Scroll to Accounts Center and select Account status.
- Under Verification status, tap Request verification.
- Fill out the verification form:
- Provide your full name or business name.
- Select your account category (e.g., media, entertainment, business).
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Add links to news articles or other evidence of your notability.
- Submit the application.
4. Wait for a Response
Instagram typically reviews applications within a few days to a month. You’ll receive a notification in the app’s Activity tab. If denied, you can reapply after 30 days. Instagram doesn’t provide specific reasons for denials, so review their guidelines and strengthen your application before resubmitting.
5. Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Build a Strong Presence: Post consistently, engage with your audience, and grow your following organically.
- Get Media Coverage: Appear in reputable news outlets to demonstrate notability.
- Optimize Your Profile: Use a professional profile picture, a clear bio, and a consistent brand voice.
- Avoid Violations: Ensure your account complies with Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Use.
Getting Verified on Twitter (X)
Twitter (X) has evolved its verification process, and as of September 2025, verification is often tied to its subscription-based model, though organic verification is still possible for certain accounts. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Understand Twitter (X) Verification Options
Twitter (X) offers verification through:
- X Premium Subscription: Subscribing to X Premium (or higher tiers like X Premium+ or Verified Organizations) often includes a blue checkmark for eligible accounts.
- Organic Verification: For notable individuals or entities who meet specific criteria, verification may be granted without a subscription.
To qualify for organic verification, your account must be:
- Notable: Associated with a prominent person, brand, or organization.
- Active: Regularly posting and engaging with followers.
- Complete: Include a profile picture, bio, and valid contact information (e.g., a website or email).
2. Subscribe to X Premium (Optional)
For most users, the simplest way to get verified is through an X Premium subscription:
- Go to your Twitter (X) profile and navigate to Settings and privacy.
- Select Premium and choose a subscription tier (X Premium, X Premium+, or Verified Organizations).
- Complete the payment process.
- Once approved, your account will receive a blue checkmark, provided it meets basic eligibility (e.g., no recent account suspensions).
Note: Subscription costs and availability may vary by region. Check https://help.x.com/en/using-x/x-premium for details.
3. Apply for Organic Verification
If you’re a public figure, brand, or organization and prefer not to subscribe, you can apply for organic verification:
- Ensure your account is complete with a profile picture, bio, and website link.
- Go to Settings and privacy in the Twitter (X) app or website.
- Look for Verification or Account status (options may vary based on updates to the platform).
- Submit a verification request with:
- A government-issued ID or official business documents.
- Links to news articles or other evidence of notability.
- A brief explanation of why you qualify for verification.
- Submit and wait for a response, typically within a few weeks.
4. Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Engage Actively: Post regularly, respond to followers, and participate in trending conversations.
- Link to Official Sources: Include a website or other verifiable online presence in your profile.
- Avoid Misleading Content: Ensure your account doesn’t violate Twitter’s rules on spam or manipulation.
- Leverage Media Mentions: Provide links to reputable news sources mentioning you or your brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying Fake Verification: Never purchase verification services or followers, as this violates platform policies and can lead to account suspension.
- Incomplete Profiles: Ensure your profile is fully set up before applying.
- Ignoring Guidelines: Violating Community Guidelines or Terms of Use can result in immediate rejection.
- Submitting Weak Evidence: Provide strong, reputable sources to prove notability.
Getting verified on Instagram and Twitter (X) requires a combination of a strong online presence, adherence to platform guidelines, and credible documentation. Whether you’re pursuing organic verification or opting for a subscription-based approach on Twitter (X), consistency and authenticity are key. Start by optimizing your profile, building your audience, and gathering evidence of your notability. With patience and persistence, you can earn that blue checkmark and elevate your social media presence.
