Instagram now accepting public verification requests
Instagram has rolled out a new public verification system that allows users to request a highly sought after little blue checkmark on their profile.
Until now, the Facebook-owned service had kept verification badges exclusively for accounts it had confirmed as authentic and/or belonging to public figures, celebrities or brands, however; Instagram now is slowly pulling back the curtain on verification by allowing users of it’s iPhone app to complete a verification request form to enable a verified checkmark on their account.
The form requires users to upload a copy of their government-issued ID such as a passport or drivers licence, or a copy of a recent utility bill or article of incorporation for businesses in order to submit a request. Unlike Twitter which began accepting public verification requests in 2016 before stopping submissions a year later, Instagram doesn’t ask users to provide links of authenticity such as other social media profiles or an explanation as to why they believe their account should be verified.
You’ll find “Request Verification” under Settings just below “Switch to Business Profile.” Instagram also notes that there are no guarantees.
How to become verified on Instagram:
- Open the Instagram app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
- Navigate to your Profile, then tap the Settings option
- Once this has opened scroll down the list of options until you see Request Verification
- Press the Request Verification button, enter your Full Name where prompted and attach a copy of your ID
- Tap “Send” and await a response from Instagram