How to Get Verified on Instagram in 2026

The blue tick on Instagram is still the most wanted badge on social media in 2026 — and there are now two very different ways to get one. You can earn the free notability badge by proving you are a public figure, or you can pay for Meta Verified and get the badge with an ID check. Both routes are real, both have rules, and neither one requires a huge follower count.

The short answer: if you are genuinely notable, apply for the free badge; if you are a creator or business who wants the badge plus extra protection, Meta Verified is the faster route. This guide explains both paths step by step, the exact requirements, the prices, and the scams to avoid.

Two Ways to Get the Blue Tick in 2026

Instagram now offers two routes to verification, and they work very differently. Here is the comparison at a glance.

Feature	Free notability badge	Meta Verified (paid)
Cost	Free	$11.99 a month on the web, $14.99 a month in the app
How you qualify	Prove you are notable — a public figure, brand or organisation	Be 18 or older and verify your identity with a government photo ID
Press coverage needed	Yes — coverage in several news sources	No
Follower minimum	None	None
Decision time	Within 30 days	Review up to 3 business days
Extra perks	The badge only	Badge, impersonation protection, account support, extra features
Best for	Public figures, celebrities, well-known brands	Creators, small businesses and professionals

Route 1: The Free Notability Badge

The free badge is for accounts that are authentic, unique, complete and notable. Authentic means you are a real person, registered business or organisation. Unique means only one account per person or business can be verified, with rare exceptions for language-specific accounts. Complete means your account is public, has a bio, a profile photo and at least one post. Notable is the hard part — your account must represent a well-known, highly searched person, brand or organisation.

To prove notability, Instagram looks for press coverage in several news sources. That means real articles about you or your work in recognised publications — not paid or sponsored media, which does not count. A few blog mentions or your own press release will not be enough. You need independent coverage that shows the public is searching for you.

Here is how to apply for the free badge:

Step 1: Make your account complete. Switch to a public account, add a clear profile photo, write a proper bio, and make sure you have at least one post. An incomplete profile is rejected straight away.

Step 2: Build real press coverage. Get featured in several independent news sources — interviews, articles about your work, event coverage. Paid or sponsored articles do not count, so focus on genuine coverage.

Step 3: Apply inside the app. Go to Settings, then Account, then Request verification. Fill in your full name, choose a category, and upload a government photo ID or official business document.

Step 4: Wait for the decision. Instagram usually decides within 30 days. If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days — use that time to build more press coverage and a stronger public presence.

Route 2: Meta Verified (Paid)

Meta Verified is the paid route, and it is the realistic option for most creators and small businesses. You pay a monthly subscription — $11.99 a month if you subscribe on the web, or $14.99 a month if you subscribe inside the app — and in return you get the blue tick plus impersonation protection, direct account support and extra features.

The requirements are much simpler than the free route. You must be 18 or older, and you must verify your identity with a government photo ID that matches your profile name and photo. There is no follower minimum and no press coverage needed. The review usually takes up to 3 business days.

Here is how to subscribe:

Step 1: Check you are eligible. You need to be 18 or older, with a profile name and photo that match your government ID. Business accounts and creator accounts are both eligible.

Step 2: Subscribe on the web to save money. The web price of $11.99 a month is cheaper than the $14.99 in-app price, so subscribe through Instagram on a browser if you can.

Step 3: Verify your identity. Upload a government photo ID and complete the Advanced Security Protection setup. Your profile name and photo must match the ID.

Step 4: Wait for approval. The review takes up to 3 business days. Once approved, the badge appears on your profile.

Note: Meta also announced Meta One Essential on 15 September 2026, starting from $14.99 a month, which includes the verified badge among its benefits. Prices and plans change, so check the official Meta Verified page before subscribing.

Free vs Paid: Which Route Should You Choose?

If you are already a public figure with real press coverage, apply for the free badge first — it costs nothing and carries the same trust. If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days, or switch to Meta Verified in the meantime.

For most creators, freelancers and small businesses, Meta Verified is the practical choice. It is faster, the requirements are clear, and the extra protection against impersonation is genuinely useful if your audience is growing. Just remember it is a subscription — the badge goes away if you stop paying.

One thing neither route does: there is no follower minimum for either. A small account with strong press coverage can get the free badge, and a brand-new creator account can get Meta Verified with an ID check. Follower count is not the gate — notability or identity is.

Warning: Verification Scams Are Everywhere

Instagram never DMs you offering a verification badge. Any message, email or website claiming it can sell you a blue tick, speed up your application, or verify you for a one-time fee is a scam. These scams usually ask for your password, a payment, or a code from your phone — and the moment you hand it over, your account is gone. Apply only inside the official Instagram app or website, never through a link someone sends you, and turn on two-factor authentication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many followers do I need to get verified on Instagram?

None. There is no follower minimum for either route — the free notability badge depends on press coverage and public interest, and Meta Verified depends on your age and a government photo ID. A small account can be verified.

How much does Meta Verified cost in 2026?

$11.99 a month when you subscribe on the web, or $14.99 a month when you subscribe inside the app. Meta One Essential, announced on 15 September 2026, starts from $14.99 a month and also includes the badge. Prices change, so check the official Meta Verified page before subscribing.

What if my free verification application is denied?

You can reapply after 30 days. Use the time to build more independent press coverage, grow your public presence, and make sure your profile is complete and public. Paid or sponsored media does not count toward notability, so focus on genuine news coverage.

Next in this series: how to grow on Instagram in 2026 without buying followers — the Reels, hashtags and posting routine that actually works. Tell us in the comments which Instagram topic you want next.