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 o...