Many want to get the blue verification sign next to their Instagram name, but sadly, that's not easy. Instagram internally selects which accounts to check and there is no way to apply. Verified users are often public figures and businesses. However, by working hard you can increase your chances. Interact with other users and get more attention through other social networks. If you still don't get verified user status, don't worry; luckily, there are other ways to show your audience that your account is legitimate.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Sufficient Followers
Step 1. Use popular hashtags
Hashtags are the primary tool used to browse Instagram. Using the most popular ones, other users will be able to find your posts. If they like your content, they may decide to follow you.
- Popular hashtags include #love, #ootd (outfit of the day), #photooftheday, and #instagood.
- You should also use hashtags related to your personal brand or that of your company. For example, if you are a comedian, use hashtags related to the comedy scene.
- Pay attention to trends. For example, if an important piece of news has just come out, people might use a hashtag to discuss it.
Step 2. Interact with other users
Direct reports are one of the best ways to gain Instagram followers. To increase your following, like some random photos you find by clicking on the hashtags. Leave comments on other people's profiles with sensible remarks. This can lead them to follow you.
Do not post comments that can be considered spam. People are bothered by posts like "Hey! Great pictures, you should follow me!". Instead, write something relevant to the photo and let the user decide for themselves whether or not to follow you. For example, "Beautiful cat. I love centerpieces!"
Step 3. Promote your Instagram profile on other social networks
If you have a good following on other social networks, link those accounts to Instagram. If you have a lot of Twitter followers, be sure to post your photos on that platform as well. From the Instagram app settings you can connect Twitter, Facebook and other social accounts.
Step 4. Post photos at 2:00 am and 5:00 pm
Two in the morning and five in the afternoon are the golden hours for Instagram. Studies show that content posted at those times receives more likes and attention.
To get your posts to reach as many users as possible, use popular hashtags at those times
Step 5. Write a description that attracts followers
You can also enter hashtags. This way, your profile will appear more often when people search for hashtags. Use keywords related to your marketing strategy. For example, if you are a comedian living in Rome, you can write: "I live in #Rome and work as a #comico".
Part 2 of 3: Becoming a Verified User on Instagram
Step 1. Provide proof of account legitimacy
Instagram verifies profiles only when it is certain that it is the legitimate owner and not an impostor. To increase the likelihood of becoming a verified user, post content that can prove that you really are using the account.
- Connect the Instagram profile to those on other social networks, especially if they are verified. For example, if you frequently post your Instagram photos to a verified Twitter account, this helps prove your identity.
- Post images that are likely to come to you. Anyone can post generic panoramas, so upload personal content to help with verification.
Step 2. Try to become a verified user on Facebook
Achieving this status on Facebook for your personal profile or that of your company can increase the chances of getting verified on Instagram as well. If you have a fan page for yourself or a page for your business, go to the "Settings" tab of Facebook. Click "General", then "Check page", then "First steps". You must communicate your phone number to Facebook so that they can send you the verification code that you will need to enter on the site. Your verification request will then be processed.
As said for Instagram, post authentic and personal content to show that your account is legitimate
Step 3. Increase your popularity on other social networks
Instagram doesn't verify all users. Usually, this only happens to someone who is a celebrity or a person in the internet world. Companies also need to be relatively well known to become verified. Try building a following outside of Instagram. The more recognizable your brand is, the more likely your account is to be verified.
- Sites like YouTube allow you to upload video content. Try posting videos that will be shared by users, such as product lists or reviews. If you work for a company, open a YouTube channel to increase brand visibility.
- If you're an artist, like a singer or a comedian, upload videos of your performances to YouTube and promote your shows on sites like Twitter. This way you will increase your following on those platforms, becoming more famous.
Step 4. Find other ways to show your audience that this is an authentic profile
Instagram rarely verifies users who are not public figures. People and societies usually don't receive this status. If the platform does not verify your account, try alternative methods to prove that you really are using it.
- Connect your Instagram profile to your personal website or to that of your company.
- Publish Instagram posts on other social networks as well, such as Twitter and Facebook.
Part 3 of 3: Behaviors to Avoid
Step 1. Don't buy followers
There are sites that allow you to buy fake followers to instantly increase your audience. Instagram makes thorough investigations during the verification process and is able to easily recognize purchased followers. You might consider this practice as a shortcut to becoming a verified user, but you would actually stray from your goal.
Step 2. Delete comments that can be considered spam
In some cases, fake accounts randomly follow real profiles and post unnecessary computer-generated comments on photos. These comments can have a negative influence on your account, because they give the impression that you have bought followers even if you don't. If you notice spam comments from accounts that are blatantly fake, delete them right away.
Spam comments are often generic. You may notice phrases like "Nice picture!" or "Cute!" that are published repeatedly by the same accounts. These are usually fake profiles, so it's a good idea to delete their comments
Step 3. Read and follow the Instagram community guidelines
The platform rarely verifies users who don't follow these rules. Read them carefully and make sure you never post content that could violate it and get you into trouble.
- Only post content you own the rights to. Do not disclose information protected by copyright.
- Avoid sexually explicit or nudity content.
- Don't post anything illegal.
- Write respectful and interesting comments on other people's posts.
