Instagram finally lets users ask to get verified

Blessed be the badge! Like some sort of verification Oprah, Instagram will soon give the gift of requesting a blue checkmark to us all. 

Now, rolling out worldwide, everyone will have the ability to ask Instagram to publicly verify their accounts. A “verified account” is one that has a blue checkmark next to the user’s profile, signifying that Instagram has certified the account as the genuine handle of a public figure — or, at least a figure “public” enough to have a bunch of followers on Instagram.

Previously, there was no clear process for attaining that small but oh-so-poweful blue checkmark. And the desirability of the badge, coupled with the lack of transparency about how to get verification, led to an Instagram verification badge black market, and much Influencer frustration.

Now, at long last, users can click “Request Verification.” They’ll find the request button in the settings tab. Then they’ll submit a form and upload a photo of their ID card. Instagram tested this process out in Australia in July, but it will soon be available to all. 

Of course, requesting verification doesn’t guarantee that everyone who wants a blue checkmark will get one. Don’t be silly! If we all had it, it wouldn’t mean anything!! It’s still reserved for a “notable public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity it represents.” Instagram will deliver the notification verdict — confirm or deny — via a notification. 

Instagram isn’t releasing the official criteria for whether and how it will actually grant verification. However, it is focusing on those who have large amounts of followers since any shady behavior, such as misleading people about who’s actually behind an account, has the potential to do the most harm.

The change comes alongside two other new security features also announced Tuesday. First is the ability to see more information about accounts that “reach large audiences,” including the date joined, country, what ads the account is running, former usernames, and accounts with shared followers. And second is support for third-party authentication apps, such as DUO Mobile and Google Authenticator. The support for third party apps comes on the heels of a surge in Instagram account hacks that Mashable previously reported.

Like many Instagram phenomena, the mania that verification badges inspire may seem a bit vapid, or, um, crazy. But for many small businesses and influencers, that blue checkmark can make a big difference. Instagram verification has the ability to legitimize someone who’s gained popularity organically on Instagram, which can lead to sponsorships or other business opportunities, and straight up money in the bank. And considering how home grown so much fame on Instagram is, it’s been a bit baffling that Instagram users didn’t have a path to request verification before — which is why it’s been a target for so much ire.

But praise be, the setters of thirst traps, “models,” meme makers, joke peddlers, and FitSpo providers, now have their prayers answered. 

All we can say to that is #Blessed.