Instagram initially introduced the blue checkmark to prevent identity theft on the platform. It leads people to the official profile of a public figure/ brand and prevents them from engaging with fake and fan-made accounts.

The verification badge became a symbol of prominence since most high-profile celebrities, mega-influencers, politicians, and big brands have a blue checkmark.

There is no specific turnaround time. Instagram can take a couple of days or weeks before they will respond to your request with a yes or a no. Don’t expect feedback or explanation regarding their decision either.

If your request gets denied, you will receive this message:

Instagram is notoriously picky when it comes to approving verification requests. We know what happens when the supply is low. The demand gets high.

The exclusivity and elusiveness of the blue tick made it a highly sought-after digital symbol. Influencers are willing to shell out thousands of dollars just to get verified.

Because Instagram more often denies than approves verification requests, people have sought the help of third-party services to get the badge.

That means you will pay someone or someone who knows someone who can access the Facebook Media Partner Panel.

These people are usually working on the PR of Digital Marketing agencies. They can submit the request for you, but the price is pretty hefty. It can range up to a few thousand dollars.

Celebrities often use these techniques to get verified on the platform. They will hire a publicist, and the publicist will apply on their behalf.

Does it guarantee that you will get verified if you work with them too? Not really. It’s still up to Instagram to decide whether to grant you the badge or not. However, a publicist’s request bears more weight and will help your application stand out.