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Photo illustration: Instagram Verification vs Instagram Badges
Instagram Verification grants users a blue checkmark, confirming the authenticity of public figures, celebrities, and brands, while Instagram Badges are purchasable icons that viewers buy during live videos to support creators. Learn more about the distinctions and benefits of Instagram Verification versus Instagram Badges in this article.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Instagram Verification | Instagram Badges |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirms account authenticity for public figures, celebrities, brands. | Allows followers to support creators during live streams via purchases. |
| Eligibility | High-profile accounts, meeting Instagram's strict criteria. | Available to eligible creators and businesses who enable live badges. |
| Visual Indicator | Blue verified badge next to the username. | Colored badges (heart icons) visible during live videos and comments. |
| Benefits | Builds trust, increases visibility, prevents impersonation. | Generates revenue, boosts creator-follower engagement. |
| Cost | Free, granted by Instagram after review. | Followers purchase badges during live streams at set prices. |
| Application Process | Submit request via Instagram Settings > Account > Request Verification. | No application required for followers; creators enable badges via settings. |
Understanding Instagram Verification
Instagram verification signifies that the platform has confirmed the authenticity of a public figure, celebrity, or brand's account, marked by a blue checkmark badge. This verification boosts credibility, increases visibility in search results, and protects users from impersonation. Meeting criteria such as account completeness, uniqueness, public interest, and adherence to Instagram's community guidelines is essential for obtaining verification.
What are Instagram Badges?
Instagram Badges are virtual icons viewers purchase during live streams to support content creators and enhance engagement. These badges appear next to the purchaser's username, signaling their contribution and often granting exclusive access to creator interactions or content. This feature provides a monetization opportunity for influencers while fostering a closer community connection on the Instagram platform.
Verification vs Badges: Key Differences
Verification on social media confirms the authenticity of an account, typically indicated by a blue checkmark, signifying that the platform has validated the user's identity. Badges, however, represent various achievements, roles, or statuses within the community, such as content creator levels, event participation, or membership in exclusive groups. Verification primarily aims to prevent impersonation and build trust, while badges enhance user engagement and signify contributions or privileges.
Eligibility Criteria for Instagram Verification
Your eligibility for Instagram verification requires a complete profile with a unique presence, including a bio, profile photo, and at least one post. The account must represent a real, notable public figure, celebrity, or global brand, adhering strictly to Instagram's community guidelines and terms of use. Verification prioritizes accounts with high searchability and authenticity, ensuring you meet criteria that confirm your identity and public interest.
Steps to Apply for Instagram Verification
To apply for Instagram verification, first navigate to your profile settings and select "Account," then tap "Request Verification." Provide essential information including your full name, professional or public figure status, and a government-issued ID or official business documents for authentication. Instagram reviews applications based on authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability before granting the verified badge.
How to Enable and Use Instagram Badges
Instagram Badges can be enabled through the app's settings under the Creator or Business account options, allowing followers to purchase badges during live videos as a form of support. To activate badges, navigate to Settings > Creator > Badges, toggle the feature on, and customize badge labels or prices. Using badges during live streams involves interacting directly with viewers who buy badges, and creators receive a share of the revenue generated from these purchases, enhancing monetization opportunities on Instagram.
Benefits of Getting Instagram Verified
Getting Instagram verified enhances your account's credibility by displaying a blue checkmark that signifies authenticity, helping you stand out from fake profiles. Verification increases your visibility and reach through improved algorithmic preference, leading to higher engagement and follower growth. You gain access to exclusive features like swipe-up links in stories, which can drive traffic directly to your website or product, boosting your online presence and business success.
Limitations and Misconceptions of Badges
Badges on social media platforms often create misconceptions by implying status or expertise that may not accurately reflect a user's credibility or knowledge. While badges can encourage engagement and reward participation, they have limitations in assessing true influence or trustworthiness, potentially misleading others. Your reliance on badges as indicators should be balanced with a critical evaluation of content quality and source authenticity.
Instagram Verification vs Other Platform Verifications
Instagram verification provides a blue checkmark that enhances credibility and visibility, specifically targeting influencers, celebrities, and brands within its visual-centric platform. Other platform verifications, such as Twitter's, Facebook's, or TikTok's, also serve to authenticate accounts but vary in criteria, application processes, and the level of public recognition they confer. Instagram's stringent requirements for follower count, account activity, and authenticity distinguish its verification as a key symbol of trust in the social media ecosystem.
Which is Better: Verification or Badges?
Verification on social media platforms provides a strong indicator of authenticity, helping Your audience trust that the account truly represents a public figure, brand, or organization. Badges, often used to denote achievements or participation, enhance user engagement and encourage community involvement but do not guarantee credibility. Choosing between verification and badges depends on whether Your priority is building trust through identity confirmation or fostering interaction and recognition within the social network.