Instagram Now Allowing Users To Apply For A ‘Verified Account’

Instagram has just started to allow the general public to apply for a blue tick verification badge. Alas, the feature is currently only available to Australian users on the iOS operating system. But it the feature will start to roll out to more countries in the coming weeks for both IOS and Android users.

That blue tick not only makes a users profile stand out in search results, but it also lends great credibility to the account. Instagram has now emerged as the favorite platform for users with its one billion user base and has overshadowed Snapchat. Up until now, Instagram awarded the blue tick verification to celebrities, public figures, influencers among others to prevent copying of accounts.

The process of getting the ‘blue tick”

The blue tick verification has been inspired from micro-blogging website Twitter. And as from today, Australian users are now able to apply for their account to be verified using the new feature called  ‘Request Verification’ option in the Settings menu.

The process to apply for verification can be found under settings in the Instagram app, and users will need to prove their identity by providing their username, complete name and photo for identification purposes. To be verified, accounts must meet a number of requirements. Instagram will assess the profile for notability, authenticity, uniqueness, and completeness. Nicci Meek, Instagram’s Strategic Partner Manager said;

This new feature will allow our community the opportunity to apply for verification themselves, and understand the process behind getting verified on Instagram. We believe opening up verification to the public will also work towards safeguarding our community

Instagram will also expand the testing of the account verification feature to more regions, however, there are no country-wise rollout details available at the moment.

Instagram’s new move will certainly save users from scam accounts because there is reportedly a booming underground network where people pay up to $15,000 to ‘people with contacts’ in order to get the verified badge. Some Instagram employees are reportedly involved in the sale of verified accounts.