Instagram has become more than just a social media app; it is now a global stage for creators, brands, and individuals who want to make their voice heard. Every aspiring influencer in India and across the world dreams of having that little blue badge next to their username. It symbolizes authenticity, authority, and trust. But the question most people ask is simple—How Many Followers on Instagram to Get Verified? This question continues to trend in 2025 as the Instagram verification process keeps evolving.

The truth is, the number of followers alone does not guarantee verification, but it does play a big role in eligibility. A study fromHypeAuditoranalyzing 6.5 million Instagram accounts, found that verified accounts enjoy, on average, a 30% higher engagement rate than non-verified ones. While many believe you need millions, the actual requirements are more nuanced. To understand how the system works, one needs to explore Instagram verification requirements 2025, the Instagram blue badge criteria, and the role of account authenticity. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown for Indian creators, influencers, and brands who want to know what it really takes to get verified.

1. What Does Instagram Verification Mean in 2025?

1.1 Definition of the Instagram Blue Badge

Instagram verification is the process by which Instagram places a blue checkmark next to an account’s name. This blue badge shows that the account is authentic and belongs to a public figure, brand, or creator. In 2025, it is more than just a status symbol; it’s proof that the account has been reviewed and meets Instagram’s strict verification criteria.

1.2 Why the Blue Badge Matters

The blue badge brings several benefits beyond vanity. It increases trust, improves reach, and helps in brand collaborations. Studies show that verified accounts have a 25% higher engagement rate compared to non-verified accounts. For Indian creators, it becomes even more vital since many brands prioritize influencers with the blue tick for paid collaborations.

2. How Many Followers on Instagram to Get Verified?

2.1 The Myth Around Followers

The biggest myth is that you need a million followers to get verified. In reality, theInstagramblue tick followers count is not fixed. There are cases where people with fewer than 10,000 followers got verified, while some with over 200,000 were denied. The real measure lies in the account’s authenticity, news mentions, and relevance.

2.2 Instagram’s Official Stance in 2025

As of 2025, Instagram has not mentioned any specific minimum followers for the Instagram blue tick. Instead, it evaluates accounts based on criteria such as uniqueness, authenticity, completeness, and notability. This means even if you have 5,000 followers, you may still get verified if your account meets other Instagram verified badge eligibility requirements.

2.3 Average Followers Range Observed

Industry experts and data suggest that most verified creators in India in 2025 fall within 20,000 to 100,000 followers. However, famous Instagram influencers with millions are automatically prioritized. This shows that the number is relative and depends on a mix of activity, credibility, and visibility.

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3. Instagram Verification Requirements 2025

3.1 Authenticity and Identity

Your account must represent a real person, registered business, or brand. Fake names, fan accounts, or parody accounts are rarely eligible unless labeled clearly. Instagram account authenticity and verification have become stricter in 2025, with AI scanning duplicate accounts.

3.2 Uniqueness Factor

Instagram allows only one account per person or brand to be verified. Multiple accounts for the same person are usually denied unless they serve different languages or regional purposes. This is a key part of the Instagram blue badge criteria.

3.3 Completeness of Profile

A complete profile with bio, profile photo, and regular activity is essential. If your account is inactive, the chances of verification are low regardless of how many followers you have.

3.4 Notability in the Media

In 2025, Instagram focuses heavily on external press coverage. If you or your brand have been featured in the news, interviews, or credible publications, your chance of verification increases.

4. Does Instagram Verification Need Followers?

4.1 The Role of Followers in Verification

While followers alone are not enough, they act as a credibility marker. The more followers you have, the higher your visibility, and Instagram tends to prioritize accounts with broad reach. However, Instagram verification without followers is possible for individuals with a strong media presence.

4.2 When Followers Don’t Matter

For journalists, athletes, politicians, or creators who are featured in reputable media outlets, Instagram does not require high follower counts. A politician with 3,000 followers can be verified if their name appears in multiple verified news portals.

4.3 When Followers Do Matter

For influencers in India trying to land brand deals, followers matter both for verification and business. A travel influencer with 50,000 followers has higher chances than a small blogger with 2,000, unless the latter has major PR coverage.

5. Steps to Get Instagram Verified in India

5.1 Step 1: Profile Preparation

Before applying, ensure your Instagram profile is complete and professional. Add a high-quality profile photo, a detailed bio, and links to your official website or other verified platforms. A polished profile shows Instagram that you are serious and authentic. Incomplete or casual accounts are often rejected despite follower count.

5.2 Step 2: Build Credibility

Verification is not just about numbers but also credibility. One of the strongest ways to build credibility in India is by getting featured in media, digital magazines, or online portals. Collaborating with known influencers or engaging inUGC videosalso helps. The more your name appears on trusted platforms, the higher your chances of approval.

5.3 Step 3: Apply for Verification

Once your profile is ready, go to Settings > Account > Request Verification. You will need to submit your full name, select the category you belong to, and upload a government-issued ID. Ensure that your details match your real identity. Any discrepancy between your ID and profile information can lead to rejection.

5.4 Step 4: Wait for Instagram’s Review

After submitting your request, Instagram takes about 30 days to review applications. During this time, they evaluate your notability, media mentions, and account activity. If denied, don’t get discouraged. You can reapply after 30 days with an improved profile. Many influencers in India succeed on their second or even third attempt.

6. Instagram Blue Badge Criteria Explained

Many creators still wonder how many followers on Instagram to get verified, but the truth is, there is no fixed count.

6.1 Identity Proof

Instagram requires a valid government-issued ID or official business registration document. This step ensures the account is authentic and represents a real person or entity. Submitting unclear or mismatched documents leads to rejection. For businesses, GST registration or trade licenses also work. Without identity proof, your request won’t even pass the first stage of review.

6.2 Active Content Strategy

A regular posting schedule is essential for verification. Instagram prefers accounts that share consistent, original, and engaging content. This includes photos, reels, stories, and even UGC collaborations. Accounts that post once in months appear inactive and are often denied. Active content demonstrates that the account is relevant and contributes value to Instagram’s community.

6.3 No Fake Growth

Instagram’s AI tools can now detect fake followers, bots, and purchased engagement. If your account shows suspicious spikes in followers or fake activity, your chances of getting verified drop drastically. Authentic growth is key. Instead of shortcuts, focus on real engagement and collaborations with top influencers in India to boost credibility organically.

7. Common Reasons for Rejection

7.1 Lack of Media Coverage

The most common reason for rejection is the absence of a credible media presence. Even if you have a strong follower base, Instagram may not recognize your account as notable without press mentions. Coverage in newspapers, digital magazines, or reputed Indian blogs helps establish authority. Without this, Instagram sees you as less influential and denies requests.

7.2 Incomplete Profiles

Profiles lacking a professional bio, profile image, or consistent activity are often rejected instantly. Instagram expects applicants to maintain polished accounts. A blank bio or an account without posts appears unprofessional. Verified accounts are meant to represent recognized public figures or brands, so a complete and active profile is considered a must for eligibility.

7.3 Fake or Duplicate Accounts

If multiple accounts exist with your name, Instagram will hesitate to verify any. Duplicate or fake accounts create confusion, reducing authenticity. Before applying, report and remove fake profiles if possible. This helps Instagram clearly identify the genuine account. The platform is very strict about uniqueness, and duplicates lower your verification success rate significantly.

8. The Whole Truth About Followers and Verification

The whole truth is that Instagram verification requirements 2025 are not purely about followers. Followers matter, but authenticity, notability, and press coverage matter more. For Indian creators, this means focusing on long-term credibility instead of short-term follower growth hacks.

9. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Verification

9.1 Strengthen PR and Media Presence

Investing in public relations is one of the most effective ways to increase verification chances. Appear in newspapers, online interviews, or industry-specific publications. For Indian creators, even local media coverage matters. When Instagram sees your name repeatedly across trusted platforms, it considers your profile notable and more deserving of the blue badge. While credibility and media coverage matter more, understanding how many followers on Instagram to get verified helps influencers plan their growth.

9.2 Collaborate with Top Influencers in India

Building partnerships with well-known Indian influencers can boost your profile’s credibility. When larger creators tag, mention, or collaborate with you, it signals to Instagram that you are part of the influencer ecosystem. These collaborations often lead to higher engagement, more visibility, and stronger recognition, all of which play a role in verification success.

9.3 Use Best Influencer Platform Services

Influencer platforms likeHobo.Videoprovides structured campaign opportunities that help creators gain visibility. By participating in campaigns with reputed brands, your profile gains credibility and notability. These platforms also offer UGC opportunities, which increase brand collaborations and press mentions. This structured growth makes your profile appear more authoritative during Instagram’s verification review.

10. Case Studies of Verified Influencers in India

10.1 Small Influencers Getting Verified

In 2024, a Delhi-based journalist with only 7,000 followers received verification because of her consistent news coverage in digital media. Despite having fewer followers than other influencers, her presence in respected outlets made her notable. This shows that Instagram values credibility and press mentions more than just follower numbers when granting the blue badge. In India, the debate around how many followers on Instagram to get verified continues, with experts suggesting a range between 20,000 and 100,000 for most creators.

10.2 Big Influencers Denied Verification

In contrast, a Mumbai-based lifestyle influencer with over 300,000 followers was denied verification. Investigations revealed that a large percentage of her followers were inactive or fake. Despite impressive numbers, the lack of authenticity and real engagement led to rejection. This highlights that verification is about quality and trustworthiness, not just the quantity of followers.

Summary of Learnings

1. The blue badge is about authenticity, not just followers.
2. No fixed number of followers guarantees verification.
3. Instagram verification without followers is possible if PR is strong.
4. Instagram blue badge criteria include authenticity, uniqueness, and notability.
5. The best influencer platform services can help in building authority.

Before you go, explore who is the best for brand success: influencers or celebrities.Read here.

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