Getting verified on Facebook and Instagram has changed significantly since Meta introduced its paid verification program. There are now two ways to get the blue checkmark badge on your profile: the traditional verification process (free, for notable public figures and brands) and Meta Verified (a paid monthly subscription available to anyone who meets basic eligibility requirements). Both paths result in the same blue checkmark badge, and both are available on Facebook and Instagram. Below, we'll walk through each option so you can determine which route makes the most sense for you.
Please note that Symphonic does not manage or facilitate the verification process on your behalf. Verification is handled directly through Meta. The information below is provided as a resource to help guide you through the process.
What is Meta verification?
Verification is the process of obtaining the blue checkmark badge next to your name on Facebook and/or Instagram. The badge confirms that your account is authentic and represents the real person, artist, or business it claims to be. Verified accounts also tend to rank higher in search results and are less likely to be confused with impersonator or fan accounts.
What are the two ways to get verified?
Option 1: Traditional Verification (Free)
The traditional route is free and is reserved for public figures, celebrities, well-known artists, and notable brands. To qualify, you must demonstrate that your account represents a person or entity of public interest and that people are actively searching for you. This route requires evidence of notability such as press coverage, a Wikipedia page, or a strong cross-platform presence.
This option is harder to get approved for and is not guaranteed, but it costs nothing.
Option 2: Meta Verified (Paid Subscription)
Meta Verified is a paid monthly subscription launched in 2023 that allows anyone who meets basic identity requirements to get the blue checkmark. You do not need to be a public figure or have press coverage. You simply need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and pay the monthly subscription fee.
If you cancel or fail to maintain your subscription, the blue badge will be removed.
How do I apply for traditional (free) verification?
To request free verification on Instagram:
-Open the Instagram app and go to your profile
-Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right
-Go to Settings and activity
-Scroll to the For professionals section
-Tap Account type and tools
-Tap Request verification
-Fill in your full name and provide the required identification (government-issued ID)
-Provide evidence of notability (links to press articles, Wikipedia, other verified social accounts, etc.)
-Submit your request
To request free verification on Facebook:
-Go to your Facebook Page
-Navigate to Settings > General > Page Verification
-Select either phone verification (for quick confirmation) or document upload (for full verification)
-Provide a government-issued ID or official business documents
-Submit evidence of notability if prompted
-Submit your request
Review times for traditional verification range from 48 hours to 45 days. You'll receive a notification when a decision is made. If denied, you can reapply after 30 days.
What are the requirements for traditional (free) verification?
Your account must meet all of the following:
-Authentic — Must represent a real person, registered business, or entity
-Unique — Must be the only account representing that person or business (fan pages and parody accounts don't qualify)
-Complete — Must have a profile photo, bio, and at least one post. The account must be public.
-Notable — Must represent a well-known, highly searched person or brand. Meta looks for press coverage, Wikipedia presence, and evidence that people are actively searching for you
Having a strong presence across multiple platforms (Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) strengthens your application. For artists distributed through Symphonic, verified profiles on streaming platforms and press coverage of your releases can serve as supporting evidence.
How do I sign up for Meta Verified (paid)?
To subscribe to Meta Verified on Instagram:
-Open the Instagram app and go to your profile
-Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right
-Go to Settings and activity
-Tap Meta Verified
-Select the account you want to verify
-Choose a subscription plan
-Enter your payment information
-Submit a government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, national ID, etc.)
-You may also be asked to submit a selfie or short video for identity matching
-Wait for approval (typically within 48 hours, often much faster)
To subscribe to Meta Verified on Facebook:
-Open the Facebook app and go to your profile
-Tap the menu icon, then Settings & Privacy > Settings
-Scroll down and tap Meta Verified
-Choose the Facebook profile you want to verify
-Select a plan and tap Pay now
-Submit your government-issued ID
-Wait for approval
Once approved, the blue checkmark will appear on your profile. If you have your Facebook and Instagram accounts linked in Accounts Center, you may be able to verify both for a discounted bundled price.
What are the requirements for Meta Verified (paid)?
-You must be at least 18 years old
-Your profile must be complete (profile photo, full name, and some posting activity)
-You must submit a government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your profile
-Two-factor authentication must be enabled on your account
-You must be in a country or region where Meta Verified is available
Important: Once verified through Meta Verified, changing your username, display name, or date of birth will require you to go through the verification process again. Make sure your information is accurate before subscribing.
How much does Meta Verified cost?
Meta Verified offers multiple subscription tiers. Pricing for individuals and creators:
-Standard — $11.99/month (web) or $14.99/month (in-app)
-Plus — $49.99/month
-Premium — $149.99/month
-Max — $499.99/month
The Standard plan includes the verified badge, impersonation protection, and basic support access. Higher tiers add features like faster support response times, enhanced profile customization, callback access from a support agent, and active account monitoring.
Pricing may vary by region. You can see local pricing for your market by starting the Meta Verified onboarding flow within the Instagram or Facebook app. The Standard plan is available via web or mobile app. Plus, Premium, and Max plans are currently available through the mobile app only.
Meta Verified for businesses has a similar tier structure with additional business-specific features. You can learn more at meta.com/meta-verified.
What's included with Meta Verified?
All Meta Verified plans include:
-Blue verification badge on your profile
-Proactive impersonation protection and monitoring
-Direct access to account support (chat or email)
-Higher ranking in search results on Facebook and Instagram
Higher-tier plans add:
-Faster support response times
-Ability to request a callback from a support agent (Premium and above)
-Active case monitoring by Meta's team (Max plan)
-Enhanced profile customization options
-Additional content and messaging features
What's the difference between Meta Verified and the new Instagram Plus / Facebook Plus subscriptions?
In May 2026, Meta launched separate subscription plans called Instagram Plus ($3.99/month) and Facebook Plus ($3.99/month). These are not the same as Meta Verified and do not include the blue verification badge.
Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus focus on premium content features (extended Stories, analytics, profile customization, etc.), while Meta Verified focuses on identity verification, impersonation protection, and the blue badge. The two subscriptions are currently separate, though Meta has indicated they may merge them under a unified "Meta One" brand in the future.
Which option should I choose as an artist?
If you're a well-known artist with press coverage, a strong streaming presence, or a Wikipedia page, the traditional (free) verification is worth trying first. It costs nothing and provides the same blue badge.
If you're a newer or independent artist without significant press coverage, or if your free application was denied, Meta Verified Standard ($11.99–$14.99/month) is the most straightforward path to getting verified. You'll get the blue badge as long as you maintain your subscription and meet the identity requirements.
For most independent artists and labels, the Standard plan is sufficient. The higher tiers are geared toward larger brands and creators who need premium support and enhanced visibility features.
Can Symphonic help me get verified?
Symphonic does not manage or submit verification requests on behalf of clients. Verification is handled directly between you and Meta. However, having your music distributed through Symphonic and available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Meta can strengthen your case when applying for traditional verification, as it demonstrates a legitimate and active presence in the music industry.
Helpful links
-Instagram: Request Verification (Help Center)
-Facebook: Request a Verified Badge (Help Center)
-Meta Verified: Plans, Pricing & Sign Up
-Meta Verified: Eligibility Requirements
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