Get yourself verified on Instagram

When browsing through Instragram's endless flow of posts, it's difficult to tell how much of today's content you have seen. Instragram wants to change that so users know when they have seen all the latest posts. — dpa

Instagram now allows users to apply to be verified, as it steps up measures to weed out fakes and inauthentic activity on its social media circles. 

It posted that to request a verified badge, users must go to the profile tab, then settings and click on the request verification option.

Users will have to fill in their full name and provide some form of government-issued identification like an IC, driving license or passport.

Once users have applied, Instagram will issue a notification after vetting. If the request is denied, users can submit a new request after 30 days.

If the application is accepted, the verified badge appears as a check next to an Instagram account's name in search and on the profile.

Instagram looks at several factors when verifying, including authenticity (meaning the account must belong to a real person or business), and uniqueness in that the account must represent an individual or business (instead of being, say, a generic photo album full of dog memes), completion of the profile, and notability.

“Keep in mind that if you provide false or misleading information during the verification process, we will remove your verified badge and may take additional action to delete your account,” it warns. 

Instagram says it may remove verified badges at any time, and may even disable accounts that violate the terms by attempting to sell the badge or using the account to promote other services (though it doesn't clarify what types of services).

It will also punish those attempting to verify through third party services, reminding users that Instagram will never request payment for verification.

Instagram notes that even if a user has a verified badge on its sister social media Facebook, it doesn't automatically qualify them on Instagram. 

“Currently only Instagram accounts that have a high likelihood of being impersonated have verified badges,” it says, suggesting users can also link their Instagram on their other online presences like a Facebook Page, YouTube or Twitter account

Businesses are currently not part of the verification programme, which is still focused on public figures, celebrities and brands.