Getting that coveted blue checkmark on Instagram isn't just about status anymore. For artists in 2025 verification has become a crucial tool for building credibility, reaching new audiences, and boosting your career. With Instagram's algorithm changes favouring verified accounts and new SEO benefits that can get your posts showing up in Google searches, that little blue tick is more valuable than ever!
We've been watching the verification landscape evolve over the past few years, and there's never been a better time for musicians and artists to pursue it. Whether you're an indie artist trying to stand out or an established musician looking to protect your brand, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Instagram verification in 2025.
Why Instagram Verification Matters More Than Ever for Artists
The music industry is absolutely saturated right now. With over a hundred thousand new tracks hitting Spotify every day and social media flooded with creative content, standing out has become incredibly challenging. That's where verification comes in.
Verified accounts see a 30% higher engagement rate compared to non-verified profiles and research has shown that 80% of users are more likely to follow verified accounts, which means that blue checkmark isn't just a vanity metric - it's a powerful tool for audience growth.
There is no denying that Instagram has fundamentally changed how verification affects your reach. The platform's algorithm now shows Reels from verified accounts to non-followers first, essentially giving you a head start in the discovery game. This means your music videos, behind-the-scenes content, and creative posts have a much better chance of going viral.
The SEO Game-Changer You Can't Ignore
Instagram posts from verified business and creator accounts are also being indexed by Google, but only from professional verified accounts. This means your Instagram content can literally show up in Google search results alongside websites and news articles about you, acting as a new funnel for future fans!
This means that when someone searches for your band name or song title, your Instagram posts could appear right there in the search results. It's like getting free SEO for your social content. Plus it helps associate your brand with other key words based on your content, meaning your posts show in more and more places.
The Two Pathways to Verification: Free vs Meta Verified
Instagram offers two distinct routes to get that blue checkmark, and as an artist, you need to understand both options to make the right choice for your career.
The Traditional Route: Free Verification
The original Instagram verification process is still available, but it's become notoriously difficult. Instagram looks for accounts that are authentic, unique, complete, and most importantly, notable.
For clarity, "notable" typically means you've been featured in multiple news sources - and we're not talking about paid promotional content. Instagram specifically looks for organic media coverage in recognised publications. The challenge is that they receive millions of applications daily, and most get processed by automated systems rather than humans.
Meta Verified: The Paid Fast Track
In 2023, Meta introduced Meta Verified, which lets you essentially pay your way to verification. For artists, this costs $14.99 per month if you subscribe through the app, or $11.99 per month via the web.
The requirements are much more straightforward: you need to be over 18, have a government ID that matches your profile name, enable two-factor authentication, and maintain an active posting history. There's no need to prove you're a notable public figure.
The Artist's Step-by-Step Guide to Free Verification
If you want to try the traditional route first (and we'd recommend giving it a shot), here's exactly what you need to do as a musician or artist.
Step 1: Build Your Foundation
Before even thinking about applying, you need to establish yourself as a legitimate artist in Instagram's eyes. This means having two crucial elements:
A verified Spotify profile - This is absolutely essential. You can't be considered a "musician" for verification purposes without this. If you haven't claimed and verified your Spotify for Artists profile yet, do this first.
A Google Knowledge Panel - When someone searches your name on Google, you want an information box to appear on the right side of the results. This dramatically increases your chances of approval.
Step 2: Secure Media Coverage
Here's where it gets challenging. You need a good number of full features (not just mentions) on notable music publications and news sites. These articles need to be about you specifically, not just mentioning you in passing. Remember, its about proving you are a notable person
The coverage needs to be recent and from recognisable sources. Instagram has expanded their list to include more diverse outlets, which is great news for independent artists. Think music blogs, local newspapers, industry publications - anything with editorial credibility.
Step 3: Optimise Your Profile
Your Instagram profile needs to be absolutely perfect before applying:
Clear profile photo: A professional headshot of you alone - no logos, landscapes, or group photos
Complete bio: 2-3 sentences explaining what you do, perhaps mentioning your latest release or upcoming shows
Website link: Add your official website, or if you don't have one, link to your Spotify, Apple Music, or a notable press article
Public account: Make sure your profile is set to public, not private
Active posting history: You need consistent, recent posts showcasing your music and artistry. After all, there's no point in being verified if you don't use the platform!
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you've built your foundation, it's time to apply through Instagram's app:
Go to your profile and tap the hamburger menu (three lines)
Select "Account type and tools"
Tap "Request verification"
Fill out the form completely, providing your government ID and links to press coverage
Submit and wait up to 30 days for a response
Remember: submitting multiple applications before getting a response will actually cancel your request, so be patient.
Meta Verified: When to Choose the Paid Route
For many artists, Meta Verified makes more sense than the traditional route, especially if you're just starting to build your press coverage. Here's when I'd recommend considering the paid option:
You're actively touring or releasing music - That $14.99 monthly investment can pay for itself quickly if verification helps you book more gigs or attract industry attention.
You've had impersonation issues - Meta Verified includes proactive account monitoring to protect against fake accounts using your name.
You want faster results - While traditional verification can take 30 days (and often results in rejection), Meta Verified can get you verified within 48 hours.
You're treating music as a business - If you're already investing in your music career through distribution services like our $3 monthly plan at Kinjari, adding verification makes sense as part of your professional toolkit.
How to Get Meta Verified
The process is refreshingly straightforward:
Open Instagram and go to your profile
Tap the menu and select "Meta Verified"
Choose which accounts you want verified (Instagram, Facebook, or both)
Upload your government ID for verification
Complete payment setup
Wait up to 48 hours for approval
One important note: if you cancel your Meta Verified subscription, you lose the blue checkmark. So factor this ongoing cost into your music business budget.
Beyond the Blue Tick: Real Benefits for Artists
The verification badge itself is just the beginning. Here's what actually happens when you get verified that can transform your music career:
Massive Visibility Boost
Instagram's 2025 algorithm changes have made verification more powerful than ever. Verified accounts now appear higher in search results when people look for your name or music. Your posts are more likely to be shown to non-followers, dramatically expanding your potential reach.
We've seen artists report significant increases in profile visits and new followers within days of getting verified. The algorithm essentially treats you as more trustworthy and worth promoting.
Protection Against Copycats
This is huge for musicians. Once you're verified, Instagram actively monitors for impersonation attempts. No more dealing with fake accounts using your photos and trying to scam your fans. The platform will proactively shut down imposters, protecting both you and your audience.
Industry Credibility
That blue tick signals to industry professionals - venue bookers, festival organisers, record labels, managers - that you're the real deal. It's social proof that can open doors you didn't even know existed.
Enhanced Customer Support
Both verification routes give you access to better Instagram support. For artists whose livelihood depends on social media, this can be invaluable when technical issues arise.
The SEO Advantage: Why 2025 Changes Everything
Here's something most artists don't realise yet: Instagram verification now comes with serious SEO benefits that can boost your entire online presence.
Since Instagram posts from professional accounts started appearing in Google search results, verified artists have a major advantage. When someone searches for your band name, your Instagram posts showcasing new releases, tour dates, or music videos could appear right in the search results.
This is particularly powerful for independent artists who might not have the budget for extensive SEO work on their websites. Your Instagram content becomes part of your Google presence automatically.
To maximise this benefit:
Use relevant keywords in your captions naturally
Create posts about topics your fans search for
Include your location in posts when relevant
Cross-link between your Instagram posts and website when possible
Making the Financial Case: Is Verification Worth It?
Let's talk numbers. At $14.99 monthly for Meta Verified, you're looking at about $180 per year. For context, that's roughly the same cost as:
A decent microphone for recording demos
Professional photos for your press kit
60 months of professional music distribution ;) (we just had to get that in there!)
But consider the potential return: if verification helps you book just one additional gig per year, it's probably paid for itself. If it helps you gain industry attention that leads to better opportunities, the ROI could be massive.
The free route, while challenging, could be worth pursuing first if you're already building press coverage. However, don't spend months chasing traditional verification if Meta Verified could get you there in days for a reasonable monthly fee.
Don't forget! You can always pay now and when you meet the requirements swap to free verification in the future!
Common Mistakes Artists Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Having researched this extensively, I've noticed several patterns in failed verification attempts:
Applying too early - Don't rush the process. Build your foundation properly first, whether that's press coverage for free verification or ensuring your profile meets Meta Verified requirements.
Incomplete applications - Fill out every optional field. Instagram uses all this information to assess your request.
Wrong account type - Make sure you're using a Creator or Business account, not a personal one. The algorithm favours professional accounts.
Ignoring content quality - Verification won't help if your content doesn't engage people. Focus on creating compelling music content that shows off your artistry.
Unrealistic expectations - Verification boosts your reach, but it's not magic. You still need great music and consistent posting to succeed.
Your Next Steps: Creating a Verification Strategy
Here's what I recommend for artists reading this in 2025:
If you're just starting out: Focus on building your music catalog on streaming platforms and start creating consistent Instagram content. Consider Meta Verified once you're actively promoting releases or shows.
If you're established but not verified: Assess your press coverage honestly. If you have legitimate media features, try the free route first. If not, Meta Verified might be your best bet.
If you're serious about music as a career: Treat verification as a business investment. The credibility, reach, and SEO benefits make it worthwhile for artists who are actively working to grow their careers.
Remember, verification works best as part of a broader strategy. Combine it with consistent, high-quality content, regular engagement with your audience, and professional music distribution through services like Kinjari to maximise your impact.
The music industry has never been more competitive, but tools like Instagram verification give independent artists more power than ever to compete with established names. That blue checkmark isn't just about prestige - it's about giving your art the platform it deserves in an increasingly crowded digital world.
Whether you choose the traditional route or Meta Verified, the key is taking action. Your music deserves to be heard, and in 2025, verification might be the tool that helps you reach the audience that's been waiting to discover your sound.
