Getting verified on Instagram just got a little bit easier. The social photo sharing app revealed today that it will now let users apply to get a little blue check by their profile so followers know if you are really a public figure, celebrity or global brand.
If you think you’re important enough to be verified, the application process is fairly straightforward. Simply login to Instagram, go to the Settings section and tap Request Verification. You will then be asked to enter your full name and submit a required form of identification, such as your government issued photo ID.
Submitting a verification request doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get a verified badge though. Instagram is still only giving them away to accounts it deems important enough for the blue badge. But at least this way you won’t have to wait for some employee to discover who you are and add you.
Photo: Instagram
Improving Instagram Security
For regular non-celebrity users, there are also some important new additions being added to the app today. In a few weeks, you should notice an “About This Account” section on people’s profiles. Tapping it reveals the date an account joined Instagram, shared followers, username changes and ads currently run by an account.
Instagram is also adding the ability to use third-party authenticator apps to log into your account. The new method for two-factor authentication can be found in the Settings section under “Two-Factor Authentication.” From there you can select authentication app and use your app of choice if you have one installed. If you don’t have an authentication app installed, Instagram will take you to the App Store where you can download one.
