How to get verified on TikTok (and other social media platforms)

Getting verified on social media isn’t just a blue badge on your profile, for many people it’s a blue badge of honour. As well as a way to add credibility to your social media, it can also open up more opportunities for your small business.

But how do you get a blue badge of your own? In this guide, we go over how to get verified on some of the most popular social media platforms. Keep reading to find out:

• how to get verified on TikTok
• how to get verified on Instagram
• the benefits of getting verified for small businesses

How do you get verified on TikTok?

You may be pleased to find out that TikTok verification doesn’t take into account your number of followers. That means if you’re looking to use TikTok as an integral part of your marketing strategy, you don’t need to wait until you become a viral sensation to apply.

In order to get verified on TikTok, you need to achieve the following:

• be an active user: you need to have logged into your account within the last six months
• be authentic: this means your account must represent you or your business, so make sure your username is similar to your business name. You should also make sure that the email address you use to apply for TikTok verification represents your business (such as using a business domain name)
• have a complete account: make sure you’ve fully filled in your profile with a bio, profile picture, and at least one video. You’ll also need to have a public account
• have a secure account: you’ll need to verify your email address and turn on 2-step verification
• feature in media coverage: your account will need to be featured in multiple news sources – but press releases or sponsored posts don’t count

To help you on your journey to verification, we have a whole guide on how to make money on TikTok which could offer you some ideas.

And if you plan to use TikTok as a vital part of your business, we also have a guide to selling on TikTok Shop.

Once you’re verified, be aware that TikTok can remove your verification if you:

• change your account username
• switch from a personal to a business account, or vice versa
• repeatedly violate the community guidelines

Remember that getting verified on TikTok can take a while. TikTok doesn’t give a specific timeframe for the process, so you may need to wait.

It’s also important to note that you can’t buy verification. This is a totally free feature, so beware of fraudulent companies claiming to verify you for a fee.

How do you get verified on Instagram?

There are two ways you can get verified on Instagram. The first is by applying for a verified profile badge. Much like TikTok, you don’t need a certain amount of followers, but you do need to:

• be authentic: your account needs to clearly represent you or your business
• be unique: make sure your account has a clear purpose – in this instance, marketing your business
• have a complete profile: before you apply, make sure your account is public with a profile picture and completed bio
• be well-known: while Instagram doesn’t require a set number of followers, you (or your account) needs to be well-known or highly searched for. Being featured in the news is a great way to increase your chances of getting verified

It might be worth reviewing our guide to getting Instagram followers before you apply, as this can help give your account the credibility it needs to get verified.

But ultimately, your Instagram success will come down to the content you create. Our top tips for product photography can help here, or our guide on how to make a YouTube video if you want to venture into video content.

And as with TikTok, you’ll lose your Instagram verification if you change your username – so make sure you’ve chosen an excellent brand name before you begin.

Meta Verified

The second way you can get verified on Instagram is by subscribing to Meta Verified. There’s even a specialist version designed for businesses.

To get access to Meta Verified, you also need to be eligible for (and already be using) Meta Business Suite.

The basic version of Meta Verified includes:

• a verified badge
• Meta Verified support
• the ability to add links in your images
• search optimisation
• impersonation protection

More premium versions offer additional features, such as the ability to add links in Reels – which can really help if you’re using Instagram as a sales tool.

Benefits of getting verified for small businesses

But why should small business owners consider getting verified on social media? While you can successfully use social media marketing to promote your business, verification can offer additional benefits such as:

1. Increasing your credibility – many potential customers will see a blue verification badge as a sign of trustworthiness, showing that your business has a good reputation
2. Growing your reach – verified accounts are often shown higher in search results and get suggested to other users more frequently, meaning your content (and your business) could reach a wider audience
3. Protecting your identity – if other businesses sell similar products to yours, a verified account can set you apart from the rest
4. Increasing your networking – a verified social media platform can often provide more opportunities to collaborate with other brands and influencers

In conclusion, investing time into getting verified on social media can offer your small business a competitive advantage. This can then potentially increase the sales and revenue of your small business.

While the process of getting verified may take time and effort, the benefits can be a great help in boosting your brand’s online presence, reputation, and overall success.

More social media guides for small businesses

• Social media calendar template for small businesses
• 23 ways to advertise your business for free
• Best tools for social media management – compared for small businesses
• How much business insurance do I need?

Photo: Delcio/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com