If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed something confusing: two kinds of blue checkmarks. One comes from Instagram’s traditional verification process. The other, Meta Verified, is part of a new subscription model for which anyone can pay. For users exploring buying Instagram followers verification strategies, understanding the difference between these two paths is key to choosing the right one.
So, what’s the real difference between Instagram verification and Meta Verified? And does one matter more than the other? Here’s what you need to know before choosing your path to the badge.
What Is Instagram’s Original Verification?
Instagram’s classic verification badge is based on public notability. It’s designed to help users identify authentic, high-profile figures, such as celebrities, public figures, well-known creators, or global brands.
To qualify, your account must be:
- Authentic (represents a real person or entity)
- Unique (one account per person or brand)
- Complete (with a profile pic, name, and activity)
- Notable (this is the hard one—must be featured in newsworthy sources)
Instagram reviews each request manually, focusing strongly on media coverage, cultural influence, and impersonation risk. If you don’t meet their notability standards, your application will likely be denied, even if you have a huge following.
What Is Meta Verified?
Meta Verified is Instagram’s (and Facebook’s) newer, subscription-based approach to verification. For a monthly fee, users can get a verified badge after submitting government-issued ID and proving they’re the real person behind the account.
Here’s what Meta Verified includes:
- A blue badge that looks like the traditional one
- Proactive impersonation monitoring
- Access to live customer support
- Additional visibility in some regions (in feed, comments, or search)
- Eligibility for exclusive stickers and features (depending on rollout status)
You don’t need to be famous or in the press to get Meta Verified—just meet the basic identity, activity, and payment requirements.
How Do People View the Two Badges on Instagram?
This is where spotting the difference between Meta Verified and Instagram verification gets tricky. Because the two badges look nearly identical, most users can’t tell the difference at a glance. But perception is evolving.
- Traditional verification still holds more weight in the eyes of many users. It’s seen as a status symbol, something you can’t just buy.
- Meta Verified, while more accessible, may carry the stigma of being a paid badge—especially among long-time creators or brands.
That said, for businesses or up-and-coming influencers, Meta Verified is often the only realistic path to verification right now. And the added perks (like support access and impersonation protection) make it valuable even beyond the badge.
Can You Have Both? Lose One Without the Other?
Yes, and yes.
If you were traditionally verified before Meta Verified rolled out, you can subscribe to Meta Verified as well, which gives you additional benefits without affecting your original status.
But Meta Verified is subscription-based. If you stop paying, you lose the badge. Meanwhile, Instagram’s original badge stays unless:
- You change your username
- Violate community rules
- Or lose your public notability
They’re two separate systems, and Instagram treats them that way behind the scenes—even if they look the same to other users.
Which Instagram Verification Badge Should You Aim For?
It depends on your goals.
Choose Instagram Verification if:
- You’re publicly known or can build notability through the press;
- You want the traditional clout associated with earned status;
- You’re at risk of impersonation and meet media-based requirements.
Choose Meta Verified if:
- You want the badge now, without waiting or chasing the press;
- You need better account protection or support access;
- You’re a creator or entrepreneur building a reputation.
For most people just starting out, Meta Verified is a practical first step. It gives you credibility and tools while you work on growing your public presence for the original badge (if that’s still a goal).
Conclusion
Instagram’s traditional verification and Meta Verified aren’t the same badge—just the same symbol. One is based on notability, and the other is based on identity and access.
Both have their place. If you’re already in the spotlight, go for the earned checkmark. But if you’re building your name, Meta Verified offers a fast, secure way to boost your visibility, protect your account, and show you’re the real deal.
In the end, the badge that matters most is the one that matches your goals.
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