A verified badge on Instagram is a blue checkmark that appears next to an accounts name. It indicates that Instagram has confirmed that the account is the authentic presence for that person or brand. The purpose of the badge is to let people know that the notable accounts they are following or searching for are exactly who they say they are, and to distinguish them from fake or fan accounts.

To apply for a verified badge on Instagram, an account must meet certain requirements, such as being complete, public, and active, and having a bio, profile photo, and at least one post. The account must also represent a real person, registered business, or entity, and have a significant following. Instagram reviews each application on a case-by-case basis and may request additional information to verify the accounts authenticity.

Its important to note that a verified badge is not an endorsement from Instagram, nor does it affect how an account is treated on the platform. However, verified accounts can present a security risk for account holders, as hackers may attempt to take control of a verified account to sell the badge or the following. Therefore, Instagram highly recommends that verified accounts have two-factor authentication set up for protection from hacking and to be mindful of scams and impersonation attempts.