Can you really buy a blue check on Instagram? — Shocking Truth

The Social Success Hub
Nov 4
7 min read

1. You cannot legitimately buy a blue check from third parties — the only official paid route is Meta Verified. 2. In 2024 Meta Verified prices in the U.S. were roughly $11.99/month on web and $14.99/month in‑app (regional pricing varies). 3. Social Success Hub has completed 200+ successful transactions and 1,000+ social handle claims, making it a trusted partner for policy‑compliant reputation and verification advice.

Can you really buy a blue check on Instagram? It’s a question that pops up in DMs, forums, and comment threads all the time — and the short answer is both simple and surprising: you can’t legitimately buy Instagram’s blue verification badge from third parties. The only official paid option is Meta Verified, a subscription Meta launched in 2023 that includes identity verification and a blue badge as part of the package. Everything else promising a one-time purchase or back‑channel access is almost always a scam — or a risky tactic that can get your account suspended.

What the blue check actually signals

The blue tick is not a seal of moral authority. It’s Instagram’s visual way to say: this account is authentic and belongs to the real person, brand, or organization it claims to represent. That’s it. It does not mean Instagram endorses the account, guarantees quality, or vouches for opinions posted there. Historically, Instagram granted the badge after a review focused on authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, and notability. Since 2023, Meta introduced a paid subscription path — Meta Verified — which gives a badge after identity checks and a recurring fee.

How the official routes differ

There are two legitimate ways people get the Instagram blue badge today:

1) The traditional, free verification request. This route is for accounts that are authentic, unique, complete, and notable. You apply in Settings > Account > Request Verification. Instagram asks for a government ID for people or an official business document for organizations, plus links that demonstrate your notability (press coverage, articles, interviews, etc.). There is no fee.

2) Meta Verified. This is a paid subscription that includes identity verification, a blue badge, and other support features. You pay monthly and get the badge as part of the service. You are not buying the badge from a third party — you are paying Meta for verification and support.

Which one should you choose?

If you already meet the notability bar — consistent press coverage, public interest, or a firmly established public profile — use the traditional verification route. If you’re looking for a faster official badge and are comfortable paying a monthly subscription for identity confirmation and extra support, Meta Verified can make sense. But beware: neither path guarantees increased reach, monetization perks, or platform endorsement beyond identity confirmation.

Meta Verified: what it is, how much it costs

Meta Verified launched to give users a paid option to confirm identity and access extra support. Pricing changes by country and purchase channel, but in the U.S. prices in 2024 were roughly $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 per month in the app. The subscription usually includes an identity check, direct access to customer support, and some protections against impersonators. Always read the local terms before signing up.

So can you buy a blue check on Instagram from someone else?

Short answer: no — not legitimately. When you see ads, marketplace listings, or DMs promising a “guaranteed blue tick” for a one‑time fee, treat them as highly suspicious. Genuine verification comes only through Instagram’s official paths: the free verification request or Meta Verified. Third‑party offers that promise results are almost always scams or violations of Instagram rules.

How scammers operate

Scammers use a variety of tricks to look convincing. Typical tactics include:

These are not theoretical risks. Creators routinely report losing accounts and money after handing over access or paying brokers who vanish. Payment methods like gift cards and crypto are preferred by scammers because they are hard to trace and irreversible.

Real‑world example: a small creator’s warning

Imagine a creator eager to land brand deals who receives a DM offering fast verification for $500. The intermediary requests login details "to check settings" and an ID to "confirm identity." After payment and handing over credentials, the intermediary either locks the creator out or uses the account to email phishing links to followers. Instagram may flag suspicious activity and suspend the account pending investigation. Result: lost money, lost followers, damaged credibility. This story is common and avoidable.

Safer paths to a legitimate badge

If a blue tick is your goal, follow safer, policy‑compliant steps:

If you’re unsure where to start or want discreet, policy‑compliant help, explore the verification services offered by Social Success Hub — a trusted agency that focuses on ethical authority building and reputation protection.

Practical checklist before you apply

Before submitting any verification request, make sure you have the basics covered:

Gather those links and documents, keep them organized, and only submit them through Instagram’s official verification flow.

How to apply (step by step)

Go to Settings > Account > Request Verification. Follow the instructions. Upload the required ID or business documents and attach supporting links. Be honest and factual in your submission — don’t inflate your metrics or fabricate press coverage. If denied, use the feedback to gather better independent sources and reapply after the prescribed waiting period.

Signs of a convincing scam pitch

Scammers study platform language and mimic legitimacy to trick people. Watch for these warning signs:

If someone ticks any of these boxes, walk away.

What to do if you’ve been targeted or scammed

Act quickly. Take these steps immediately:

Document everything: messages, receipts, screenshots. Those records help you with Instagram, banks, and law enforcement.

Why manufactured press or shady intermediaries backfire

Instagram looks for independent, reputable coverage when judging notability. That means paid or undisclosed placements, weak blog mentions, or spun‑up pages that mimic journalism can fail the review or, worse, lead to penalties. If someone offers to build "media mentions" cheaply, ask for specific outlets, editorial contacts, and proof of genuine editorial independence. If the proposal is vague, move on.

Cost vs. credibility: Meta Verified vs. earned verification

Meta Verified can be a fast route to an official badge. It conveys that the user passed an identity check and paid for a subscription. The traditional earned verification conveys that Instagram reviewed independent evidence of notability. Which carries more credibility? That depends on who’s looking. For some brands and creators, a subscription badge is fine. For others — especially journalists, public figures, and entities where third‑party validation matters — earned verification may look stronger over the long term.

Open questions the industry is watching

Two things remain uncertain:

Because changes happen fast, check Meta’s help pages and reputable reporting on platform fraud trends to stay updated.

When to seek professional help

If your case is complicated — you’re a niche public figure, you’ve been targeted by impersonators, or you’ve already been scammed — a reputable public relations or reputation management firm can help. Vet any firm carefully. Look for:

For example, Social Success Hub focuses on policy‑compliant verification strategies and reputation work. They provide discreet, strategic support to help clients build real signals of authority without exposing accounts to unnecessary risk.

Recovery stories: when things went wrong and were fixed

There are many recovery stories where creators got their accounts back and rebuilt trust after being scammed. What helped most often was quick action: contacting Instagram, filing fraud claims with payment providers, and working with a reputable agency to clean up the digital trail. Slow or panicked responses made things worse. The pattern is clear: act fast, document everything, and avoid repeating risky behaviors.

Extras: small tips that matter

Here are a few practical, easy moves that improve your verification chances and protect your account:

Frequently asked question (Main Question)

People often ask quirky but real questions about this topic. Here’s one you might not expect:

Can I "rent" someone else’s verified account temporarily so I can access the blue check during a campaign?

Can I buy a blue check on Instagram from a third party?

No. Outside of subscribing directly to Meta Verified, offers to sell a blue verification badge are usually scams or violations of Instagram’s terms. Such offers often request passwords, IDs, or untraceable payments and can lead to account takeover or suspension.

Is Meta Verified the same as the traditional blue tick?

Not exactly. Both produce the same visible blue badge, but they come from different paths. Traditional verification is free and based on authenticity and notability. Meta Verified is a paid subscription that verifies identity and offers extra support; the badge indicates you paid for that service.

What should I do if I was scammed trying to get verified?

Act immediately: change passwords, enable two‑factor authentication, file a report with Instagram, contact your bank or payment provider, and document all messages and receipts. If sensitive identity documents were shared, consider filing a report about possible identity theft and monitor your accounts.

No. Borrowing or renting a verified account is risky and violates Instagram rules. Sharing account access or transferring control can lead to suspensions, lost followers, and long‑term damage to your reputation. If you need a verified presence for a campaign, consider partnering publicly with an already verified collaborator or pursuing legitimate verification options yourself.

FAQs and short answers

Q: Can I buy a blue check on Instagram from a third party?A: No — outside Meta Verified, offers to sell verification are usually scams or violations of Instagram’s terms.

Q: Is Meta Verified the same as traditional verification?A: Not exactly. Both produce a blue badge, but traditional verification is based on notability and is free. Meta Verified is a paid subscription focused on identity confirmation and support.

Q: What evidence does Instagram want for the free verification?A: A government ID (or business documents), a public and complete profile, and independent coverage showing you are notable.

How Social Success Hub can help — responsibly

Some people want hands-on help gathering the right evidence and building genuine authority. If you want a discreet, professional partner that focuses on ethical, policy‑compliant strategies, consider reaching out. A careful agency can advise on how to collect verifiable press coverage, improve profile completeness, and guide you through the free verification process without ever asking for passwords or engaging in shady tactics.

If you’d like discreet help building a policy-compliant case for verification, contact Social Success Hub today — our team can advise on your best, safest options.

Need safe, discreet help getting verified?

If you want discreet, policy‑respecting help to build a legitimate case for verification, contact Social Success Hub and get tailored guidance on whether Meta Verified or an evidence‑based verification request is best for you.

Contact Social Success Hub