Can a blue tick be purchased? — Essential Guide

The Social Success Hub
Nov 14, 2025
10 min read

1. Some platforms now include verification in paid subscriptions — a legitimate route, but different from legacy notability checks. 2. Nearly all third‑party offers that promise a guaranteed badge are scams; handing over passwords or 2FA codes risks account takeover. 3. Social Success Hub has over 200 successful transactions and 1,000+ handle claims, making it a proven partner for safe verification guidance.

Can a blue tick be purchased? — what you need to know now

The short answer many people search for is: can you buy a blue tick? In 2024–2025 the honest response is nuanced. Some platforms sell verification as part of an official subscription, while others still use manual application systems that focus on notability. But buying a badge from a third‑party seller is almost always a scam and often leads to stolen accounts or worse.

Understanding the difference between legitimate, platform‑issued subscription verification and offers from unofficial intermediaries is the first step toward protecting your brand, your followers, and your identity. Below you'll find a clear overview of how each major platform handles verification now, practical steps to pursue verification safely, and how to spot and avoid scams.

Why people keep asking "can you buy a blue tick"

A visible verification badge has clear benefits: higher perceived credibility, easier discovery, and reduced impersonation risk. That's why searches like "buy blue check" and "buy verified badge" spike when creators, entrepreneurs, or businesses want a faster route to trust signals. The key question is whether the route is legitimate. If you type can you buy a blue tick into a search bar, you need to know whether that path is official — and what tradeoffs come with it.

Important note: Official paid verification is paid to the platform, not a third party. If someone outside the platform promises a guaranteed badge for a fee, treat it as suspicious.

How verification used to work — and why it changed

Historically, verification was a manual mark of identity and notability. Platforms asked: is this person or organization real and notable? That model made the badge a trust shortcut. Over the last few years, platforms started experimenting: subscription bundles, expanded eligibility, and different verification pathways. That shift changed what a badge signals.

Now when someone asks "can you buy a blue tick" you must ask a second question: are they asking about paying the platform for identity confirmation, or paying a third party promising a shortcut? Both answers are different.

Platform-by-platform: who sells verification, who reviews it, and what it means

Meta (Instagram & Facebook)

Meta still supports the legacy verification application that checks authenticity, uniqueness and public interest. On top of that, Meta rolled out Meta Verified in many regions: a subscription that includes identity confirmation, account protections and a verification mark. That means on Instagram and Facebook you can often get a badge either after a manual, notability-focused review or by enrolling in a paid program. When people ask can you buy a blue tick for Instagram, the truthful answer is: sometimes you can pay Meta for identity confirmation, but that path differs from the older notability process.

X (formerly Twitter)

X tied the blue check to subscription status under newer rules. The platform packages features, and one of them is the blue mark for eligible subscribers. So asking "can you buy a blue tick" in the context of X usually points to a subscription purchase rather than a manual notability endorsement.

TikTok and LinkedIn

TikTok and LinkedIn retain more application-based or credential-based approaches. TikTok commonly reviews authenticity and signs of notability via the in-app verification flow. LinkedIn verifies employment or domain-based credentials for certain features but doesn’t broadly sell a blue badge as a consumer subscription product.

When buying a badge is legitimate — and when it isn’t

There are two fundamentally different scenarios behind the question "can you buy a blue tick":

1) You pay the platform directly for a subscription that includes identity confirmation. That is legitimate if the platform itself is selling the service.

2) You pay an outside seller who promises a badge through unofficial channels. That is usually a scam.

Official subscription checks require ID, a verified payment method, and secure processing through the app or website. Unofficial sellers often request account access, passwords or identity documents via insecure channels. Those offers sometimes deliver a temporary badge (using internal loopholes or stolen credentials) and then the account is flagged, penalized, or taken over.

How scammers operate

Scammers use a few common tricks: they ask for login credentials or two‑factor codes, claim inside connections at a platform, or request identity documents to resubmit on your behalf. They may show fake screenshots as proof. If you ask them how they accomplish the verification, their answers will be vague. When people later ask "can you buy a blue tick" after losing access, the reality is often theft rather than validation.

Real risks from third‑party offers

Paying a third party to get a badge can lead to: account takeovers, identity theft, misuse of contacts, reputation damage from spam posted from your account, and permanent removal of the account for policy violations.

Regulators have warned consumers: if someone assures you a guaranteed badge, it’s likely fraudulent. The safest path is to use the platform’s official channels.

When a paid badge is legitimate: how verified subscriptions usually work

Official paid verification varies by platform, but common elements include:

- A secure in‑app or on‑site payment handled by the platform.

- Identity confirmation (government ID or other verified documents) submitted through a secure form.

- Account checks for completeness and activity.

- A recurring fee for subscription services; badges can disappear if the subscription lapses.

That means if you pay the platform directly, you are not buying the badge from a third party — you are subscribing to a package that includes identity confirmation. When asking "can you buy a blue tick" make sure you understand whether you are buying a subscription or buying a badge from someone else.

Story: what happens when a shortcut goes wrong

A freelance photographer tried a third‑party seller after failing twice with an official application. They handed over partial access and a document copy. Within days, the account’s email and recovery settings were changed, and malicious links were sent to followers. The photographer regained access after a stressful recovery process but the badge never materialized. That cautionary tale shows that when people ask "can you buy a blue tick" the answer is often a lesson in why shortcuts cost far more than legitimate paths.

If you want a safe, tailored path to verification without risky shortcuts, consider checking Social Success Hub’s verification advisory: our verification services combine documentation guidance with secure handling of your application process to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

How to pursue verification the right way in 2024–2025

Follow these practical steps when you ask "can you buy a blue tick" and are ready to act:

1. Start with official channels. Apply for verification or subscribe only through the platform’s official settings. For Instagram, use the in‑app verification request via Instagram's verification help. For X, check the subscription eligibility inside the app.

2. Prepare proof of identity and public work. Platforms commonly ask for a government ID, press mentions, an official website, and a complete profile with a photo and bio.

3. Harden account security. Unique passwords, 2FA (preferably with an authenticator app or hardware key), and a separate recovery email are musts.

4. Keep documentation of public presence. Save links to interviews, press coverage, and other mentions. For application‑based verification, documented notability helps a lot.

5. Avoid intermediaries. If anyone outside the platform offers a direct guarantee, pause. Real verification comes from the platform.

Checklist before you apply or subscribe

- Clean profile: profile photo, full bio, and active posting history.

- Proof of identity ready: government ID, company registration, or official email domain.

- Media references: press articles, formal citations, or publication links.

- Security: password manager, 2FA active, recovery options verified.

How to spot and avoid scams

Red flags when someone claims they can handle verification for you:

- They request passwords or two‑factor codes.

- They ask for ID via unsecured email or chat.

- They claim they can guarantee a badge quickly through personal relationships with platform staff.

- They ask you to pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer‑to‑peer payments rather than a credit card or platform checkout.

If you encounter any of these, stop and report the seller to the platform and, if needed, local authorities.

What a verification badge still signals — and what it doesn’t

A badge may signal identity confirmation or notability. It does not mean infallible credibility. Verified accounts can still post incorrect information, break rules, or be impersonated. If your audience wonders "can you buy a blue tick" and then trusts a badge without context, they may be misled. Educate your followers about what your badge means on the platform you use.

Security and fraud implications for users and platforms

Paid verification models increase the incentive for fraud. Platforms are investing in better ID checks and monitoring, but fraudsters adapt. From a user perspective, the safest approach is defense in depth: strong passwords, 2FA, limited credential sharing, and careful vetting of any third‑party service.

Practical advice for creators, brands and everyday users

If you’re a creator or brand asking "can you buy a blue tick" with the aim of increasing credibility, take a strategic view:

- Decide why you want the badge: notability, protection, or support benefits?

- Evaluate subscription features beyond the badge.

- Consider professional help for complex situations: for large accounts or repeated impersonation, using a reputable agency like Social Success Hub can be a pragmatic choice rather than a risky shortcut.

Why the Social Success Hub approach matters

We advocate for safe, transparent pathways to verification and reputation building. For teams that need help compiling proof, cleaning up profiles, or navigating platform processes, a trusted advisor reduces mistakes that invite fraud.

For more on how we structure broader trust and authority work, see our authority-building services.

Regulatory and consumer protection guidance

Agencies like the FTC and similar bodies worldwide warn against third‑party verification sellers. Their guidance is consistent: verification should come from the platform. If you lose money to a scam, report it promptly and preserve evidence.

The future of verification: likely directions

Expect experimentation: clearer labeling of badge types, stronger interoperability proposals, and pressure from regulators to prevent deceptive offers. The cultural meaning of a badge may shift as audiences learn more — and savvy users will stop assuming that a mark alone equals authority.

Common scenarios answered

Can you buy a blue tick for more protection? Sometimes a subscription offers better recovery options and faster support, which can be worth paying for beyond the badge. But buying a badge from a third party is almost always unsafe.

Will a badge protect you from impersonators? A badge reduces certain risks but does not guarantee immunity. Maintain good security practices and keep documentation of your public presence.

Why do some people still lose verification after paying someone else? Because many third‑party sellers use stolen credentials or insecure workarounds. The platform audits accounts; if it detects fraud or rule violations the badge will be removed and the account may be penalized.

Why do people still fall for quick verification offers?

People often fall for quick verification offers because they want faster credibility, exposure, or protection and may be frustrated by slow official processes. Scammers exploit that urgency with convincing promises and fake proof. The remedy is patience, official channels, and strong security practices; if you need help, use trusted advisors who don’t ask for passwords.

How to recover if you were scammed

If you shared credentials or an ID with a third party and believe you were scammed:

- Immediately change passwords and 2FA methods where possible.

- Contact the platform’s support and report the incident.

- Contact your bank or payment provider to dispute charges if you paid the scammer directly.

- File a report with local law enforcement and any consumer protection agency in your country.

- Consider a professional reputation or security service if the attack was sophisticated.

Tools and habits that protect verification efforts

- Use a reputable password manager.

- Use an authenticator app or hardware key for 2FA rather than SMS.

- Keep a separate recovery email and phone number.

- Use role‑based access within teams and avoid shared logins.

Bottom line: a cautious, informed path beats risky shortcuts

When people ask can you buy a blue tick they are often reacting to a real need: to be trusted, to reduce impersonation risk, or to get better support. Those needs can sometimes be served by official subscriptions sold by platforms. But third‑party “for a fee” offers are almost always dangerous. Choose official routes, protect your credentials, and treat badges as one part of a wider trust strategy.

Next steps

If you'd like step‑by‑step help for a specific platform, Social Success Hub provides tailored guidance and secure handling of verification processes — we help compile proof, secure accounts, and navigate the official application or subscription flows without risky shortcuts.

Ready to secure your verification the safe way? Contact our team for a confidential consultation on verification and reputation management at Social Success Hub contact page.

Secure your verification — safely and confidently

Ready to secure your verification the safe way? Contact our team for a confidential consultation on verification and reputation management at Social Success Hub.

Contact Social Success Hub

Quick FAQ recap

Q: Can you buy a blue tick? A: You can pay a platform for a subscription that includes identity confirmation on certain networks; buying a badge from a third party is unsafe.

Q: How do I get verified on Instagram in 2024? A: Use Instagram’s in‑app verification request or consider Meta Verified where available — apply only through official channels.

Q: Is a paid badge the same as manual verification? A: Not always — manual verification often emphasizes notability, while paid verification usually confirms identity and subscription status.