​Being Instagram verified let’s potential customers know they can trust your content and shows that you own your brand presence on the platform. Verified accounts have a blue checkmark beside their account name on their profile and when a comment is made.
According to Instagram, accounts displaying the verified badge “means Instagram has decided that an account is the true or genuine presence of the public persona, celebrity or global brand that it reflects.”
Getting verified on Instagram does have some benefits to brands. Verification is a strategy to protect your brand from imposters and increase trustworthiness. The checkmark also helps users to easily identify your brand on social media as well as provide easy access to special features.
It is important to note that gaining a verification badge on Instagram is not as easy as you might think and is not available to everyone, for obvious reasons. From Instagram itself, verification may be granted if your account meets a few criteria:
Complete: Your account must be public and have a bio, profile photo and be active when you apply.
Notable: Your account must represent a well-known, person, brand, or entity.
Authentic: Must represent someone, a registered commercial entity, or organization.
Unique: Your account should be a reflection of the specific person or brand it represents. Each business/individual is limited to one verified account (an exception is made for language specific versions of profiles)
There is no definite timeline for when you will be notified on whether you’ve been verified and even though your account may be suitable for verification doesn’t mean it will be selected as such.
According to Instagram, you can apply for a verification badge by:

• Make sure you're logged in to the account you're requesting a verification badge for.
• Tap Instagram-user-profile or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
• Tap three lines stacked on top of each other in the top right, then tap a symbol circle gear Settings.
• Tap Account, then tap Request Verification.
• Enter your full name and provide the required form of identification (example: government-issued photo ID or official business documents).
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

 
There are a few initiatives you can take to enhance your chances of becoming verified as an Instagram user.
1. Build Your Other Social Profiles

Having a strong following on the other social media networks can help your Instagram account to validate its authenticity. Posting consistently convinces users to engage with your account. In addition, you want to establish a unique them and online presence. Same as you would post photos on Instagram to help your following you producing worthy content for your other channels as well.
 
2. Search out Impersonator Profiles
When your account is verified on IG is distinguishes you as uniquely you and builds trust in your followers by letting them know that they are not following an imitator. Instagram accounts of easily recognized brands are likely to be verified because they have a higher probability of being impersonated.
3. Stay Active on Your Account
Instagram verification looks for regular activity. If you do not actively use Instagram, there’s no need to begin the verification process. Engagement is very important on social media platforms. You should engage with your audience and be appealing to them by responding to comments and liking posts.
 
4. Make sure your profile, and bio is complete and effective
The requirements for Instagram’s verification are a bio, a profile pic and at least one post. Before you submit your application, you should ensure these bases are covered. 
 
5. Apply when your name is featured in news stories
If your brand recently garnered attention in the news or did a major press release or a publication, it is a good time to apply for verification.