SOCIAL
Social Media Account Verification: A Complete Guide
Ever notice the blue checkmark beside the names of people you idolize on social platforms?
That’s right, this one.
The checkmark might not look like much, but it means:
- The account is authentic.
- The account belongs to a celebrity or industry leader.
If you’re a business owner, getting that checkmark on your social media accounts can:
- Make you stand out in the crowd.
- Show your followers you’re influential in your industry.
- Boost your self-confidence. 😉
A verified account on any social platform will give you the same result: a stronger online presence.
However, getting your account verified on each platform is different.
So, how do you get this coveted blue checkmark on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram?
How do you get Google’s blue shield or Pinterest’s red checkbox?
Read on to find out how to get your social media accounts verified.
How to Verify Your Facebook Account
The blue check on Facebook is called a verification badge.
Here’s how to get yours.
Make Sure You Meet the Criteria for Getting Verified
Before you get your badge, Facebook will look into your account to see if it meets their criteria for verification.
Here are four things Facebook will look for.
- The authenticity of your account. They’ll want to make sure you’re using your real personal or business name.
- Your account’s uniqueness. Your account should be interesting and specific (no general names like “cat memes” or “funny photos”).
- A complete setup. Your account doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need a profile photo, an about section, and one post.
- A noteworthy account. No, you can’t pay for a verification badge. You need to prove you qualify for a badge by showing that real people search for your account.
Request a Verification Badge from Facebook
To apply for your badge, fill out Facebook’s contact form.
If you’re verifying a personal account, you’ll need to submit one government-issued ID.
This can be your driver’s license, passport, or national identification card.
If you’re verifying a business account, you’ll need:
- Tax exemption documents.
- Articles of incorporation.
- A certificate of formation.
- A copy of a utility or phone bill.
- A written explanation detailing why your account should receive a verification badge.
- URLs that prove your account’s notability.
As soon as you submit your request, it’ll take you anywhere from 48 hours to 45 days to get verification.
If your request is denied, you can apply again after 30 days.
How to Verify Your Instagram Account
Instagram and Facebook have similar methods for account verification. Here’s how to get started on Instagram.
Step 1: Log into the Instagram account you want to verify.
Step 2: Go to your profile and tap the options button at the rightmost corner of your screen.
Step 3: Click on your Settings, then go to Account. You’ll see an option for Request Verification.
Step 4: Fill in your information and provide a government-issued ID.
Step 5: Wait for your verification badge. Like Facebook, you can request a badge again after 30 days if you get denied.
How to Verify Your Twitter Account
Twitter was the social platform that started it all.
It was the first to hand out blue badges to verify accounts.
Compared with Facebook and Instagram, getting verified on Twitter is simple.
All you need to do is make sure your account doesn’t lack any important information.
Then, you can prove your brand’s worth by showcasing a few example URLs of your web properties.
The bad news is Twitter account verification is on hold for now.
According to Twitter, they’re working on a new verification program.
The good news is, if you already have a blue badge, it won’t be removed from your account.
How to Verify Your Google My Business Account
Even if you skip getting verified on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, never skip verification on Google My Business.
This is super important because the blue verification shield you get will show up when users look for you on Search or Maps.
Here’s how to get verified on Google My Business.
- Sign into your account on the platform.
- Select Verify Now and request a verification postcard (on-screen prompts will make this super simple).
- Once you receive your verification postcard, type the verification code into it.
That’s it!
You’ll receive the blue shield that tells people your website’s information is accurate and updated.
How to Verify Your Pinterest Account
Instead of a blue verification mark, Pinterest has an attractive red checkbox next to all verified account names.
Check it out.
The good news is getting this cool checkbox is super easy.
Just follow these three steps.
- Log into your account and go to the Settings
- Upload your business logo as a profile picture.
- You’re verified!
Remember, you can only verify your account if you’ve already claimed your website on Pinterest.
How to Verify Your TikTok Account
TikTok is super popular today.
It’s where the young (and young at heart) gather to create buzz and have fun with creative photos and videos.
With TikTok, however, verification isn’t in your hands.
There are two possible ways of getting verified:
- Becoming a verified user. This means you’re a world-renown superstar like Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian-West, or Rihanna.
- Becoming a popular user. If you keep creating fun content people love, TikTok can select you as one of its popular users.
The Benefits of Verifying Your Account on Social Platforms
Standing out on social media is essential today.
With 3.8 billion users, it’s the perfect place to showcase your skills and market your brand.
But how can you show you’re a leader in your industry?
How can you prove you’re a well-known brand?
It’s simple. Get your social account verified.
When you do, you’ll stand out in the crowd.
You’ll show users you’re an industry leader.
And you’ll get that special boost of self-confidence every time you visit your profile page.
Image Credits
All screenshots taken by author, March 2020
SOCIAL
Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
SOCIAL
Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
SOCIAL
Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement
Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.
As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.
That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.
Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.
That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.
Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.
Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.
We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.
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