Having a verified Facebook profile can be advantageous for establishing credibility and authenticity on the platform. Here are some tips on how to get your Facebook profile verified:
Understand Facebook Profile Verification
Facebook profile verification is a process where Facebook confirms the authenticity of profiles and accounts on its platform. When a profile is verified, it gets a blue verification badge next to the name to indicate that Facebook has confirmed it belongs to the real public figure, celebrity, brand or business it represents.
Verification helps distinguish authentic profiles from impersonators or fake accounts. It builds trust between users and the profiles they follow on Facebook.
Who is Eligible for Verification?
Facebook only verifies:
- Real name profiles of public figures, celebrities and brands
- Official organization and business pages
- Media companies
General personal profiles of non-public figures are not eligible for verification. Facebook also does not verify pet or fan pages.
Benefits of a Verified Profile
Some benefits of having a verified Facebook profile include:
- Increased visibility and reach for posts
- Appearing higher in some search results
- Added credibility and trust
- Distinguishing officially administered profiles from unofficial pages
- Reduced impersonation risk
Requirements for Verification
To be eligible for Facebook verification, your profile must:
- Represent a real public figure, celebrity, brand or business
- Be the official presence of the entity on Facebook
- Have a profile name that matches the real name or business name
- Have a profile photo clearly showing the subject’s face or business logo
- Have a substantial presence on Facebook with real engagement
Facebook also considers the overall notability and authenticity of the profile. Evidence like Wikipedia pages, news coverage and Google search results help demonstrate notability.
Things That May Prevent Verification
Some things that can make a profile ineligible for verification include:
- Representing a company or organization no longer in operation
- Being inactive or having low engagement
- Having a substantially incomplete profile
- Using a stage name instead of real identity
- Violating Facebook Terms of Service
- Promoting hate speech, violence or misinformation
How to Request Verification on Facebook
If your profile meets the eligibility criteria, you can request verification directly within Facebook by following these steps:
- Go to your profile page
- Click on the About tab under your cover photo
- Click the blue Request Verification button
- Select the appropriate category for your profile (public figure, media company etc)
- Enter the required information to confirm your identity
- Submit the request
Facebook will review your request and let you know once a decision has been made. The verification process can take a few weeks or longer.
Tips for Getting Verified
Here are some tips that can help with getting verified:
- Have a complete, authentic profile representing your real identity
- Build your presence by regularly posting engaging content
- Get other social media accounts verified first if possible
- Have news articles, Wikipedia page or other references to support your notability
- Use an official business email address when submitting the request
- Only submit a request if you reasonably meet the verification criteria
What to Do if Your Request is Denied
If your verification request gets denied, here are some steps you can take:
- Check that you meet all eligibility criteria and have provided accurate information in your request
- Submit an appeal of the decision, providing any additional evidence needed
- Make sure your profile is as complete as possible, including bio, profile and cover photos
- Build up your presence on Facebook with more content and engagement
- Have other related social media accounts like Instagram and Twitter verified
- Request verification again after some time has passed once you improve your profile
Building a stronger presence and having outside references like a Wikipedia page can help bolster your case for verification on any appeal attempts.
Other Facebook Verification Options
Aside from the standard blue verification badge, there are some other forms of identity confirmation on Facebook:
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds extra login security to your Facebook account by requiring a code from your mobile device in addition to your password. It helps confirm you are the legitimate account owner. You can enable it in Settings > Security and Login.
ID Verification for Advertising
Pages that run ads may need to verify their identity by submitting legal documentation. This confirms they are permitted to advertise under Facebook policies.
Confirmation for Memorialized Accounts
Immediate family members can request special verification to manage a deceased relative’s memorialized account.
idb21 Proof of Identity for Bots
AI bots and automated accounts need to be verified using the idb21 API proof of identity check to confirm they operate transparently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Facebook verification take?
The verification process typically takes a few weeks but can take longer in some cases. Facebook must thoroughly review each request. Simple name match checks are not sufficient. If your request is denied, building up your profile and trying again later can help.
Can you pay for Facebook verification?
There is no way to pay Facebook to get verified. Getting verified depends on meeting the strict eligibility criteria. Any websites offering paid verification services are fake. Do not trust any third party offering Facebook verification for money.
Does verification help reach more people?
Verified profiles may get slightly better distribution and reach, but having an authentic engaged community matters more. Good content, regardless of badge status, is most important for reaching people.
Can inactive profiles get verified?
No, you must have an active presence on Facebook to be considered for verification. Inactive accounts are unlikely to meet the criteria around engagement and community.
How do I report a fake verified profile?
If you come across a profile showing a verification badge that you believe to be inauthentic, you can report it to Facebook within the app. Facebook investigators will review the profile and revoke the badge if it was obtained fraudulently.
What happens if I change my profile name after verification?
Verification is tied to the specific name and account that was confirmed. If you change your profile name, the verification badge can be removed since it no longer matches your new name.
Can I transfer a verification badge to another account?
No, Facebook’s verification status does not transfer between accounts. Each account must undergo its own identity confirmation based on the specific profile details.
Conclusion
Getting verified on Facebook requires building an authentic profile as a public figure, brand or business, meeting the platform’s eligibility criteria and submitting a verification request. Focus on creating great content, cultivating an engaged audience and presenting a complete profile that matches your real identity. With persistence and patience, you can potentially get that coveted blue badge to stand out on Facebook.