Getting the blue verification badge on your Facebook profile shows that your account is authentic and allows you to gain more visibility. The blue badge helps distinguish public figures, celebrities and brands from impersonators or fake accounts. Here’s what you need to know about getting verified on Facebook.
What is Facebook profile verification?
Facebook profile verification, also known as the blue badge, is a way for Facebook to confirm that a profile or page on their platform is authentic. It helps distinguish public figures, celebrities and brands from impersonators or fake accounts.
The blue verification badge appears next to a profile or page’s name. When users see the blue badge icon, they can be confident that the account is genuine and authentic.
Who is eligible for Facebook profile verification?
Facebook has specific eligibility requirements for profile verification:
- The profile must represent a well-known, highly searched for person, brand or entity.
- The account must be authentic, complete and represent the real identity of the person or brand.
- The profile must be public and have a history of posting content.
- Verification is currently limited to profiles and pages in specific categories like government, media companies, brands, public figures, artists, musicians, etc.
So regular personal Facebook profiles are not eligible for the blue verification badge. Facebook focuses verification on public profiles that need authenticity to distinguish them from impersonators.
How to request Facebook profile verification
If your profile meets the eligibility criteria, you can request verification by following these steps:
- Go to your profile page and click on the three dots at the top right.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” then go to “Settings”.
- Click on “Personal Information” in the left sidebar.
- Under “Profile Information” you will see a button to request verification. Click on it.
This will open a form where you can request verification. Be sure to provide accurate information demonstrating you meet the eligibility criteria.
What information do you need to provide?
To request Facebook profile verification, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Proof of authenticity – This may include links to websites, official social media accounts, press articles etc. that demonstrate evidence you are the real brand or public figure.
- Government-issued ID – Facebook may ask you to submit a photo of your government ID like driver’s license, passport, national ID card etc. This helps confirm your real identity.
- Contact information – Submit accurate contact details like phone number and email address where Facebook can reach you if needed.
Providing proper verification details helps speed up the review process. Facebook may contact you for more information if required.
How long does Facebook verification take?
The amount of time it takes to get verified on Facebook can vary depending on different factors:
- If you have provided all required eligibility proof and ID documents accurately, verification may take just a few days.
- Incomplete information can delay the process while Facebook contacts you for more details.
- High volume of requests may also cause delays during busy periods.
- Public figures or brands with press, websites or existing social media verification may get approved faster.
On average, expect the Facebook verification process to take anywhere from 1-4 weeks. Complex cases may take longer.
Why is my Facebook verification request denied?
Some common reasons for a verification request being denied include:
- Not meeting eligibility criteria – Your account must represent a well-known, searchable brand/public figure and be completely authentic.
- Insufficient proof materials – Not providing enough evidence to confirm your real identity.
- Suspicious activity – Verify that your account has no history of violations or spam.
- Multiple request attempts – Cool down period needed between each request attempt.
- Impersonation concerns – Any indicators your account may not be genuinely representing the person/brand.
If your request gets rejected, thoroughly review Facebook’s eligibility criteria again and ensure your account and proof materials meet the requirements before attempting re-verification.
I’m verified! What happens after getting the blue badge?
Once verified, you will see the blue badge icon appear next to your name/profile picture whenever the profile appears on Facebook. This confirms the authenticity of your account.
Here are some key things that may happen after getting verified on Facebook:
- Increased visibility and reach for your posts and Pages.
- Higher credibility and trust from your target audience.
- Reduced impersonation concerns as followers can identify you easily.
- Eligibility for certain Facebook features limited to verified accounts.
- Ability to directly report impersonating profiles to Facebook.
Maintain your verified profile by keeping information up to date, following Facebook policies and consistently posting authentic content relevant to your audience.
Can a verified profile ever lose its blue badge?
Yes, Facebook may revoke the blue verification badge if:
- The account is found to violate Facebook’s terms and policies.
- There are concerns over authenticity or impersonation.
- The profile becomes inactive or incomplete.
- There are changes like a new team taking over a brand page.
- The public figure, brand or organization represented no longer exists.
To minimize the risk, be sure your verified profile continues meeting Facebook’s guidelines and actively post authentic content. Notify Facebook promptly of any major transitions that could impact verification status.
Key takeaways
- Facebook profile verification provides a blue badge icon to confirm an account’s authenticity.
- Only public figures, brands and entities are eligible – not personal profiles.
- Provide government ID, proof materials and accurate info when requesting verification.
- The review process may take 1-4 weeks on average, depending on several factors.
- Verification can increase visibility, credibility and reporting capabilities.
- Maintain your profile to avoid losing the blue badge.
Following Facebook’s verification requirements and providing complete, accurate eligibility information is key to getting that coveted blue badge. It signals an extra level of authenticity and trust to your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Facebook verification cost?
Facebook does not charge any fee for verifying profiles or pages. The blue verification badge is free – you just need to meet the eligibility criteria.
Can businesses get verified on Facebook?
Yes, official Facebook pages for businesses and brands can get verified if they meet eligibility. It helps show customers that the page genuinely represents the company.
Does verification help reach more people?
Verification can potentially increase your reach and visibility on Facebook. The blue badge signals authenticity, which helps Facebook highlight your profile and content.
Can I request verification for someone else’s profile?
No, only the original account holder can request verification for their own Facebook profile. Providing false information on someone else’s behalf will lead to rejection.
How often does Facebook verify profiles?
Facebook does not verify profiles or pages on any fixed schedule. You must proactively request verification through the steps outlined earlier when you meet their criteria.
Can verified profiles be deleted?
Yes, Facebook can remove a verified blue badge at any time if the account violates policies or no longer meets requirements. Verified accounts can also be deleted like regular profiles.
Does verification prevent profile hacking?
Verification does not offer any extra security against hacking. You still need to take measures like strong passwords and login approvals to protect against unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Facebook’s blue verification badge enables public figures, businesses and brands to stand out from impersonators and prove their identity. While the verification criteria is strict, it’s an invaluable marker of authenticity and trust for accounts that meet the requirements. Following Facebook’s guidelines closely when submitting your verification request can help unlock this elite status upgrade.