Australian Instagram users have become the first in the world to be able to apply for that highly-coveted blue verification tick.
Instagram verification was previously a highly secretive process; with some people even paying up to $20,000 to shady social media firms for the recognition. Now, users of the platform are able to apply for verification through the app.
Instagram Asia Pacific strategic partner manager Nicci Meek said the social network decided to make the process easier at the request of users and to shut down scammers: “Our community asked us for more transparency around this issue, and with today’s announcement we’re sharing clear details about verification requirements and eligibility criteria.
“This new feature will allow our community the opportunity to apply for verification themselves and understand the process behind getting verified on Instagram.”
Currently only Apple iPhone and iPad users can see the ‘Request verification’ tab in settings; however, an Android version is reportedly scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.
It isn’t currently known what the exact criteria is for applying for Instagram verification, with blue ticks only being considered for users who are “a notable public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity.
It is also currently unknown if the feature will be rolled out for any other countries.
