How to Really Get the Blue Checkmark on Facebook

This is the only article you need to read about the blue checkmark on Facebook. Here you’ll learn exactly how to get the coveted verification on Facebook. I’ve been working on this topic for years and have received the blue checkmark on Facebook myself.

Why Does the Blue Checkmark Exist on Facebook?

The blue checkmark proves the authenticity of a profile. Facebook introduced it to protect users from fake accounts.
You can request verification for either your official Facebook Page or your personal profile. However, only one account can be verified per person—so you’ll have to choose. If you try to verify both, you’ll receive the following email.

Advantages of a Personal Profile

  • Friend list limit: 5,000 friends
  • Contains user information (hobbies, education, location, family, etc.)
  • Only the profile owner can edit and post
  • Networking through friend requests (limit: 5,000)
  • Privacy settings allow you to control who sees what
  • Friends can be grouped into lists for targeted posts
  • Posts from profiles are prioritized in the Facebook algorithm
  • Rules to follow:
    • Only one personal profile per person is allowed
    • Profiles are not meant for commercial use
    • Profiles cannot be transferred without Facebook’s approval

Advantages of a Facebook Page

  • Unlimited followers (“fans” or subscribers)
  • Ads, shops, and advanced tools available
  • Page posts are public (but audiences can be set)
  • Pages are indexed in search engines and visible without login
  • Can run ads and schedule posts
  • Extended fields: contact, links, location, reviews, visits, etc.
  • Access to detailed analytics & audience insights
  • Legal imprint required (for businesses in many countries)

Official Facebook Requirements for Verification

Your Page or profile must not only follow Facebook’s terms and community standards but also meet these criteria:

  • Authenticity: Must represent a real person, registered business, or organization.
  • Uniqueness: Only one page/profile per person or business (exceptions for different languages). Facebook does not verify interest pages (e.g., “Puppy Memes”).
  • Completeness: Must have an “About” section, profile/page picture, recent activity, and at least one post.
  • Notability: Must represent a well-known person, brand, or organization that is frequently searched for. Facebook reviews mentions in multiple news outlets (paid content/ads do not count).

Reality Check: What Actually Helps You Get Verified

In practice, you need relevance. What does this mean?

Things that can help:

  • A large YouTube channel
  • A Wikipedia entry
  • Press coverage (non-paid articles)
  • A podcast, book, TV appearance, or music releases
  • Being a recognized entrepreneur, politician, gamer, influencer, or professional athlete
  • Multiple fake accounts imitating you (for individuals and businesses alike)

The fastest way to boost your chances:

  • Google Knowledge Graph entry (different from Google Business Profile)
  • Wikipedia page
  • Press articles with your name in the headline (not marked as ads)

⚠️ Note: Having a Facebook verification does not automatically give you one on Instagram—but it increases the chances.

Important: You Cannot Buy the Blue Checkmark

Any service offering to sell a verification badge is a scam. Even if a Facebook employee gave you one, it would be revoked quickly if you don’t meet the official criteria. Verification can also be removed if you violate Facebook’s policies after being approved.

👉 The good news: The Facebook blue checkmark is easier to obtain than the Instagram or Twitter one.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Facebook Verification

  1. Go to the official form: Facebook Verification Form
  2. Select whether you’re applying for a Page or Profile
  3. Upload your ID (passport, driver’s license, etc. for individuals; business license, tax documents, or utility bills for companies)
  4. Choose your category (or “Other” if not listed)
  5. Select your country
  6. Describe your audience (Why do they follow you? What are their interests?)
  7. Add “also known as” if you use a stage name or brand name different from your legal/business name
  8. Provide evidence of notability—this is the most important step!
    • Links to press articles, TV appearances, Wikipedia, YouTube, Spotify, IMDB, Amazon, etc.
    • Links to your other verified social media profiles

Final Tips

  • If you don’t yet have Wikipedia, Knowledge Graph, or major media appearances, PR is the easiest route to verification.
  • Articles must be earned media, not paid or sponsored content. Paid press does not count toward verification.

✅ 2023 Update: META VERIFIED
Facebook now also offers a subscription-based verification option via Meta Verified—but traditional verification remains valuable for credibility and authenticity.

What Happens Next?

Unlike Instagram (which can take 2–3 weeks), Facebook usually responds within minutes.

  • If you don’t meet the criteria, you’ll receive a rejection email. Don’t get discouraged—I personally received that email 20–30 times before I was approved. Use the time to strengthen your online presence.
  • If Facebook requests additional information, that’s a great sign—you’re “one step further.”
    • Tip: Send a well-prepared PDF with all relevant links and context, preferably in English.
    • Example: If you appeared on the German TV show Die Höhle der Löwen, explain that it’s the German version of Shark Tank so the reviewer understands the relevance.

Once approved, you’ll receive the Congratulations email 🎉 and your Facebook profile/page will display the blue checkmark.


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