Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of the app’s key features is the ability to verify your account with a blue checkmark, indicating that Snapchat has confirmed you are who you say you are. Typically, Snapchat verification is reserved for public figures, celebrities, brands, and influencers. So for regular users without a large following, receiving that coveted blue check can seem impossible. But is there another way for regular users to get verified on Snapchat? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Get Verified on Snapchat?
Here are some of the main benefits of having a verified Snapchat account:
– Increased credibility and authority – The blue verification badge indicates you are an authentic user, not an impersonator or fake account. This can be especially useful for brands, businesses, public figures and content creators.
– Improved discoverability – Verified accounts are more likely to appear at the top of search results and suggestions. This makes it easier for new users to find your profile and content.
– Access to verified features – Snapchat occasionally rolls out special features only available to verified accounts, such as personalized Snapchat URLs, increased visibility in Stories, and exclusive Lenses or Filters.
– Prestige and clout – For better or worse, being verified carries a certain elite status on social media. The blue check gives the impression that you are influential and important on the platform.
Snapchat’s Verification Criteria
So why can’t every user get that coveted blue tick? Snapchat has specific verification requirements that disqualify most regular personal profiles. Here are some of their criteria:
– **Public figure** – Snapchat mainly verifies celebrities, musical artists, actors, athletes, public figures, and social media influencers. You must demonstrate a high level of public visibility and recognition.
– **Authentic** – You must be the legitimate owner of your identity and brand. Impersonation or fake accounts are not verified.
– **Complete profile** – Your profile must be public and have relevant, accurate info like a profile photo, bio, birthday, etc. Incomplete or private profiles don’t qualify.
– **Active user** – You need to actively post content and engage with other users. Inactive accounts don’t get verified.
– **Notable follower count** – Your follower count needs to be proportionally high enough to warrant verification. There is no set number disclosed by Snapchat.
– **Prominent mentions** – You should be mentioned, featured, or recognized across media and press outlets like news sites, magazines, TV shows etc.
As you can see, the bar is set very high to weed out the average user and reserve verification for truly prominent accounts.
Submitting a Verification Request
If you meet Snapchat’s lofty criteria, you can submit a verification request by following these steps:
1. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner of the app.
2. Tap the gear icon to access your settings.
3. Scroll down and tap “Verify Me”.
4. Select the appropriate category for your account – Personal, Brand, or Media/News.
5. Fill out details like your name, handle, website, and reason for verification.
6. Upload any relevant documents that verify your identity or brand.
7. Submit the request and wait for Snapchat to review.
The review process can take weeks or even months in some cases. Even if you qualify, approval is not guaranteed. Snapchat rejects many applications, so having robust credentials is key. Patience is also necessary during the process.
Alternative Routes to Verification
Okay, so reaching Snapchat’s exclusive verification standards can be unrealistic for most profiles. Are there any alternative options to get a badge on your Snapchat account? Here are a few unofficial methods that exist:
Buy a verified account
Yes, you can actually buy an existing verified Snapchat account from a third-party seller or marketplace. Prices typically range from $500 to $5,000+ depending on the account’s follower size and status. Obviously this is extremely risky for many reasons:
– **Breach of Terms of Service** – Buying/selling accounts is strictly prohibited by Snapchat and can lead to a permanent ban.
– **Impersonation** – Using an account owned by someone else is fraudulent impersonation.
– **Lose access** – The original owner can easily reclaim the account by resetting the password.
– **No guarantee** – Snapchat may revoke purchased verification at any time if terms are violated.
Verification badges services
Some online services claim they can add a legit-looking blue verification badge to your Snapchat profile using custom Snapcodes. This only works visually within the app – it won’t grant any actual official verification. Snapchat often bans these services and removes fake badges. Use at your own risk.
Modded/hacked Snapchat apps
Modified or hacked third-party Snapchat apps exist that allow users to add unoffiical verification badges. However, these are considered cheating programs by Snapchat and can lead to account suspension.
Photoshop
You can manually edit your profile picture to photoshop a blue verification badge onto it. This only impacts your avatar though – your account remains unverified in all other areas. Still, it can potentially mislead viewers. Use caution with this trickery.
Build Your Reputation Organically
While the methods described above may offer the illusion of verification, they don’t replicate the true status. Your best bet is to organically build up your Snapchat account reputation over time by:
– Creating compelling, shareable content
– Posting frequently and consistently
– Engaging with the Snapchat community
– Collaborating with other creators
– Cross-promoting from other social platforms
If your account activity becomes significant enough, Snapchat may eventually take notice and award an official verification badge. But this takes time, effort, and skill – no shortcuts!
Conclusion
Snapchat’s blue verification badge carries prestige and social clout. But the process remains restrictive and elusive for the average user. While some unofficial workarounds exist to mimic verification, these tend to carry significant risks. Investing the hard work into organically growing your account is safest bet long-term. Remember that quality, loyal followers are more valuable than any badge. With persistence and creativity, your account can still stand out and find its audience. What strategies have you used to boost your Snapchat profile? Let me know in the comments!