A checkmark makes you an influencer, right?

Is Instagram Meta Verified necessary for photographers in 2024? I share the results of several conversations I had with photographers of all size accounts on why they have the blue checkmark.
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[@BradyKeegs]

That intro was incredible!

[@davidherring]

Thanks! Finding a new, less urgent rhythm for making videos where I can make things a bit more creative.

[@EasyTarget892]

I also wonder if being "verified" also affects the famous algorithm in pushing your content to a wider audience.

[@davidherring]

I don’t think it does, personally. Of the several people I spoke with, no one seemed to suggest this.

[@JonathanCWard]

I would say no.

[@RandumbTech]

I think it does. There is so much happening behind the curtain.

[@spooky_lights]

Not every photographer needs a blue check mark, but if you sell products or make money from it, then it is a valuable thing.

[@davidherring]

Agreed!

[@JoeDAgostinoPhoto]

Well said

[@davidherring]

Thank you sir.

[@thomassarver7638]

Learn something new everyday day. Been on instagram for 11 years and this is the 1st I heard about blue check mark. Not sure it makes any difference to me, but thanks for sharing

[@davidherring]

No problem!

[@ericmorales1934]

I might get it, but I am a long way from it? Due to trying to get more people and support, so its kind of difficult since i am in the baby steps and worried

[@davidherring]

Take your time and don’t get it until you need it!

[@xjamesramos]

Good video.

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@flickmerauld9858]

Gosh, I've never heard of or seen the blue check mark. I'm obviously very small fry on instagram, but I don't follow the big photography names. I'm now going to scroll through my feed and see if I can see one! Interesting video Dave, and well presented as usual. Thank you -

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@PETETONI]

To answer your IG story. (Apparently now (that you have the blue mark?) you need to accept me - before we can talk there. 🤷‍♂️) But, there is no ”leica”, ”camera” or ”photo” in the title. Might be that the algorithm just did not know who this video is for (from your following). Didn’t show up on my feed eighter. And i’m a follower. 🤷‍♂️

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing! We’ll chat on IG!

[@Justin_Focus_Photography]

Same when I get a new follower with a blue check I look at their profile.. I do not have a blue check though lol

[@davidherring]

I have to really think through my own psychological process when I realized I did this.

[@TonyNomadic]

I can understand why and how it can be leveraged.. but necessary? Not really

[@davidherring]

Definitely not necessary, but I totally get it.

[@TonyNomadic]

@@davidherring to a potential client, they possibly see them as a legit business

[@patler5423]

my short answers before watching this video: no, absolutely not. But Meta needs it to make money (:

[@davidherring]

Let me know your thoughts after watching the video.

[@patler5423]

@@davidherring im getting the points in your video! But coming to an end for me, no one needs it’s BESIDE official brands, journalism and really really (really) big names. I’m following a lot of photographers and I have a 0% chance being misguided when I search for a photographer whose work I’ve seen in a magazine or wherever…so, we all don’t need it, but if someone has a good feeling having it, go for it! Pro tip: when you are a photographer don’t call yourself „xyc“ when your real name can do it in your nickname and that’s all! 😁 your name is your business

[@GregV8]

There is value in it, but I don’t think $15/month is “inexpensive”.

[@davidherring]

True, a poor choice of words.

[@mandiworld]

Does a photographer needs Instagram? NO

[@davidherring]

Well of course not, but here we are.

[@natelidner]

Yeah, we don't need instagram, but meeting photographers around the world is just amazing

[@davidherring]

@natelidner Instagram has brought incredible people into my life.