Instagram video selfie verification: how it works and tips that help
When you lose access to your email and phone, Instagram may ask for a short video selfie. It's compared with photos on the account to check that you're the owner.
Why you might be asked to upload a video selfie to confirm your identity on Instagram
When it works (and when it can't)
The selfie only helps if the account has clear photos of your face. If your account is a business logo, memes or landscapes, the selfie route may not be offered or may not match. In that case, say so in your appeal and use the other routes in your plan.
Tips for a better selfie
- Light in front of you (a window or lamp), not behind you.
- No hat, no sunglasses. Glasses on if your photos show you with glasses.
- Hold the phone at face height and follow the head-turn prompts slowly.
- Use a phone you've used for Instagram before.
- Give an email address for the reply that the hacker has never seen.
- Submit once. Many selfies in a row don't speed things up.
After you submit
Instagram reviews it and replies by email. It can take time. Check your inbox and spam daily, and don't start new requests every hour.
Never do a "selfie" for someone else
Scammers ask for selfie videos or ID photos in DMs, pretending to be Instagram. Instagram only asks inside its own app or website flow. Protect yourself from phishing on Instagram
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