Instagram has finally followed the lead of Facebook and Twitter by introducing a verification system for its users.

The firm hopes the feature will improve authenticity and trust on the photo-sharing platform, but strict criteria may also leave some users feeling frustrated.

But for anyone wishing to give it a go, here's a step-by-step guide to getting verified on Instagram.

Instagram verification step 1: Be worthy

Anyone hoping to get the blue verified badge by their account name will first need to be important enough to warrant one.

This means you'll need to be a "notable public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity".

Usually, this means anyone with an account that reaches a large audience, though it is not sure exactly how many followers someone needs to qualify, or how notable a figure they need to be.

Unfortunately for most people, it appears that Instagram's requirements for verification are much stricter than those of Facebook and Twitter. 

"Not all Facebook Pages with verified badges have verified badges on their Instagram accounts," Instagram says in its guidelines. "Currently, only Instagram accounts that have a high likelihood of being impersonated have verified badges.

"If you don't have a verified badge on Instagram, you can link to your Instagram profile from your official Facebook page to help let people know that you’re authentic."

Instagram verification step 2: Obey the rules

The next hoop you need to jump to before even beginning the verification process is agreeing to abide by Instagram's rules.

Instagram CTO Mike Krieger said: "To be verified, an account must comply with Instagram's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines."

The short version of these rules are summed up on Instagram's Community Guidelines page: "Post only your own photos and videos and always follow the law. Respect everyone on Instagram, don’t spam people or post nudity."

Instagram verification step 3: Apply for the blue tick badge

The verification request form can be reached by tapping the menu icon on your profile and selecting 'Settings'. 

At the bottom, you'll find the option to 'Request Verification', which will take you to a page where you'll be asked to fill out your details.

This includes your username, your real name and a copy of your legal or business identification.

Instagram verification step 4: Wait
Simply submitting a request is no guarantee that you're account will be verified. It first has to pass through Instagram's review process, which for most people will likely be unsuccessful.

"Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive a notification confirming or declining your request in the notifications tab," Instagram said.

It's worth noting that Instagram does not charge for verification, or reach out to users to confirm verification. Anyone who receives such requests may be the target of scammers