Instagram started asking for video selfies for identity verification, as per the screenshots shared by the social media consultant Matt Navara. The move could be an attempt to reduce the number of fake profiles and spam accounts on the social media platform.

The company says that it will not collect any biometric data and this feature will only be used for identity verification and nothing else. Identity verification ideally happens when a new user registers on the platform, so existing users are not being asked to go through the video selfie process yet.

 As part of the process, Instagram is reportedly asking users to record a short video of themselves while turning their heads in different directions in order to confirm that they are, in fact, real people. The exact description as per the screenshots says, “We need a short video of turning your head in different directions. This helps us confirm that you're a real person and confirm your identity".

Once the video is recorded, users will need to submit the video to Meta for confirmation of identity. Meta, as described in the screenshots, clarifies that this video will never be visible on Instagram and will be deleted from the servers within 30 days. The company also promises that the selfie videos won't be used for facial recognition nor will the company collect biometric data

As mentioned, the video selfie verification feature seems to apply only to users creating new accounts and existing users don't need to verify their identity just yet.

“We need a short video of turning your head in different directions. This helps us confirm that you’re a real person and confirm your identity,” Instagram said. In addition to this, the video selfies that you will upload will never be shown on the platform, as per Instagram. The screenshots also show that the company is promising it will not collect biometric data nor use the company’s face recognition technology.