Debate: Did dropping $80 on a verified badge actually help my posts or just make me look desperate?

I paid Instagram $80 for that blue check and it got me zero extra engagement, but my buddy swears it boosted his brand deals overnight. Which side are you on, did it save your rep or just waste your cash?

3 comments

3 Comments

chen.casey27d ago

You said "brand deals overnight" and that's the part that gets me. I think people put way too much weight on a little checkmark when most users don't even notice or care about it. It feels like a flex that only matters in your own head, not a real boost to your page.

the_tara27d ago

Yeah that's exactly it, people only notice the check when they're already looking for a reason to judge you.

henderson.wesley26d ago

Wait, so you're saying it actually did nothing for you? I used to be one of those people who thought the checkmark was some kind of magic key to getting noticed, but seeing your story and reading what everyone else is saying kinda flipped my view. It really seems like the only people who care about it are other creators or randoms looking for a reason to hate, not actual brands or followers. I guess paying for that status just makes you feel better for a second, but it doesn't change the algorithm or make people like your content more. Honestly, your buddy probably just got lucky with a brand deal at the same time, not because of a little blue square on his profile.