In short
Why does Instagram ask for a video selfie?
To confirm that you are a real person and the account's owner. Photos and IDs can be edited, so Instagram asks you to turn your head in different directions on video. While it reviews the video you can't use the account, and the result arrives by email.
Why Instagram uses video selfies
Instagram says photos and ID documents can be digitally altered. A short video in which you turn your head in different directions shows that a real person is in front of the camera.
The request appears in the app, often while you are recovering a hacked account or after a suspicious login.
How to record a selfie that is more likely to pass
- Use good, even light and face the camera directly
- Remove sunglasses, hats and anything that covers your face
- Follow the on-screen prompts slowly and keep your whole face in the frame
- Make sure the account owner records it
- Record it yourself in the official app, never through a link someone sent you
What happens after you send it
While Instagram reviews the video, you won't have access to the account. If you pass, Instagram may email a link to reset your password to the secure email address you provided. If you don't pass, you'll get an email and may be able to submit a new selfie in the app.
Meta says the selfie is stored securely and isn't shown on your profile or to other people. How long it is kept depends on what it's used for, and Meta says it tells you before you submit.
If it keeps getting rejected
Check the light and framing, and try again only when the app allows it. Repeated rejections or no email after the review are good reasons to get help, because the right next step depends on the case.
Frequently asked questions
Can other people see my video selfie?
No. Meta says selfies sent for these checks are stored securely and are not visible on your profile or to other people on Instagram.
What if I don't want to send a video selfie?
Instagram says that if you choose not to confirm your identity this way, you may not be able to log back in to the account.
Can someone else record the selfie for me?
No. The check confirms the account owner, so you must do it yourself on your own device. Never send a selfie video to anyone who offers recovery help.
Official sources
The platforms' own help and policy pages. We are not affiliated with them.
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