Try the Built-In Recovery First
Instagram's 'Get help signing in' option checks whether your email or phone number is still attached to the account. Even after a hack, this often still works, because attackers frequently forget to change every recovery method — email, phone, and any linked Facebook account all need to be updated to fully lock you out.
The Video Selfie Verification Step
When the standard reset fails, Instagram may ask for a short video selfie turning your head in different directions. This confirms you're a real person matching prior account photos, not a bot or a second attacker. Good lighting and a plain background genuinely speed up this specific check.
When to Use the Manual Support Form
If in-app options are exhausted, Instagram's Help Center has a dedicated hacked-account form outside the login flow. Provide your username, any previous email or phone tied to the account, and roughly when you first noticed the compromise — specificity here noticeably shortens review time.