YouTube has more than 2.6 billion monthly active users, and the website’s remarkable popularity is showing no signs of slowing down. 

Founded in 2005, this video-sharing platform has millions of content creators constantly looking for ways to stand out among the crowd. And that’s what makes the YouTube verification badge so valuable. Possessing one instantly adds credibility to your account, distinguishing it from other similar creators.

So, how do you get awarded YouTube verification? Well, keep reading and you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get verified on YouTube.

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What is YouTube Verification?

There are technically two types of verifications completed by YouTube. Account verification is a simple phone verification check which confirms that you’re an actual person and not a bot. You can easily pass through this verification by providing a phone number and receiving a code to validate your account.

The second type of verification is more challenging to attain. The YouTube verification badge is reserved for accounts that meet certain criteria. It provides credibility and confirms that the channel belongs to an official creator, artist, brand, or public figure. 

Once awarded by the YouTube overlords, the badge acts as a mark of authenticity. It appears as a grey tick mark beside the YouTube channel’s name. The design is very similar to blue checkmarks found on other social media sites such as Instagram and Twitter, although musicians on YouTube receive a music note symbol to confirm their authenticity.

If you want to become king on social media, check out our expert blogs to learn how to get verified on TikTok, or how to get a blue checkmark on Instagram.

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The Major Benefits of Being YouTube Verified

Completing the basic YouTube channel verification rewards content creators with a few valuable perks. You’ll be able to upload videos longer than 15 minutes and live stream to your heart’s content. You’ll also be able to appeal content ID claims and use custom thumbnails for your YouTube videos.

A channel gets access to no extra YouTube features after being bestowed with a coveted verification badge. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t significant benefits to getting verified. 

YouTube states: “Verified channels help distinguish official channels from other channels with similar names on YouTube.” The ability to stand out among millions of content creators is one priceless benefit of receiving a grey checkmark. This mark of authenticity legitimizes your brand or business and can help boost your popularity on the platform.

YouTube users will be able to find your channel more easily, and a verified badge beside your name will lead them to believe that you provide professional and engaging videos. What’s more, getting verified on YouTube will likely open doors to business opportunities and collaborations.

Although a YouTube verification badge brings no extra features, there’s really nothing better if you wish to build your reputation and trust within the YouTube community. 

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YouTube’s Criteria for Getting a Verification Badge 

Anyone with a YouTube account and a phone number can pass the elementary YouTube verification check. It’s not quite so simple if you want a verification badge. You must meet YouTube’s eligibility requirements:

1. More than 100,000 subscribers 

To be considered for YouTube verification, your channel should have over 100,000 followers. 

2. Authentic

Your channel must represent the creator or brand it claims to be. YouTube will perform its checks and may request documentation and further information to prove your credentials.

3. Complete

To be deemed worthy of a verification badge, YouTube insists that your channel is public and has a channel banner, description, and profile picture. Your channel should be active too.

Things are different for musicians hoping to get verified. YouTube has set out specific criteria if you wish to have an Official Artist Channel:

• Your account should represent one artist or band 
• You should have a minimum of one official music video on YouTube distributed by a music distributor or label

To be granted an Official Artist Channel, YouTube also requires musicians to meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• Work with a YouTube Partner Manager 
• Be part of a label network that works with a Partner Manager
• Participate in the YouTube Partner Program
• Have your music distributed by a recognized music partner listed in the YouTube Services Directory for Music Partners

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How to Get Verified on YouTube 

There are two types of YouTube channel verification which we’ll go over below. 

1. How to Apply for Simple YouTube Verification 

It’s time to get down to business. The simple phone verification check is available for any YouTube account, and the process can be completed in a matter of minutes:

1. Ensure you’re logged in to the correct account and visit www.youtube.com/verify.

2. Fill in your country and phone number. Choose whether to receive the verification code by text or automated voice message.

3. Click ‘Get Code’ and, on the next page, enter the six-digit code you’ve received on your phone.

4. Upon entering the code, your account will be verified and you’ll have access to the aforementioned extra YouTube features.

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2. How to Apply for a YouTube Verification Badge 

The process is also relatively simple if you want to apply for channel verification. However, this verification check is usually only available to accounts with a subscriber count above 100,000.

1. Go to the YouTube Support site 

2. Click Manage your account and settings 

3. Click the page concerning ‘Verification badges on channels.’

4. If you have more than 100,000 followers, you’ll be given the option to apply to become an official channel. 

5. Click on the Apply now button.

6. Enter your Channel Name and Channel ID. Click Submit.

7. Once your application form has been submitted, you’ll have to wait patiently before finding out if YouTube decides to verify your account. The process can take several weeks. YouTube will check that your channel meets all the criteria, and they may ask you for additional documents to prove your authenticity.

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Can My YouTube Account Get Verified with Less Than 100k Subscribers?

Yes. In certain instances, YouTube will award a verification badge to accounts with less than 100,000 subscribers. A content creator, brand, artist, or public figure that is popular on other platforms stands a good chance of getting verified on YouTube.

YouTube states that they “may proactively verify channels with fewer than 100,000 subscribers that are well-known outside of YouTube.” Contact YouTube’s support team if you believe you deserve verification.

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Why YouTube May Remove Your Verification Badge

Around 2600 years ago, the Buddha emphasized the impermanence of all things. His teaching remains relevant today, and even the exalted ones who possess a YouTube verification badge today could be subject to losing it tomorrow.

A verified YouTube channel could lose its badge for a few different reasons. Firstly, you should be aware that changing your channel name will cause your priceless grey checkmark to be removed. You will need to apply for verification again with your renamed channel. 

Your verification badge may be revoked if you violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. And YouTube users are strongly recommended to avoid resorting to fraudulent means to grow their channel.  

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Seven Tips for Getting Verified on YouTube

Regardless of whether or not you’re eligible to apply, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of getting your YouTube channel verified.

1. Publish Professional Videos Regularly

Uploading high-quality videos consistently will put you in a much stronger position to get verified on YouTube. It’s the best way to boost your follower count and build a reputation on the platform. And YouTube creators producing original and entertaining content will be given extra attention by the YouTube team.

Invest in good equipment and understand lighting to give yourself the best chance of creating interesting and sharable content. You should also dedicate a little time to add custom thumbnails for each of your videos. It functions as a mini-advertisement, and a great thumbnail is essential for attracting viewers to each YouTube video you’ve worked hard to create.

2. Create a Professional Profile

One of the three requirements for accounts to get verified on YouTube is a “complete” profile, so don’t overlook this simple task. Ensure you have a suitable channel name and a professional profile picture. Your YouTube channel should have a pleasant aesthetic that represents your brand or persona. And put some thought into writing a short description about your channel.

Be aware that YouTube will not verify any accounts that are set to private instead of public.

3 .Encourage Your Viewers to Engage 

Viewers are what make YouTubers successful. And a successful YouTube channel creates a strong community by engaging with its followers. Incorporate CTAs into your videos, encouraging viewers to like, comment, and subscribe. You should also set aside time each day to review and respond to comments. 

A loyal and dedicated audience will help your YouTube channel grow in popularity. And if you have a large community of your own, you’re more likely to be considered worthy of a verification badge. 

4. Treat Your YouTube Channel Like a Business

While it’s important to treat your viewers as human beings, you’ll also notice that all the top YouTubers treat their channels like a business. It would be unwise not to because YouTube generated over $29 billion in ad revenue in 2022. 

Treating your channel like a business involves creating short-term and long-term plans for your channel, studying the analytics of your videos, and being ready to pivot. Content creators are recommended to abide by YouTube’s guidelines, set goals, respond to customers, collaborate, and be active on the platform to put themselves in YouTube’s good books.

5. Push for More Subscribers

American content creator MrBeast is the most subscribed individual on YouTube, with 138 million followers. While you’re unlikely to reach those dizzying numbers, it’s vital to grow your community if you hope to land a prized verification badge.

It’s rare for YouTube to verify accounts with less than 100,000 subscribers. Therefore, you should do everything you can to build your follower count on the platform.

You’ll gain huge numbers of followers if you produce a viral video, but creating quality content consistently is a more rational plan. At the end of each of your videos, you can encourage viewers to subscribe for more excellent content.

6. Pay Attention to YouTube SEO

By considering your YouTube SEO strategy, you can optimize your YouTube videos and channel to improve its rankings on the platform. Selecting the right keywords and correctly filling in the title, tags, and description fields can have a big impact on the success of your videos. Successful videos lead to a successful channel, and the most successful channels get verified on YouTube. 

7. Be Patient

Trust that you’ll get that verification badge at the right time. There’s no point trying to force it because it won’t happen overnight. But work hard on improving and growing your channel, and soon enough, you’ll be rewarded by the YouTube overlords.

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YouTube Verification FAQ

How Much Does it Cost to Get Verified?

It doesn’t cost a dime. YouTube will not ask for payment under any circumstances. If anyone is claiming they can get your channel verified for any sum of money, run as fast as you can. 

How Many Subscribers Do You Need to Get Verified? 

One of the three requirements for channel verification is for users to have 100,000 followers, but YouTube clearly states that they’ll sometimes make exceptions to the rule.

How Long Will YouTube Take to Verify Your Account?

YouTube warns that accounts may have to wait “several weeks” to hear back after submitting their application form.

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Final Thoughts 

It’s not attainable for all, but it’s crystal clear why copious numbers of content creators crave that coveted YouTube verification badge. It’s a seal of approval that shows YouTube users that you’re the real deal. 

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up any confusion you may have had about how to get verified on YouTube. There are many different factors involved in the verification process, but it’s ultimately up to you to prove that you’re worth that grey checkmark. 

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