Looking to stop impostors and build trust with your viewers? The YouTube verification badge is the way to go. Let’s find out how to get yours!
What is the YouTube Verification Badge?
YouTube verification is basically YouTube’s way of saying, "This channel is the official one." When YouTube reviews your profile and confirms you are who you say you are, it adds that little checkmark next to your name. This shows everyone that your account is legit and trustworthy.
Disclaimer: In this article, we won't be talking about the basic account verification that creators pass at the beginning of their journey by verifying their phone number to unlock features like live streams, Content ID, videos longer than 15 minutes, and so on. Here, we'll focus on the verification badge that indicates the authenticity of the channel.
Who Can Get Verified on YouTube?
Now, onto the big question: Who can actually get verified? YouTube has specific verification requirements for this:
- Your channel needs to have at least 100,000 subscribers. This shows that you have a significant following and are committed to growing your channel.
- You need to prove that your channel is authentic. This means you are who you say you are. If you’re representing a brand, business, or well-known personality, you need to demonstrate that you’re the official channel.
- Your channel should be complete. This means having a profile picture, banner, and a good amount of content. It also helps if your channel has a proper description and is active.
How to Get Verified on YouTube?
If your channel hasn’t hit the 100K mark yet, you can skip to the next parts where we talk about faster ways to reach that milestone. But if you already have 100K, congrats! Follow these YouTube steps to get verified on YouTube.
Step 1: Go to the Verification Application Page
Visit the YouTube verification application page. You can find it by searching for “YouTube verification request” on Google or by visiting YouTube’s Help Center. Here’s a direct link to make it easier: YouTube Channel Verification Request.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Once you’re on the application page, you’ll see if your channel is eligible to apply for verification. If you have 100K subscribers and meet the other criteria, the application form should be available. If not, you’ll see a message to come back once you reach 100K subscribers.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the application form with the required information:
- Channel Name: The name of your YouTube channel.
- Channel ID: You can find your channel ID under Settings > Advanced settings. If you’re unsure, there’s a link on the form to help you locate it.
Step 5: Submit the Form
After filling out the form, double-check all the information before submitting to avoid any delays.
Step 6: Wait for YouTube to Review
Now comes the waiting part. YouTube will review your application to verify your identity and the authenticity of your channel. This process can take up to a couple of weeks, so be patient. During this time, YouTube may contact you for additional information or documentation.
Step 7: Keep Your Channel Active and Compliant
While waiting, continue to upload quality content and engage with your audience. Make sure your channel follows YouTube’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines to avoid any issues that could affect your verification status.
Step 8: Check for Your Verification Badge
Once approved, you’ll see the verification badge next to your YouTube channel name. This badge signifies that your channel is officially verified and authentic.
Step 9: Reapply if Rejected
If your verification request is rejected, don’t get discouraged. Review the feedback YouTube provides and address any issues or requirements that weren’t met. Make sure your channel meets all the criteria and apply again after making the necessary improvements.
If you hit any roadblocks during this process, you can reach out to the experts at AIR Media-Tech. As a YouTube Certified Partner, we can contact the YouTube support team to help sort everything out and guide you through the verification process smoothly.
Tips for Maintaining Your YouTube Verification
Getting verification is just half of the job. The other half is maintaining it. Here’s how you can ensure you keep your verification badge:
- Avoid Violations: Don’t violate YouTube’s Terms of Service or Community Guidelines. Violations can lead to losing your verification badge.
- Don’t Change Your Channel Name: If you change your channel name, you’ll lose the badge. You’ll need to reapply for verification with the new name.
- Stay Active: Keep your channel active by regularly uploading content and engaging with your audience.
- Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent branding across your channel. Use the same logo, channel art, and profile picture to help viewers recognize your channel easily.
- Update Your Channel Regularly: Keep your channel description, links, and other details up to date. Regular updates show that your channel is active and well-maintained.
- Reporting Impostors: If someone is impersonating you or your channel, report them to YouTube. Go to the channel page you want to report, click About, and then click the Report flag.
By following these tips, you can maintain your verified status and continue to build trust and credibility with your audience.
Special Cases for YouTube Verification
You might see a verification badge on Youtube channels with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. This can happen for a couple of reasons:
- YouTube verification requirements have changed over time, and the channel may have been verified under previous requirements.
- YouTube will sometimes proactively verify a channel that is relatively small on YouTube but well-known elsewhere.
YouTube Verification for Music Channels
YouTube verification for music channels is a little different from the standard verification process. Instead of just a gray checkmark, verified music channels often get a music note badge. This badge shows that your channel is the official artist channel, which is super important in the music world where impostors can be a real issue.
How to Qualify for Music Channel Verification
To get your music channel verified, here’s what you need:
- Represent One Artist or Band: Your channel should be dedicated to one artist or band. This helps YouTube know exactly who the channel is about.
- Official Music Video: You need to have at least one official music video on YouTube. This video should be distributed by a music distributor or label. You can contact AIR Media-Tech for music distribution services.
- Meet Other Criteria: There are a few more things YouTube looks for:
- YouTube Partner Manager: If you work with a YouTube Partner Manager or are part of a label network that works with one, you’re on the right track.
- YouTube Partner Program: Being part of the YouTube Partner Program is a plus.
- Music Partner Distribution: If your music is distributed by a partner listed in the YouTube Services Directory for Music Partners, you’re in a good position.
Getting the YouTube verification badge is a great way to show your audience that you’re legitimate and serious about your content. If you meet the criteria and follow these steps, you’ll be on your way to getting verified in no time.
Way to Get 100K and a YouTube Verification Badge
Getting to 100,000 subscribers for that YouTube verification badge is a big deal, and honestly, most creators never get there. But with the right strategy, you can definitely improve your chances.
At AIR Media-Tech, we recently celebrated reaching 125 billion YouTube views and helped our partners achieve incredible milestones, including 100K, 1M, 10M, and even 100M subscribers. We have creators with one Red Diamond Button, 31 Diamond Buttons, 318 Gold Buttons, and 2,441 Silver Buttons.
There are lots of ways to grow your channel, like optimizing your content, translating and localizing videos, continuous streaming, and promoting your channel. But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution on YouTube.
If you want to boost your chances of hitting 100K subscribers and getting that verification badge, apply for a professional channel audit. Our experts will look closely at your channel, find growth opportunities, and help you make the most of them. With personalized advice, tools and proven strategies, you’ll reach your subscriber goals faster.
Why Joining AIR Media-Tech?
With AIR Media-Tech, you get a dedicated partner and all the tools you need for success.
- Protect Your Creations: We help keep your channel safe from copyright strikes, demonetization, and unauthorized access, so your content and revenue stay secure.
- Boost & Diversify Income: Reach global audiences, grow your revenue, and distribute your content across multiple platforms with our services.
- Grow Your Channel: Use our expert support and AI tools to boost your channel's visibility and engagement.
- Easy Financial Management: Access your YouTube earnings any day and transfer them in over 40 crypto or fiat currencies via preferable methods like cards, bank accounts or e-wallets.
Contact us to learn more and unlock your potential with AIR Media-Tech.
FAQ
1. How Many Subscribers Do I Need To Get Verified on YouTube?
To apply for the verification badge on YouTube, your channel needs at least 100,000 subscribers. If you have a large following on another platform, you might still qualify. In that case, reach out to YouTube directly. If your channel hasn’t reached 100K yet, you can apply for a channel audit. Our experts will analyze your channel, find hidden growth potential, and help you leverage it with tailored tools and expert support.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Get Verified on YouTube?
Applying for a YouTube verification badge is completely free. You just need to meet YouTube’s criteria: having at least 100,000 subscribers and maintaining an active and authentic channel.
3. Can I Lose My YouTube Verification Badge?
Yes, you can lose your verification badge if you violate YouTube’s Terms of Service or Community Guidelines. Additionally, changing your channel name can also result in losing the badge. You’d need to reapply for verification with the new name.
4. Does Having a Verification Badge Increase My Channel’s Visibility?
While having a verification badge itself doesn’t directly increase your channel’s visibility, it does boost your credibility. This can lead to more viewers trusting and subscribing to your channel, which can help improve your overall visibility and engagement.
5. What Can I Do If My Verification Request is Denied?
If you believe your request was wrongly denied, you can reach out to YouTube support for clarification or get assistance from YouTube Certified partners like AIR Media-Tech. After sorting out any issues, you can reapply for verification.
