Getting verified on YouTube is a huge milestone for creators and businesses. It adds credibility to your channel, shows viewers you’re the real deal, and can even help boost your visibility.
In today’s digital world, trust is everything—especially on YouTube.
Whether you’re a content creator, a business owner, or a public figure, having a verification badge signals that your channel is authentic and noteworthy.
This badge doesn’t just look good:it can lead to better brand deals, stronger viewer trust, and more clicks.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to get verified on YouTube step-by-step, plus give you pro tips to keep your badge and grow your channel.
What is the YouTube Verification Badge?
The coveted YouTube verification badge is a small gray checkmark that appears next to a channel’s name on both desktop and mobile devices.
It means YouTube has confirmed the channel is the official presence of the creator, brand, or business it represents. Score!
This badge helps viewers trust your channel, especially if there are other channels with similar names.
For example, if you’re a public speaker named Jane Doe, and multiple fan-made or fake channels pop up with your name, the verification badge confirms which one is truly yours. In other words, it indicates an active and authentic channel.
Who Can Get Verified on YouTube?
YouTube doesn’t hand out account verification badges to just anyone. To qualify, you need to meet a few basic criteria:
You must have at least 100,000 subscribers. Your channel also needs to be authentic (representing a real creator or brand) and complete with a profile picture, banner, description, and consistent, original content.
Let’s say you’re running a tech review channel with over 100K subscribers. If you have high-quality thumbnails, regular uploads, and a professional-looking channel layout, you’re in a great position to apply.
YouTube users that don’t have 100,000 subscribers don’t qualify for basic account verification for their YouTube channel. At that stage, the goal should be to get more YouTube subscribers so that you can meet the requirements for a verification badge.
How to Get Verified on YouTube
The account verification process is relatively simple if you meet the criteria for verification status. Let’s walk through the full process from start to finish.
Step 1: Go to the Verification Application Page
Once you hit 100,000 subscribers, head over to YouTube’s verification request form. Make sure you’re logged in to the correct account that manages your channel.
This is where your journey to the checkmark begins. YouTube account verification in progress!
If you don’t have 100,000 subscribers, unfortunately you won’t be able to access the verification form (see image from YouTube below).
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Before completing the verification form, double-check that your channel meets all the requirements.
Again, your YouTube channel must have:
- 100,000 subscribers or more
- A channel icon (profile picture)
- Channel banner
- A clear description with contact info and relevant links
Your YouTube account also needs to be in good standing, which means no copyright strikes, guideline violations, or spammy behavior.
For instance, if you’re a cooking channel with regular recipe videos, a polished brand aesthetic, and community engagement, you’re well-positioned for account verification.
You can always appeal content ID claims if you have had that issue, so send it YouTube support through the appeal process.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
The Youtube account verification form asks for a few key pieces of information:
- Channel name
- Channel ID (found in YouTube Studio > Settings > Advanced Settings)
- A short description of what your channel is about
Use clear and professional language that confirms your channel’s credibility. For example, “Our channel shares weekly tutorials and product reviews for tech enthusiasts, focusing on smartphones, laptops, and gaming accessories.”
Step 4: Submit the Form
Double-check your information, then hit submit. You’ll get a confirmation email that YouTube received your request. Keep an eye on your inbox in case they need more info.
Step 5: Wait for YouTube to Review
The review process usually takes between 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, YouTube evaluates whether your channel truly represents a notable and authentic presence.
They’ll look for public mentions, brand consistency, and whether your account has any strikes. If your channel has been featured in media or has strong engagement metrics, those help too.
Step 6: Keep Your Channel Active and Compliant
While you wait, don’t slow down. Keep posting content and engaging with your audience.
YouTube favors creators who:
- Upload consistently
- Engage in the comments
- Maintain high watch time and audience retention
Avoid anything that could put your channel at risk, like violating copyright or uploading misleading content.
Step 7: Check for Your Verification Badge
If approved after meeting all the criteria, you’ll notice a gray checkmark appear next to your channel name. It’ll show up in search results, on your channel page, and in comments.
You won’t get a big alert, just the subtle checkmark. And that is verified status.
Announce it with a celebration post or video to let your followers know you’ve hit this big milestone.
Step 8: Reapply if Rejected
Didn’t get approved? It’s okay—you can try again after 30 days.
In the meantime, focus on leveling up your channel. Upload more frequently, improve your thumbnails and titles, and refine your branding.
One example: A fitness coach who was denied due to lack of branding was approved after revamping his logo, updating his channel banner, and sticking to a weekly upload schedule.
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Tips for Maintaining Your YouTube Verification
Getting verified is just the start. To keep your badge, stay on YouTube’s good side. Verified accounts don’t grow on trees, so you need to continue to have an active channel with high quality content.
Keep following the YouTube platform’s community guidelines and copyright rules. Be mindful of your upload schedule, and make sure your content stays relevant and original.
Also, avoid changing your channel name. If you must rebrand, be aware you could lose the badge and need to reapply. This is to ensure that the account is still the official channel and that it is not a bot.
Lastly, secure your account with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. A hacked channel can lose its badge (and much worse). Proactively verify your security every now and then.
Special Cases for YouTube Verification
It can be tough to get to 100K followers on YouTube, and for most people, this is a non-negotiable part of the YouTube verification process.
Still, there are certain exceptions for YouTube account verification. Not everyone needs 100K subscribers to get verified. In rare cases, YouTube verifies:
- Public figures
- Government organizations
- Well-known brands or companies
- Celebrities and sports figures
For instance, a best-selling author with media appearances might get verified even with under 100K subs. These cases often go through partner managers or are handled internally by YouTube.
YouTube will still need to make sure it is the official channel managed by a real person, but these cases can extinguish the 100k follower requirement.
If you meet one of these requirements, you may be able to contact YouTube directly to plead your case for channel verification.
YouTube Verification for Music Channels
Musicians have a slightly different path through the Official Artist Channel (OAC) system. This is not the same thing as the YouTube partner program, but it does offer extra YouTube features and provides verified accounts to those who qualify.
How to Qualify for Music Channel Verification
You’ll need:
- A personal YouTube channel
- At least one release distributed by a YouTube music partner label network like TuneCore, DistroKid, or CD Baby
- No active violations
When accepted, each official music video, album, and all fan uploads get merged into one unified channel. You’ll also get a music note icon and enhanced layout options. This is a sort of YouTube partner manager.
You can enjoy channel verification through this OAC system, but YouTube will make sure that you meet the specific requirements for this program first. Otherwise, you won’t get a verification badge.
Example that qualifies: A hip-hop artist distributing songs via DistroKid and uploading regular vlogs and performances can apply for an OAC to showcase all content in one place. If you are a music distributor, you may qualify for a YouTube verification badge this way.
Way to Get 100K and a YouTube Verification Badge
Reaching 100K subs takes work, but here’s what can help:
YouTube Channel Content Schedule
Start by creating a solid YouTube content schedule for regularly uploading content. Whether you’re posting in-depth tutorials, daily Shorts, or behind-the-scenes footage, your audience wants predictability. You can use apps like TubeBuddy or Planable.io to get templates. Find a tool that workds for you to make it seamless.
A weekly video every Thursday? Great. Daily Shorts at 5 PM? Perfect. Stick with it. Track your analytics and find your best time to post on YouTube.
YouTube Video Optimization
If you want to get a verification badge and reach 100k followers, you must provide quality YouTube content consistently. Use catchy, custom thumbnails to attract viewers and keep a consistent aesthetic.
Craft titles that include keywords your audience searches for using tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ.
And don’t forget your descriptions—they should include relevant keywords, timestamps, and links to related content.
Do live streams, have a banner image on your channel, and upload videos longer than you usually would to build credibility.
Viewer Connection
Connecting with your viewers matters just as much as content. Respond to comments, ask your audience questions in your videos, and thank your subscribers on a regular basis. This visibility promotes more engagement and builds a strong community.
Host occasional live Q&A sessions or community polls to keep your fans involved. These personal touches turn casual viewers into loyal fans. Live streams also boost morale and engagement.
@bcslots is an excellent example of how to use responses, live streams, and polls to build a community on YouTube.
Collaboration
Working with other YouTube creators can be another game-changer. Team up with creators in your niche or complementary spaces that have access to a relevant audience.
A beauty vlogger might collab with a skincare expert, while a gaming creator might stream with a popular Twitch personality. These partnerships bring new eyeballs to your content and help you grow faster.
Promotion
Getting your YouTube channel out to more people matters too.
Use other social media networks to reach a wider audience and funnel YouTube traffic: repurpose your YouTube content on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or Twitter.
Share new uploads in relevant Facebook groups or email newsletters. Use every channel you have to drive traffic to your videos.
For example, a travel vlogger jumped from 30K to 100K by posting weekly guides with search engine optimization (SEO)-friendly titles, collaborating with local influencers in each city, and cross-promoting their content on Instagram and TikTok. The multi-platform visibility helped accelerate their growth significantly.
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FAQ
Now that we know how to get verified on YouTube, you may have a few additional questions. Let’s do a quick recap.
1. How Many Subscribers Do I Need To Get Verified on YouTube?
You need at least 100,000 subscribers to apply. But YouTube still reviews your channel’s authenticity and completeness before approving it. Follower count is only one factor in YouTube verification requirements.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Get Verified on YouTube?
It’s completely free. If anyone tries to charge you for verification, it’s a scam.
3. Can I Lose My YouTube Verification Badge?
Yes. If you change your channel ID, go inactive, or violate policies, YouTube may remove your badge. It considers different factors for revocation.
4. Does Having a Verification Badge Increase My Channel’s Visibility?
Not directly. But viewers are more likely to trust and click on verified channels, which improves watch time and engagement, both things YouTube’s algorithm loves.
5. What Can I Do If My Verification Request is Denied?
You can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, improve your branding, consistency, and engagement to increase your chances.
Final Thoughts
Getting verified on YouTube isn’t just a status symbol. It’s a trust signal to your audience. If you’re serious about growing your channel or brand, hitting 100,000 subscribers and applying for the badge is a smart goal.
Stay consistent, keep your content high quality, and follow YouTube’s rules. With time and effort, you can get that gray checkmark and take your channel to the next level.
Don’t forget to celebrate the achievement with your followers! It shows you’re growing and gives them one more reason to stay subscribed.
