The question we get asked most is, “How to get verified on YouTube?” 

If you’re a creator looking to take your YouTube channel to the next level, getting that YouTube verification badge is a big deal. 

Not only does it makes your channel an official channel but it also builds trust with your audience and separates you from the rest. 

In this post, we will walk you through the YouTube verification process, make sure your channel is eligible for verification and why this milestone is important for your growth.

How to Get Verified on YouTube

Getting verified on YouTube isn’t just about the badge, it’s about showing your channel is official and trustworthy. 

Now, we’ll walk you through the steps to get that sweet verification badge and take your channel to the next level.

1. Understand YouTube’s Verification Requirements

To get verified on YouTube, you need to meet certain requirements. 

Verification on YouTube isn’t just about filling out a form, it’s about proving your channel is worthy of the verification badge. 

You need at least 100,000 subs for most cases, though there are exceptions for official music video channels or high profile accounts. 

Your channel needs to be active and authentic, have a unique identity and follow YouTube’s community guidelines without any strikes. 

Knowing these requirements will help you prepare for the channel verification process and increase your chances of approval.

2. Set Up a Complete and Professional Channel

If you want to get the YouTube verification badge, you need a professional YouTube account. 

Start with a profile picture and channel banner that match your brand. 

Then add a description to your channel page and links to your website or social media accounts. 

Don’t forget custom thumbnails, they make your videos pop and look professional. 

YouTube favors channels that show effort and authenticity so putting in the time on your setup will set you apart.

3. Ensure Your Official Channel is Unique and Recognizable

You only need to be verified if you stand out from the crowd. 

Avoid generic names or content that could be mistaken for someone else’s. 

Your channel name should represent your brand or you and the content you upload should match. 

Also YouTube’s verification process requires your channel to be impersonation free so focus on building a brand that is unique, original and trustworthy.

4. Grow and Engage Your Audience

Building an audience is key to getting verified on YouTube. 

An active and authentic channel shows YouTube that your content adds value to the platform. 

Engage with your viewers by responding to comments, posting regularly and uploading videos longer than average. 

These efforts prove your channel is committed to creating content that matters which is a big part of getting the verification badge.

5. Verify Your YouTube Account

Before you can apply for channel verification, you need to verify your YouTube account. 

This involves confirming your phone number and getting a verification code. 

Account verification will unlock features like custom thumbnails, live streaming and longer videos. 

These are essential for building a credible and professional channel ready for verification.

6. Apply for the YouTube Verification Badge

Once you’ve ticked all the boxes, it’s time to apply for the YouTube verification badge. 

Go to your channel settings and look for the option to request verification. 

Fill out the form, enter your channel ID and additional information to prove you own an official channel. 

The application process is quick but approval can take a few days. 

If you meet the requirements and have a strong channel presence, you’ll be verified on YouTube in no time!

What is YouTube Verification?

YouTube verification is a process that gives you a verification badge on your channel, which means your channel is an official account. 

This coveted YouTube verification badge (a gray checkmark next to your channel name) is how YouTube confirms that the channel belongs to a creator, brand or public figure. 

It’s to separate official channels from fake or impersonated ones. 

YouTube verification has nothing to do with monetization or subscriber perks, it’s just about proving the legitimacy of the channel.

Why YouTube Verification Matters

YouTube verification does more than just add a checkmark to your profile; it legitimizes your channel. 

A channel verification badge tells viewers they’re on the official account and builds trust and loyalty. 

It also protects your brand from impersonators who might try to mislead your audience. 

Beyond legitimacy, verified accounts get more visibility as YouTube favors authentic creators. 

Whether you’re an influencer or a brand, this badge will elevate your channel and help you reach a wider audience.

What are the Benefits of YouTube Verification?

Getting verified on YouTube has many benefits that can help grow and boost your channel. 

Here’s the lowdown:

Protection from Impersonation

A verified badge protects your identity by separating your channel from fake or impersonator accounts. So your audience knows they’re interacting with the right content.

Better Search and Visibility

Verified channels rank higher in search and are more likely to be recommended by the algorithm. More visibility and organic traffic to your channel.

More Audience Trust and Engagement

Audiences will trust and engage more with channels that have a verification badge. 

This means higher subscription rates, more likes, comments and shares which all help grow your channel.

Brand Partnership Opportunities

Brands will collaborate with verified channels because it shows professionalism and authenticity. 

A verification badge opens up sponsorship and partnership opportunities that increase your revenue and visibility.

Professional Image

Whether you’re a content creator, musician or business, a verification badge makes your channel a professional platform. 

It elevates your brand and separates you from amateur accounts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Verification

Verifying your YouTube account is a big deal but many creators make avoidable mistakes that can get you rejected. 

Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Incomplete YouTube Channel Info

A poorly set up channel is one of the biggest reasons applications get denied. 

Make sure your profile picture, channel banner and channel description is complete and represents your brand or self. 

Add links to your official website or social media platforms to further prove your authenticity.

Irregular Upload Schedule

Channels that don’t upload regularly can be seen as inactive or uncommitted, which reduces the chances of verification. 

Regular uploads and consistent interaction with your audience is key to proving your channel is active and authentic.

Providing Incorrect Info

Mistakes in your application, such as submitting the wrong channel ID or mismatched info can get you disqualified immediately. 

Double check all your info before submitting the form.

Ignoring Community Guidelines

Strikes for violating YouTube’s policies, such as copyright infringement or inappropriate content will disqualify your channel instantly. 

Make sure your content is compliant with YouTube’s community guidelines.

Generic or Misleading Channel Name

Using a channel name that’s too generic or similar to an existing verified account can harm your chances. 

Make sure your channel name is unique, recognizable and directly related to your brand or self.

Neglecting Engagement

Not engaging with your audience, whether through comments, live streams or community posts, can make your channel look less authentic. 

YouTube favors channels that show consistent and meaningful engagement.

Using Deceptive Practices

YouTube has strict policies against inauthentic growth so focus on building your audience organically.

No Content Variety

Channels with very little or same content will get rejected. Upload different content and show a range of videos that will appeal to your audience.

Difference Between YouTube Verification and Other Badges

YouTube has many badges for creators but the verification badge is different in purpose and meaning.

Let’s break it down so you can understand what makes it unique compared to other badges on the platform:

YouTube Verification Badge

The YouTube verification badge is a gray checkmark next to the channel name. It means the channel is an official account of a creator, brand or business. 

Unlike other badges, it doesn’t depend on subscriber milestones beyond 100,000 for most channels.

It’s not about subscriber count or monetization or content perks but about authenticity, active engagement and following YouTube’s guidelines.

It’s not tied to anything but a trust signal for the viewer.

YouTube Partner Program Badge

The YouTube Partner Program badge is for channels that meet specific monetization criteria, including watch hours and subscriber count. 

Being part of the YouTube Partner Program doesn’t guarantee verification. 

The program is about revenue sharing benefits like ads and memberships, whereas the verification badge is about authenticity.

Live Chat Moderator and Member Badges

During live streams you may see badges next to usernames in the chat. 

These are given to moderators or channel members to show their role and contribution in the stream. 

These badges are temporary and context specific unlike the permanent verification badge tied to the channel itself.

YouTube Music Note Badge

Artists with an official music video or a verified artist profile on YouTube Music get a music note badge. 

This badge shows the artist is verified but it’s different from the standard verification badge for creators and businesses.

Play Button Awards

Not a badge but many creators confuse the YouTube Play Button Awards (like Silver, Gold or Diamond buttons) with verification. 

These awards are for subscriber milestones not verification of the channel or official status.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get verified on YouTube is about having a credible, active and professional channel that stands out. 

At SidesMedia we’re here to help you on your journey to get verified. 

Our trusted YouTube services, like buy YouTube views, can help increase your channel’s visibility, engagement and credibility so you can meet the verification requirements. 

Let us help you grow your channel and get that YouTube verification badge. 

Start your journey today with SidesMedia!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Verified on YouTube Without 100k Subs?

Yes, you can get verified on YouTube without 100,000 subscribers but it’s rare. 

Certain channels like artists, public figures or brands may get verified with less subscribers. 

To increase your chances your channel must be unique, active and comply with YouTube’s guidelines and showcase content that builds credibility and trust.

Do Verified YouTubers Get Paid?

YouTube verification itself doesn’t affect how much YouTubers get paid. It’s just a badge of authenticity not a monetization feature. 

Verified YouTubers earn from ads, sponsorships, memberships and other revenue streams. 

The badge doesn’t guarantee income but it can increase credibility, attract partnerships and grow a bigger audience, which indirectly supports earning potential.

How Do You Get Verified on YouTube?

To get verified on YouTube:

1. Have at least 100,000 subscribers (exceptions apply).
2. Complete your channel setup with profile picture, banner, custom thumbnails and description.
3. Verify your YouTube account with a phone number.
4. Apply for the verification badge through your channel settings.
5. Prove your channel is authentic and comply with YouTube’s community guidelines.

How Do You Become a Verified Artist on YouTube?

To become a verified artist on YouTube you need an Official Artist Channel (OAC). Here’s how:

1. Release your music through a music distributor or label.
2. Your channel must represent your artist identity with an official music video, profile picture and banner.
3. Link your YouTube channel to YouTube Music and your music catalog.
4. Ask your distributor or label to request OAC for you. They will handle the process.