In a nutshell
- The YouTube verification badge requires 100,000 subscribers, 2-step verification and a complete channel profile.
- Verifying your phone number unlocks longer uploads, custom thumbnails and livestreaming.
- Content ID appeals sit in a higher tier that requires channel history or ID verification.
- Even without the badge, you can make your channel stand out with strong branding and high-quality content.
Verified has become a coveted status in the social media sphere — but does being verified actually matter? In this article, we’ll discuss what it means to verify your YouTube account. We’ll also look at the YouTube verification badge and how to get that sought-after checkmark next to your channel name.
What does it mean to be verified on YouTube?
Getting verified on YouTube can mean two different things. The first is account verification, which is easy and open to anyone. You give YouTube a phone number and the platform texts or calls you with a code. Entering that code proves you’re a real creator and not a bot.
The second is the verification badge. That’s the little gray checkmark you see next to some channel names. It’s far more exclusive. A channel needs at least 100,000 subscribers before it can even apply.
Notably, the badge doesn’t unlock anything. YouTube’s help page says verified channels “don’t get extra features on YouTube,” and the checkmark isn’t an award or an endorsement either. It exists to identify official channels and prevent impersonation.
How to verify your account
To verify your YouTube channel, head to youtube.com/verify. There, you’ll be asked to select your country and choose to receive your code via either a text or voice call.
YouTube will prompt you to have your phone ready. Once it’s handy, enter your phone number and click Submit.
YouTube will then send you a 6-digit verification code. Enter it on the next page to finish the process.
What does phone verification unlock?
YouTube splits its creator tools into three tiers. Which tier you land in depends on how much you’ve verified.
Standard features come with every new channel, as long as it has no active Community Guidelines strikes. You can upload videos and Shorts, build playlists and publish posts. Daily limits on those are lower, though.
Phone verification moves you up to intermediate features. This is where the big quality-of-life upgrades live. You can upload videos longer than 15 minutes and add custom thumbnails. Livestreaming from a computer opens up too, along with the option to create a podcast.
Advanced features take more. Content ID appeals are in this tier, so a phone number alone won’t let you dispute a claim you think is unfair. Advanced access also covers clickable links in video descriptions and chapters. Pinned comments and A/B testing for thumbnails are here as well. So is the ability to apply for monetization.
Most active creators unlock advanced features automatically once they’ve built up enough channel history. If you need them right away, YouTube lets you verify your identity with a valid ID or a short video. Those options aren’t available to every creator, however.
Curious where your channel stands? Open YouTube Studio on a computer and go to Settings > Channel > Feature eligibility. Anything you can use will show as “Enabled.”
How to get a verification badge
The channel verification badge is a separate process with stricter requirements. Before you can apply, your channel needs 100,000 subscribers. Your Google account also needs 2-step verification turned on. Finally, your profile has to be complete. That means a banner image, profile picture, description and at least one public video.
Meeting those requirements only gets you in the door. YouTube reviews every application and only verifies channels that are authentic and complete. Authentic means the channel represents the real creator, brand or entity it claims to be. YouTube looks at factors like channel age to confirm this and may ask for documentation. Complete means the channel is public and active, with content posted. YouTube won’t verify channels trying to impersonate another creator or brand.
There are a few exceptions and catches. YouTube sometimes verifies channels below 100,000 subscribers on its own if the creator is well known outside the platform. It can also revoke verification for Community Guidelines or Terms of Service violations.
Watch your channel name, too. Changing it removes your badge, and you’ll need to reapply to get the checkmark back. Changing your handle won’t affect it.
Applying for the YouTube checkmark
YouTube has moved the badge application into YouTube Studio, so there’s no separate form to fill out anymore. Only a channel’s owner or managers can apply.
To apply, sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer. Click Settings, then Channel, then Verified badge. Don’t see that tab? Your channel hasn’t reached 100,000 subscribers yet.
If you’re eligible, click Apply. Missing 2-step verification or a complete profile? YouTube will show a Turn on or Edit your profile button instead. Once you’ve fixed those, the Apply option appears.
YouTube’s systems can take a few days to catch up. If you just crossed 100,000 subscribers or turned on 2-step verification and can’t open the application, check back later. Make sure you’re signed in with the account tied to the eligible channel.
After you submit, the YouTube team reviews your channel. If it’s approved, a checkmark will appear next to your channel name.
What if you get denied?
You can still distinguish your channel without the badge. If you get denied or haven’t hit 100,000 subscribers yet, start with a unique channel name or handle that reflects who you are and what you make. Use a high-quality profile picture so your channel looks professional in search results. You can also customize your channel layout and branding to help viewers find content that interests them.
The bottom line
The verification badge has a high bar. Phone verification, on the other hand, takes about two minutes and unlocks the features most creators actually need. Remember that the checkmark is only there to prevent confusion and impersonation. It won’t grow your channel for you. Until you’re eligible, focus on thoughtful branding and engaging content. Eventually, that coveted checkmark will be yours.