YouTube offers two forms of verification—phone number verification and the verification badge (✔️)—each serving a different purpose in your channel’s growth. Phone verification is essential for unlocking basic features like uploading videos over 15 minutes, live streaming, and adding custom thumbnails. It’s easy to complete by receiving a code via SMS or voice call on the YouTube verification page. The verification badge, however, is a mark of authenticity and brand trust, granted to channels with 100,000+ subscribers that represent a real entity and follow YouTube’s community guidelines. To apply, channels must have a complete setup (icon, banner, description) and submit a form with supporting proof of identity. While the badge doesn’t provide extra features, it boosts search credibility and protects against impersonation. YouTube may remove it if you violate policies or change your channel name. To improve your chances, maintain consistent branding, avoid spammy practices, link official sites and social accounts, and build active community engagement. Verification helps establish legitimacy—one through basic access, the other through recognized authority.
What Does YouTube Verification Mean?
YouTube verification can refer to two different processes:
- ✅ Phone Number Verification: Confirms you’re a real user and unlocks platform features like uploading longer videos or going live.
- ✅ Verification Badge (✔️): A gray checkmark beside your channel name that confirms your identity and makes your channel appear official.
Both types serve different purposes:
- One improves access to tools, the other boosts brand authority and trust.
- You can get phone verification with any subscriber count.
- To earn the badge, you’ll need to grow your channel and meet strict criteria.
How to Verify Your YouTube Account with a Phone Number
Phone number verification is the first step in establishing your presence on YouTube. It’s simple, fast, and essential if you want full access to core features.
Why You Should Verify Your Phone Number
Verifying your phone number allows you to:
- ✅ Upload videos longer than 15 minutes
- ✅ Add custom thumbnails to videos
- ✅ Live stream directly from your account
- ✅ Appeal content ID claims or strikes
- ✅ Increase trustworthiness with YouTube’s algorithm
This verification is required for most creators—even if you’re just starting out.
Step-by-Step to Verify via SMS or Call
Here’s how to verify your account through your phone:
- Go to the YouTube verification page.
- Choose your country and enter your phone number.
- Select whether you’d like to receive a verification code by SMS or voice call.
- Enter the 6-digit code sent to your device.
- Click Submit—and you’re done!
🔐 Once verified, the status remains on your account unless changed manually or if the number becomes inactive.
What Is the YouTube Verification Badge?
The YouTube verification badge is a small gray checkmark that appears next to a channel’s name, indicating that the channel is authentic and officially recognized by YouTube. It does not unlock special features but adds credibility and protects against impersonation.
You’ll typically see this badge on:
- Brand accounts
- High-profile creators
- Media companies or musicians
- Educational institutions or nonprofits with large followings
It’s a visual confirmation that the channel is the real deal—not a fan page, parody, or copycat.
Requirements to Get the Verification Badge
To be eligible for the YouTube verification badge, you must meet the following criteria:
- ✅ Have at least 100,000 subscribers
- ✅ Represent a real brand, individual, or entity
- ✅ Maintain a complete channel setup, including:
- Channel icon
- Banner
- Description
- Public content
- ✅ Follow all of YouTube’s community guidelines
- ✅ Avoid misleading titles, spam tactics, or impersonation attempts
While the 100K subscriber milestone is mandatory, YouTube may deny applications that don’t meet quality and authenticity standards.
⚠️ Tip: If you’re working to get more subscribers, ensure your branding is consistent and your content is engaging. Many creators grow their audience by improving channel visuals, encouraging subscriptions, and regularly posting relevant content. High-quality channels with active engagement are more likely to get verified.
How to Apply for the YouTube Verification Badge
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, applying is a straightforward process. But make sure your channel branding is polished and all settings are up to date.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the YouTube Verification Request Form.
- Sign in with your channel’s Google account.
- Fill in the application, including your channel name and channel ID. (You can find your channel ID in YouTube Studio under Settings > Channel > Advanced Settings)
- Submit supporting details that verify your brand or identity (e.g., website links, press mentions, social media accounts).
- Submit the request and wait for a review, which typically takes a few days.
📬 You’ll receive an email with the result. If approved, the badge will appear next to your channel name automatically.
Can You Lose the Verification Badge?
Yes — the YouTube verification badge is not permanent and can be removed under specific conditions. You may lose your badge if:
- You change your channel name, which removes the checkmark by default
- You violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service
- Your channel is found to be misleading, impersonating others, or posting spam
- You’re found to have obtained verification using inaccurate or unverifiable info
If your badge is removed, you can reapply once the issues are resolved — but reapproval is not guaranteed.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Verified
Earning the verification badge isn’t just about hitting 100K subscribers — it’s about showing YouTube that your channel is professional, authentic, and deserving of trust. Here’s how to improve your odds:
- 🧩 Complete your channel profile: Add a recognizable profile image, banner, and channel description.
- 📈 Post consistently: Active channels are seen as more legitimate.
- 🔗 Link out: Connect your YouTube to your website and official social profiles.
- 🎯 Avoid spammy tactics: Misleading titles, clickbait, or irrelevant tags can hurt your chances.
- 👥 Focus on community building: Channels that engage their audience naturally tend to get more visibility—and get more subscribers organically.
Table: Phone Number Verification vs Badge Verification
| Feature | Phone Number Verification | Verification Badge (✔️) |
| Minimum Requirement | Valid phone number | 100,000 subscribers |
| Grants Access To | Upload longer videos, live stream | Visual checkmark, brand trust |
| Can Be Lost Easily | No | Yes (name change, violations) |
| Affects Visibility or Ranking? | ❌ Not directly | ✅ Adds credibility in searches |
| Verification Process | Code via SMS or voice | Manual review by YouTube team |
| Helps Build Channel Authority | Partially | Strongly |
No comments to show.