If you're a YouTube creator trying to stand out, getting that verification badge is the way to go. The good news? It's totally doable—and this guide will show you exactly how to get verified on YouTube.

In short, the verification badge is that little grey checkmark next to your channel name that tells viewers, “Hey, this is the real deal.” 

But how do you actually get it? Here’s the quick answer:

To get verified on YouTube, your channel needs over 100,000 subscribers, to be authentic, and to have a complete profile (with a profile picture, banner, and description). Once you meet these criteria, you can apply directly through YouTube Studio.

But here's the thing—it’s not just about hitting that subscriber count. In this article, you’ll also learn:

• How to apply for the badge and what to expect during the process.
• What mistakes could cause you to lose your badge once you’ve earned it.
• Tips to optimize your channel so you stand out and increase your chances of getting verified (even if you don’t have 100k subscribers yet).

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YouTube verification requirements: Are you eligible?

Getting verified isn’t as simple as just clicking a button. You need to meet YouTube’s eligibility criteria first:‍

1. Have over 100,000 subscribers:

This is the main requirement, though there are exceptions for well-known creators on other platforms.

2. Prove authenticity:

Your channel should represent the real brand or individual it claims to be. YouTube might ask for documentation to confirm this.

3. Complete your channel profile:

Make sure you have a profile picture, banner, and description, and that your channel is set to public. YouTube also looks for active channels that consistently post content.

QUICK TIP: If you’re still growing your channel, focus on creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience. This will get you closer to that 100k mark faster.

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How to get verified on YouTube 

When it comes to getting verified on YouTube, there are actually two types of verification you need to know about:

1. Basic account verification (for unlocking certain features)
2. Channel verification badge (the grey checkmark next to your channel name)

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1. Basic account verification (if you haven’t done this already)

Before you can even think about getting the verification badge, you need to complete the basic account verification.

This quick process helps YouTube confirm that you’re a real person, not a bot. It also unlocks essential features like uploading longer videos and live streaming.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Ensure you’re logged in to the correct account and visit www.youtube.com/verify.

Step 2. Select your country and enter your phone number. You can choose whether to receive the verification code by text or automated voice message.

Step 3. Click ‘Get Code’ and, on the next page, enter the six-digit code you’ve received on your phone.

Step 4. Upon entering the code, your account will be verified and you’ll have access to features like custom thumbnails, live streaming, and videos longer than 15 minutes.

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2. How to get the YouTube verification badge 

Now, let’s talk about the YouTube verification badge—the grey checkmark that confirms your channel is the real deal. This is what most creators are aiming for when they think of getting verified.

If you’ve already done the basic verification, here’s how to apply for the badge:

Step 1. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Over 100,000 subscribers
• A complete channel profile 
• Your channel must be public and actively posting content

Step 2. Head to the application page and click on the Apply now button. 

Step 3. Enter your Channel Name and Channel ID, then click Submit.

Step 4. Wait for YouTube to review your application. The review process can take a few weeks, and YouTube may ask for additional documentation to confirm your identity in the meantime.

Once approved, the grey checkmark will appear beside your channel name! Congrats 🎉

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Can I get verified with fewer than 100,000 subscribers?

Yes, but it's not common. 

YouTube may make exceptions for well-known creators outside the platform or those with a significant presence on other social networks. 

Here’s what you can do if you don’t meet the subscriber count:

• Highlight your social influence: If you’re popular on Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms, use that as leverage in your application.
• Contact YouTube Support: If you believe your channel deserves verification despite not meeting the subscriber count, reach out and make your case.

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Mistakes that could cause you to lose your Verification Badge

Getting verified is great, but keeping that badge requires you to play by YouTube’s rules. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Changing your channel name: Changing your channel’s name will automatically revoke your badge. If you rebrand, you’ll need to reapply.

• Breaking YouTube’s Community Guidelines: Posting inappropriate content or using unethical tactics (like buying subscribers) can result in losing your verification badge.

• Inactivity: Even after verification, keep your channel active with regular content uploads. Dormant channels can lose their badge over time.

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How to optimize your channel to increase your chances of getting verified

Regardless of whether or not you’re eligible to apply, there are seven things you can do to boost your chances of getting your YouTube channel verified faster:

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1. Publish consistent, high-quality videos regularly

One of the best ways to get noticed by YouTube is to consistently publish videos that are engaging, valuable, and high-quality. 

Think of your channel as a mini TV show—viewers are more likely to subscribe if they know they can expect regular episodes.

What you can do:

• Stick to a posting schedule: Whether it’s once a week or twice a month, consistency builds anticipation and keeps your audience coming back for more.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Use a good camera, decent lighting, and clear audio. A polished video is more likely to grab attention and be shared.
• Invest in video editing: Adding elements like transitions, subtitles, and background music can make your content more engaging and professional. For the non-technical folks, you can consider outsourcing video editing to a professional.

Why this helps: Consistent uploads signal to YouTube that you’re serious about your channel, which can boost your credibility when applying for the verification badge

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2. Complete your channel profile

Before you even apply for verification, make sure your channel is fully optimized. YouTube requires that your profile is complete, which means having all the elements filled out and looking polished.

What to focus on:

• Profile picture & banner: Use high-resolution images that represent your brand or persona. A professional-looking banner immediately tells viewers that your channel is serious and trustworthy.
• Channel description: Write a clear, concise description that tells viewers who you are, what kind of content you create, and why they should subscribe.
• Links to social media: Include links to your website and other social media profiles. This not only strengthens your brand presence but also shows YouTube that you’re an established creator.
• Organize playlists: Group your videos into relevant playlists to make it easier for viewers to find content and stay longer on your channel.

PRO TIP: Double-check that your channel is set to public (not private). You can’t get verified if your channel is hidden from viewers!

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3. Engage with your audience

YouTube rewards channels that have an active and engaged community. The more your viewers interact with your content, the better your chances of being seen as a credible creator deserving of that grey checkmark.

How to boost engagement:

• Encourage likes, comments, and subscriptions: Add a simple call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your videos, asking viewers to like, comment, and subscribe.
• Reply to comments: Take time to respond to your audience’s comments. Not only does this create a sense of community, but it also tells YouTube that your channel is active.
• Use YouTube Community posts: If you have access to the Community tab, use it to engage with your subscribers through polls, updates, and questions.
• Host live streams: Live streaming is a great way to interact with your audience in real-time and build stronger relationships.

Why engagement matters: The more engaged your audience is, the more likely YouTube will see your channel as valuable and deserving of the verification badge.

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4. Treat your YouTube channel like a business

Top creators treat their channels as businesses, which means planning, analyzing, and constantly improving. A professional approach can set you apart and improve your chances of getting verified.

How to level up your channel:

• Set goals: Whether it’s reaching a certain number of subscribers or launching a new series, having goals keeps you focused.
• Analyze your metrics: Use YouTube Studio’s analytics to see which videos perform best. Pay attention to metrics like watch time, engagement rates, and audience retention.
• Collaborate with other creators: Partnering with other YouTubers can help you reach new audiences and grow your channel faster.
• Monetize your channel: If eligible, join the YouTube Partner Program to earn from ads. This shows YouTube that your channel is not only popular but also commercially viable.

PRO TIP: Regularly update your content strategy based on what works best for your audience. The more aligned your content is with your viewers’ interests, the more likely you are to grow and get verified.

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5. Pay attention to YouTube SEO

YouTube is essentially a search engine for videos, so optimizing your titles, hashtags, and descriptions for search is crucial. 

SEO tips for your videos:

• Keyword research: Use tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ to find the best keywords for your niche. Incorporate these into your video titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Compelling titles: Your title should be clear, keyword-rich, and intriguing enough to attract clicks. Avoid clickbait, though—YouTube’s algorithm can detect misleading titles.
• Optimized descriptions: Write detailed video descriptions that include your main keywords. This helps YouTube understand what your video is about and improves its chances of being recommended.
• Use tags wisely: Add relevant tags that describe your video’s content. However, avoid irrelevant tags that could get your video flagged.
• Create eye-catching thumbnails: Thumbnails act as the cover of your video. Use bright, high-quality images and add text overlays to highlight the video’s topic.

Why SEO is important: The better optimized your content is, the more discoverable your channel becomes.

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6. Collaborate with experts to boost your channel’s growth

As your YouTube channel grows, you might find that managing everything on your own becomes overwhelming. This is when working with editors, content strategists, or marketing agencies is a great idea—they’ll help you improve your content with their expertise.

But sharing access to your channel can be tricky—you don’t want to share passwords or go through a complicated process.

Leadsie makes it super easy to share access securely so you can focus on what matters: creating new content.

How Leadsie helps:

• Your agency or freelancer simply sends you a secure access link. You log in via that link and check off the permissions they need.
• It’s that simple! No back-and-forth or sharing passwords.

Share this article with your collaborators so they can easily request access to your YouTube channel using a single link.

7. Be patient and persistent

Lastly, remember that getting verified on YouTube is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and consistent dedication to grow your channel to the point where it qualifies for verification.

Final tips:

• Don’t be discouraged if you’re not eligible yet—keep focusing on creating great content.
• Apply for verification when you’re confident that your channel meets all the requirements.
• If you’re denied, keep working on your channel and try again after a few months.

Remember: The verification badge is a sign of trust and authenticity, so focus on building a genuine connection with your audience. The more value you bring, the more YouTube will recognize your efforts.

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Ready to get verified and grow your channel?

Getting that YouTube verification badge is a big milestone—it shows your audience that your channel is trustworthy and worth following.

But the journey doesn’t stop there.

As your channel grows, you’ll likely find yourself collaborating with editors, SEO specialists, or even marketing agencies to scale your content and reach more viewers.

With Leadsie, granting access has never been easier. Requesting or giving YouTube access is now as simple as sending a link—no passwords, no chasing people with multiple emails.

And if you need to grant access to other assets like Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads, Leadsie’s got you covered there, too! 

One link works across platforms, so you don’t have to deal with multiple requests or repeated logins. And it works on mobile too.📲

If you’re an agency or freelancer, try out Leadsie with a 14-day free trial—just enter your email below to get started in under a minute! 👇

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