If you are creating a channel then you would have noticed that small gray checkmark and want to know how to get it for yourself. That checkmark means YouTube has officially proven that your account is real.

You may have also heard about verifying your YouTube account and wondered if it’s the same thing. This guide will explain the two different ways that YouTube uses to verify your accounts. We will explain what they actually do and how you can get them.

YouTube’s Dual Verification System

If you’re serious about growing a YouTube channel then you will easily notice this segmented process of YouTube channel verification. Many creators want this gray checkmark. But they usually don’t know that getting it is a two-step process.

Step 1: Account Verification

It’s the first step for most creators to get verified. You just provide a phone number to get a code. This proves you are real and unlocks features like longer videos and live streaming. This simple check is vital to using key publishing tools.

Step 2: Channel Verification

It’s the official grey checkmark shown next to a channel’s name which confirms your channel is real. You need to meet much stricter standards like a lot of subscribers before you can ask for it. YouTube verifies your channel after you apply.

What do they unlock?

Creators get verified mainly to gain the necessary publishing tools and build public trust. Features you unlock depend entirely on which of the two verifications you finish.

Account Verification unlocks:

• Upload videos longer than 15 minutes.
• Use custom thumbnails.
• Enable live streaming.
• Ability to appeal Content ID claims and access other features based on channel history.

Channel Verification unlocks:

• Boosts your credibility and stops people from impersonating you.
• Assures viewers that your channel is the legit source for a public figure or company.
• This badge won’t guarantee higher rankings or income. But it will notably improve your credibility and ease partnership talks.

YouTube Channel Verification Steps

• Go to YouTube Studio via Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility to access the verification page.
• Enter your mobile number that is valid and working.
• Choose whether you want to verify by SMS or a voice call. Type this code in when asked and then submit it.
• Check your YouTube Studio under Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility to make sure that the intermediate features status now says enabled.

Important Note:

• You can only use one phone number to verify a maximum of two channels each year. You must use a different mobile number if you hit this limit.
• If you do not get the code then you can choose the voice call option or use a different phone number. It happens because some carriers may block Google’s text messages.

How to perform account verification on YouTube

Here’s how you can receive a verification badge for your channel:

Basic Requirements

YouTube says that you must have a minimum of 100,000 subscribers before you can even ask for the verification badge. YouTube also checks three other key aspects of your channel along with subscriber count:

• You must prove that you really are the person or group you claim you are.
• Your channel must be public and complete including a banner and description.
• Your channel must represent a real creator or brand.

Steps to Apply for the Badge

• Log in to your Google account that is linked to your eligible channel.
• Go to the verification settings in YouTube Studio after gaining enough subscribers. An apply button will appear if you qualify. Complete and submit it.
• You must wait for a review which takes different amounts of time for everyone. An account verified by YouTube may also ask you for more documents to confirm your identity.

Things You Should Know

• There are no shortcuts to get this badge. So you should focus on real growth.
• Verification checkmarks do not grant you access to making money. Joining the YouTube Partner Program has separate rules as this badge only proves your channel is real and not that you can earn money.

Common Issues with Fixes

Here are some problems that people face during verification along with ways to fix them:

Problem 1: I verified my phone but features like long videos and thumbnails still don’t work.

Solution: Make sure you have finished the phone steps completely. Then try logging out and back into YouTube. You can also try using a different phone number for verification if this method fails.

Problem 2: I have over 100K subscribers but can’t find the apply option for the badge.

Solution: Confirm your ownership and check if you are logged into the right account. Then recheck your settings page as the application form sometimes takes a few days to show up after reaching 100,000 subscribers.

Problem 3: YouTube says my number has been used too many times.

Solution: You can only use a single phone number to verify two channels each year. You will have to use a new phone number to continue verifying more channels.

How to boost YouTube channel verification

1. Verify your phone immediately to unlock essential features like long videos and livestreams which are important to grow your channel.
2. Complete your profile including a clear picture and links to official social accounts. It will help YouTube confirm that you are real.
3. Be regular with uploads and community engagement as active channels are favoured in many YouTube checks. This will also help you attract more subscribers.
4. Link your website and social media profiles directly back to your channel to help YouTube confirm your trustworthiness.
5. If people are mimicking you then you can document such fake channels. A verification badge is given to you to solve this problem and strengthen your claim.

Conclusion

YouTube channel verification is actually two separate jobs with different goals. Phone verification is fast and reliable as it unlocks all essential tools. The verification badge is a trust signal for big channels and requires both growth and proof of identity.

And if you haven’t got your phone verified then you should focus on making great videos and proving your identity to reach 100,000 subscribers and apply for the official badge.

FAQs

Q1. How do I verify my YouTube account?

Open YouTube and enter your phone number to get and submit the code which will unlock key channel features like long videos and live streaming.

Q2. What is the difference between account verification and the verification badge?

Account verification confirms your phone number. The verification badge needs over 100,000 subscribers and proof of credibility to appear next to your channel name.

Q3. How many YouTube channels can I verify with one phone number?

You can only use one phone number to verify two channels within a year. You must switch to a new one once you reach that limit.

Q4. Does the YouTube verification badge improve ranking or monetization?

No. The badge only confirms your channel is real and does not help your videos show up in searches or allow you to make money. You still have to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program by meeting specific requirements.

Q5. How long does it take to get the verification badge after applying?

YouTube reviews badge applications within a few days or a few weeks. How long it takes depends on their checks for authenticity and your channel’s history.

Q6. Can YouTube remove my verification badge?

Yes. YouTube can take your badge away if your channel breaks rules or no longer meets the requirements. So it’s important to keep a clean record to maintain it with you..

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