YouTube is one of the most powerful and effective streaming platforms in the world today that is used by millions of content creators worldwide.
Getting verified on YouTube simply means getting validated that you are a real person and not a bot. It also means YouTube has checked your profile and confirmed your identity. Once verified, content creators can be assured that YouTube will uphold your legitimacy.
In this guide, we take a look at how to get verified on YouTube …for both accounts and channels.
Benefits of a Verified Account
If you are a content creator, one of your major goals is to gain the trust of your target audience. This is also one way to build your following, do future collaborations, and attract brands to sponsor your content or place ads. Possession of a verified badge simply reveals that you are an official account or channel. This makes people confident that they are watching, dealing with, or getting information from a legitimate person, someone they can learn to trust in the future.
Here are other benefits of having a verified YouTube account:
You can easily appeal content ID claims.
As there are numerous kinds of content on YouTube, you can expect some form of duplication to happen somewhere along the way. Of course, this is assuming that you do not copy content intentionally.
But this tends to happen when you talk about similar topics with other YouTube content creators. When this happens, content ID claims can take place. It simply means whatever you uploaded matches all or a portion of someone else’s content. Having a verified account gives you the privilege of disputing this claim and defending your content.
You can upload videos longer than 15 minutes.
The YouTube default feature allows everyone to post 15-minute videos. But there are types of content that cannot be captured in a 15-minute video. Having a verified account allows you to enjoy being able to upload longer videos. This feature gives you a lot fo creative freedom to show what you want.
You can add custom thumbnails to your content.
A verified account enables the owners to choose their own thumbnails. Without verification, it is YouTube that chooses the thumbnail for them.
How to Get Verified on YouTube
Account Verification
This is a type of verification that is readily available to anyone who created a YouTube account and has maintained good standing.
Upon verifying your account, you will receive a notification from YouTube bearing your verification code. You simply need to enter the code. Once done, your account will be automatically verified. Just go to YouTube.com/ verify to process this.
Channel Verification
Some people get intimidated by this process at first glance. It does seem overwhelming at first, buy you do not need to worry about anything. Just follow these easy steps to get your channel verified:
Comply and submit all the requirements for verification.
Fill up the application for channel verification if you have a following of more than 100,000 users. Here is a reminder: You cannot get verified if your channel has not reached 100,000 subscribers.
Fill up the application and make sure to include your channel name and ID. Finding your YouTube channel ID is simple. You can either click the link at the booth of the application form or click Settings > Advanced Settings in your account.
Finally, click Submit once you have completed the application form. Give YouTube a few weeks to review your application. Once done, they will get in touch with you with a decision. Mostly, YouTube looks at several elements: your identity, the kind of content you post, and how long your channel has been running.
How to Qualify for YouTube Verification
Getting verified can be tricky, especially if you are not consistent with your branding, the frequency of your posts, and the kind of content you post. YouTube looks at these elements when evaluating your application. It is highly recommended that you create a plan if intend to take your YouTube journey seriously.
- Develop a catchy brand identity, which includes an attractive channel name.
- Be part of an interesting YouTube community
- Come up with exceptional video content that goes through a thorough planning process. Make sure to make it relatable, informative, and entertaining to add to its sharability.
- Come up with profile and cover photos that are consistent with the overall theme and feel of your brand.
- Apply YouTube SEO.
Once you have fulfilled all of these, it is time to seriously think about how to elevate your content. Being a content creator necessitates that you do not rest on your laurels.
You are expected to constantly find new ways to offer something new and interesting to your viewers. Variety matters. Storylines matter. Content is everything. Do not neglect them and always create a plan.
Once you improve your content, the likelihood that you will attract potential sponsors and advertisers will be very high. At the end of the day, consistency is key. Advertisers and marketers often look for consistency concerning your content and frequency of upload.
It does not have to be every day. You can opt for once a week, to begin with and then see how your audience reacts. Before you know it, you are getting offers from all sorts of brands. Very soon, expect to also get proposals for a possible collaboration with celebrities, endorsers, business owners, and other content creators, among others.
Takeaways
YouTube is a great source of leads.
Video is always going to be one of the most engaging forms of content you’ll ever put out.
This is why it’s critical that you know how to get verified on YouTube.
Once you’re done with your profile verification, it’s time to build your channel and get that infamous tick next to your handle.
And, we all know what that’s going to mean for all of your campaigns to come!
