Related search
Suit
Electric Cars
Smoking Accessories
Dog Toy
Get more Insight with Accio
How to Get Verified on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get Verified on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide
7min read·Samira·Feb 9, 2026
As a YouTube creator, it is a great milestone to be verified. The verified badge not only enhances your credibility but also confirms that your channel is legitimate and safeguards your content against impersonation. But how do you get verified?
For your channel to be verified, you must have reached the 100,000 subscribers mark, but that is not the only requirement. Read on to find out more.
In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step procedure of verifying, eligibility requirements, and what you should know about exceptions on verification.
Table of Contents
- What is a YouTube verification badge?
- Benefits of YouTube verification
- How to get verified on YouTube in 2026
- Getting verified when you don’t have 100k subscribers
- Troubleshooting: What to do when you are not verified
- Conclusion
Want to explore more about How to Get Verified on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide? Try the ask below
How to Get Verified on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is a YouTube verification badge?
The YouTube verification badge is a small blue checkmark, which is next to your channel name. It is a certification by YouTube that your channel is legitimate and that it is a real person, brand, or entity. Although this badge will enhance credibility, it should be noted that it does not mean that YouTube is promoting your content.
YouTube has two types of verification: account verification and channel verification. Account verification confirms your identity and unlocks features like custom thumbnails and live streaming. Channel verification, the blue checkmark next to your name, proves your channel is authentic and prevents impersonation.
Benefits of YouTube verification
There are several benefits of getting the YouTube verification badge. The badge serves as a guarantee of authenticity, but it does not necessarily result in more views, subscribers, and revenue. Here’s what you should know.
Increased visibility and credibility
The verification badge can be used to gain trust among your viewers as they are assured that the channel is authentic. It will help in assuring your audience that they are accessing content of a legitimate source, which helps in shielding you against impersonators. The verified badge can make your channel stand out in search results and recommendation
Lays foundation for monetization
Although verification doesn’t guarantee that you will start earning money from your channel, it paves the way. To make money, you need to meet the YouTube Partner Program requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours). Verification is a separate process from the steps needed to monetize your content.
Access to advanced features
Verified channels can unlock special features on YouTube, such as live streaming, custom thumbnails, and the ability to upload longer videos. These tools give creators more flexibility to engage with their audience and improve their content.
Boosted brand image
For businesses or creators, having a verified badge can enhance your brand’s image and reputation. It shows that you’ve reached a certain level of notability and authenticity, which can help attract potential collaborators, sponsors, or partnerships.
The major eligibility criteria to receive a verification badge are:
Subscribers: For your channel to be verified on YouTube, you need to reach a 100,000 subscribers mark.
Authenticity: Your channel needs to be a real one and not a person or thing which is impersonating.
Fullness: You need to complete all the settings of your channel, including a profile picture, description, and content, which is not violating the rules of YouTube.
Notability: You are required to be a well-known creator or organization that may face the threat of being impersonated. It is a prerequisite and it can be very subjective, depending on your reach and how well you are known on the platform.
How to get verified on YouTube in 2026
Step 1: Satisfy the eligibility requirements
In order to be verified on YouTube, you must meet the 100,000 subscriber mark. This is the most frequently used standard of applying for verification. Your channel has to be fully developed, and this means you have to have a profile picture, description, and content that will verify who you are on YouTube.
Your channel has to be a recognizable individual, brand or organization that exists on the internet. In case you fit the qualification criteria of the subscriber but you do not have an entirely complete channel, the application may be rejected. Ensure that every part of your YouTube channel is completed before application.
Step 2: Go to YouTube studio
After having fulfilled the eligibility requirements, you can apply to be verified by the following steps: log in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio. This is possible by clicking on your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner and clicking on YouTube Studio. Go to the left-hand menu and select the option of settings, channel, and feature eligibility.
Step 3: Apply for verification
After you are in the Feature eligibility section, you will have an option to apply to be verified:
- Click on the Apply for Verification button. You will be required to complete a form with your channel name and channel ID.
- Click on Submit after completing the form.
The usual process of verification takes 2-4 weeks and YouTube will inform you of the outcome. The process is entirely free and no concealed charges are involved.
Step 4: Wait for approval
Once you have placed your application, YouTube will examine your channel to determine whether it is up to the required specifications. It can also be a process that requires a lot of time as it can take up to 2-4 weeks to complete the review process. In YouTube Studio, you can always determine the status of your application.
Getting verified when you don’t have 100k subscribers
Channels that have 100,000 subscribers are not the only ones that may be verified. Here’s how some smaller channels get verified:
Public figures and celebrities
In case of a personal figure, celebrity or famous brand, YouTube can verify your account even when you have less than 100,000 subscribers. It is particularly so in case you have a prominent life outside of YouTube that may lead to possible impersonation. YouTube actively checks the high-profile creators so that their content is not used by other people.
Official Artist Channels (OAC)
Musicians, bands and artists that are members of the Partner Program on YouTube will receive a special Official Artist Channel (OAC) badge. This badge is meant to suit creators in the music business and do not necessarily need 100,000 subscribers to be confirmed. Nonetheless, it typically involves collaborating with a YouTube Partner Manager or a music distributor.
Legacy Verifications
Some channels had been confirmed before the 100K subscriber limit being entrenched in 2019. Such accounts keep the verification badge, although they may not be up to the current threshold.
Troubleshooting: What to do when you are not verified
In case you have reached the 100K subscriber limit and your verification request has been rejected, then there’s nothing to worry about. The following is a list of things to re-examine and correct prior to re-applying.
1. Check channel completeness
The channel needs to be complete with profile picture, description and banner. Make sure that your content does not breach the rules of the community, and it is in line with the guidelines of YouTube. Verification may be refused to channels that have incomplete profiles or false information.
2. Ensure authenticity
Ensure that your channel is an image of a real person, brand, or entity. In case you have used a nickname or a pseudonym that other people would not be able to confirm, you might not pass verification.
3. Recent name change
In case you have changed your channel name recently, it possibly has reset your verification status. YouTube can force you to wait until a new application process is passed through. It is always best to check your channel name to ensure that it is always the same as your brand or entity.
4. Appeal the denial
In case of rejection of your application, you have a period of 30 days to appeal. But you will have to ensure that your channel is active, more prominent and is completely in line with the terms set by YouTube to be re-applied.
Conclusion
Getting verified on YouTube is a huge milestone for creators. While the 100K subscriber rule is the most common way to apply for verification, it’s important to know that exceptions exist for notable public figures, celebrities, and legacy accounts. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and be patient while YouTube reviews your application. Remember, the verification badge is a tool for authenticity and protection, not a shortcut to success on the platform.
If you’re looking to grow your channel further, Accio can help you optimize your content strategies and connect with trusted buyers. By using Accio, you can refine your approach, boost your channel’s visibility, and engage with your audience in a more meaningful way.