Getting verified on YouTube shows that your channel is real, trusted, and official. It clears up confusion and sets you apart from copycats.
That tiny gray checkmark next to a channel name is a sign of credibility. It’s a YouTube verification badge that helps with that, whether you're dealing with brands, protecting your name, or just showing your audience you're the real one.
This guide walks through how to get verified on YouTube, what it actually checks for, and how to stay verified once you have it.
What YouTube Verification Really Means
The badge doesn’t unlock special features. It doesn’t boost your videos in search overnight. But what it does is far more useful: it signals authority. It tells potential partners, platforms, and viewers that your channel represents a real creator, brand, or business. Verified YouTube accounts are far less likely to be impersonated, and when they are, YouTube takes it more seriously.
For creators pushing past 100,000 subs, this YouTube checkmark is the platform’s public handshake that says, “We see you. You’re official.”
Who Can Get Verified
You need 100,000 subscribers. That’s the basic gatekeeper of YouTube channel verification requirements. But it’s not a guarantee. YouTube also checks for authenticity and completeness.
Let’s break it down:
- Authenticity
You are who you say you are. This means you’re either a person, a company, or a brand with a presence that can be confirmed. If you’re a known personality, musician, or business outside of YouTube, that helps.
- Completeness
Your channel should look like a finished product. You need a profile picture, channel banner, updated description, and public content that’s been live for a while. A dead or incomplete channel won’t make the cut, no matter the subscriber count.
And while YouTube says 100K is the line, we’ve seen exceptions. If you have a strong brand elsewhere, say, a massive following on TikTok, or you’re a public figure, you might get verified earlier. But you’ll have to make your case directly.
Some creators can get verified earlier if they have a strong presence elsewhere (e.g., TikTok or media coverage) and can prove their identity.
How to Apply for YouTube Verification
Once you cross the 100,000-subscriber threshold, head to YouTube's verification request page. If your channel is eligible, the form will appear.
Once you’re eligible, the steps are simple. But like everything else on YouTube, how you prepare before applying makes the difference.
- Go to YouTube's verification request form.
- Check your eligibility. If your channel qualifies, you’ll see the form. If not, you’ll be told to come back later.
- Submit your channel name and ID. You can find your Channel ID in YouTube Studio > Settings > Advanced Settings.
- Wait for YouTube to review. This takes a few days to a few weeks. During this time, don’t change anything major like your channel name or content format.
Why Some Creators Get Rejected
If you’re rejected, don’t panic. Usually, it comes down to one of these:
- Incomplete branding (no profile image, banner, or About info).
- Inactivity (no recent uploads or abandoned channel feel).
- Identity confusion (brand name overlaps or unclear representation).
- Strikes or policy violations.
Fix whatever is missing and reapply.
What You, as a Creator, can Miss
Many creators think the YouTube checkmark is a vanity trophy, and that’s a mistake.
The badge is leverage. When you negotiate brand deals or partnerships, it adds credibility instantly.
It also reduces friction: when a brand searches your name and sees the badge, you’ve already passed the legitimacy test.
Even though YouTube doesn’t confirm ranking advantages, users are more likely to click verified channels in search and comments. Over time, that behavioral edge compounds.
What Happens If You Change Your Channel Name?
You lose the badge. YouTube pulls it instantly. You’ll have to reapply under the new name, which means going through the entire process again.
If you’re planning a rebrand, make sure it's worth it. Or, better yet, wait until after you're verified.
What About Channels Under 100K?
There are rare exceptions. If you're a well-known figure or brand outside of YouTube, or if your content has cultural or press significance, YouTube may approve you early. But don’t bank on that.
Instead, focus on reaching 100K the strategic way:
- Use translation and localization to tap into new regions.
- Launch 24/7 live streams with high-retention content.
- Optimize your metadata for search and relevance.
- Post consistently and experiment with Shorts to build momentum.
Need help getting verified or reaching 100K?
Contact us today to audit your channel, guide your verification strategy, and build tailored growth plans.
What Happens After You Get Verified
You get the YouTube verification badge. But don’t get sloppy.
You can lose the badge if you:
- Violate YouTube’s Terms or Community Guidelines.
- Change your channel name.
- Let your channel go dormant or delete key elements like the description or profile picture.
The best way to keep verification is to treat your channel like a brand. Keep it clean, active, and consistent. Avoid risky behavior that could trigger demonetization or strikes. And if something goes wrong? ScaleLab works directly with YouTube to resolve partner issues. Get in touch with us, and our team of experts will take care of everything for your channel.
Special Cases: Musicians and Public Figures
If you’re an artist or public figure, your path to verification might look different. YouTube issues music note badges for official artist channels.
Requirements include:
- At least one official music video distributed by a recognized partner.
- A clean, updated channel that’s linked to your label or distributor.
- Active participation in the YouTube Partner Program.
If you’re not sure whether your music channel qualifies, contact us. We handle official artist channel applications.
Ready to Make Your Channel Official?
The YouTube verification badge doesn’t change the algorithm. It doesn’t suddenly bring in thousands of views. But it opens doors that are otherwise closed. It tells your audience you’re serious. It tells brands they can trust you. And it tells YouTube you’re worth backing.
If you’re aiming to scale, verification is a part of this strategic system.
Let ScaleLab help you get there. Reach out to us for a channel audit or verification support. We’ll help you clear the roadblocks and give your channel strategic paths for growth.
