As an aspiring or established YouTube creator, you know the importance of standing out. Customizing your channel with features like unique thumbnails, embedded links and expanded uploads lets you enhance engagement.
But many of these options stay locked…unless you verify your channel.
Verification confirms you‘re a real human running your own channel. In return, YouTube rewards you with — and trusts you with — additional permissions.
This comprehensive guide will breakdown:
- Exactly why channel verification matters
- A step-by-step tutorial to verify by phone
- Unlocking advanced features through video verification
- Requirements for a verification badge & how to apply
- Actionable tips to troubleshoot issues
- Strategies aimed at skyrocketing your subscribers
Let‘s get into the details!
Why You Should Verify Your YouTube Channel
Beyond distinguishing yourself from spambots, verification comes with some major perks.
But first, a refresher on the two types of YouTube verification:
-
Account verification – confirms your identity via phone to access core features.
-
Channel verification – awards influencers with a verification badge. Requires 100K+ subscribers in most cases.
We‘ll focus here on account verification since it‘s accessible to all channel sizes.
Core Features Unlocked by Account Verification
Once verified by phone, you gain access to:
- Custom thumbnails – unique templates help brand videos for more clicks
- Over 15 minute long videos – allows you to publish full interview, tutorial or documentary footage without editing
- Live streaming – real-time broadcasts shown to skyrocket viewer engagement
Plus you become eligible for YouTube‘s partner monetization program. This means you can start earning ad revenue from your uploads.
Channel Embeds and Links Allowed After Verification
But wait, there‘s more!
Verified channels can also:
- Embed live streams directly into channel layouts
- Add external links in video descriptions
This drives viewers to other websites or social profiles. Extremely valuable for lead generation.
The Power of Custom Thumbnails and Live Video
Let‘s explore why those two unlocked features — custom thumbnails and live streaming — offer so much potential.
Custom Thumbnails = More Clicks
Well-designed thumbnails make videos pop. This translates into more clicks and viewers.
In fact:
- 90% of the best performing videos on YouTube have custom thumbnails (source)
- Click-through rates can increase by 166% with tailored instead of auto-generated thumbs (source)
Videos with the highest click-through and conversion rates utilized contrasting colors and minimal text (source).
As you can see, custom thumbnails are well worth unlocking!
The Power of Live Video
Going live may seem intimidating initially. But streaming offers serious engagement potential.
Just how much of an impact do live videos have?
- Live broadcasts average 6X more concurrent viewers than non-live videos (source)
- Over 28% of viewers take action (like/comment/subscribe) during streams instead of only 20% on regular content (source)
- Super chats during premieres generated 30-40% higher revenue for creators versus uploaded videos (source)
Clearly, live streaming taps into viewer excitement and urgency to respond. Verification gives you access to this hugely valuable feature.
Now that we‘ve covered the main incentives to get verified, let‘s walk through the step-by-step process.
How to Verify Your YouTube Channel with Phone Number
Verifying your account via phone only takes a few minutes.
Here are the simple steps:
Step 1: Visit YouTube Account Verification Page
Go to youtube.com/verify and you‘ll see this screen prompt you for a phone number:
Step 2: Enter Phone Number and Select Verification Method
Next, enter your phone number. Choose if you want your 6-digit code sent by text message or automated call.
For this walkthrough, we‘ll use text verification:
Now click Get Code.
Note: Sometimes verification texts can show up late or not arrive depending on mobile carrier. We‘ll cover troubleshooting tactics later in the FAQs.
Step 3: Input Code and Submit
Once sent, input the 6-digit verification code:
Double check it‘s entered correctly then click Submit. Almost there!
Step 4: Celebrate Channel Verification!
Finally, you‘ll get confirmation that your YouTube channel is now verified:
Awesome work! Enjoy access to your new features.
With account verification complete using just your phone number, let‘s look at how to unlock even more advanced settings.
Gaining Advanced Features Through Video Verification
While phone verification enables a ton of options, YouTubers looking for maximum channel control can level up with video verification.
This unlocks additional advanced permissions like:
- Appealing copyright claims against your content
- Embedding live streams directly into channel layout
- Increased daily limits on uploads/streams/shorts
- Adding links to video descriptions
- 30 videos per day upload ceiling
Let‘s run through how to upgrade with video verification.
Step 1: Access Channel Settings
Login to YouTube Studio, expand your profile menu and select Settings:
Step 2: Click "Advanced Features"
From Settings, choose Channel then open Status and Features:
Scroll down and under Advanced Features select ACCESS FEATURES:
Step 3: Select Video Verification Method
You‘ll now see options to verify through ID upload or video recording.
Choose Use video verification and click GET STARTED:
Agree to the terms that follow.
Step 4: Record and Submit Video Selfie
With webcam access approved, record a quick selfie video stating and spelling your full name, channel name, and today‘s date.
Submit your clip to complete advanced access permissions!
And that‘s it. Within 24 hours YouTube will confirm, granting you full features. Pretty straightforward right?
Comparing Intermediate vs Advanced Channel Features
Wondering the key differences unlocked between basic account verification vs video verification?
Here‘s an at-a-glance comparison:
| Feature | Phone Verification | Video Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Thumbnails | ✅ | ✅ |
| Videos Over 15 Mins | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live Streaming | ✅ | ✅ |
| Appeal Copyright Claims | ❌ | ✅ |
| Channel Embed Streams | ❌ | ✅ |
| Add External Links | ❌ | ✅ |
| Increased Daily Limits | ✅ | ✅ |
| 30 Videos/Day Upload Limit | ❌ | ✅ |
As shown, video verification gives you more advanced customization like appealing falsely flagged content.
But both methods enable core features like expanded uploads and live broadcasting.
Now let‘s switch gears to getting YouTube‘s coveted verification badge.
YouTube Verification Badge Requirements & Application
Beyond account verification, some creators set their sights on scoring an official channel verification badge from YouTube.
This blue "verified" checkmark adds credibility and authority for influencers.
But strict requirements must be met:
- Have at least 100,000 subscribers
- Regularly upload quality content
- Complete channel branding and descriptions
- Represent real creator identity
Without enough subscribers, badge approval is extremely rare.
However celebrities or public figures can qualify without meeting the 100K threshold.
Ready to apply? Here are the steps:
Step 1: Access YouTube Support Articles
Visit Google Support and click the YouTube icon to access YouTube help articles:
Step 2: Open Account Settings Page
Next choose Manage your account and settings then open Manage account settings:
Step 3: Click "Verification Badges" Link
Under Channel settings scroll down and select Verification badges on channels:
Step 4: Check Eligibility and Apply
If you meet subscriber demands, an application form will appear allowing you to request review.
If not, keep creating awesome content! Check back once you hit 100K YouTube subscribers.
And that‘s all it takes to submit for the coveted verification badge!
Now while that processes, let‘s cover some FAQs around potential verification issues.
Troubleshooting YouTube Account Verification
Having trouble receiving or submitting your verification code? Account suddenly get unverified?
We‘ll address common questions around the verification process:
What if I didn‘t get a verification text from YouTube?
- Some mobile carriers block verification texts. Retry using email or phone call verification instead. You can also use a different phone number.
Why did my account lose verification status?
- This usually happens if community guidelines were violated resulting in penalties. Other causes can be changing your YouTube channel name or deleting then recreating your channel.
Do I have to verify again if I change my channel name?
- Yes, modifying key account details like channel name, email or phone number will require going through the verification process again.
My code won‘t submit properly. What should I do?
- First, double check the 6 digit code you received matches what‘s entered. If positive, there may be an issue with too many accounts registered to the same phone number already. Use an alternate number.
How do I appeal if my verification video gets rejected?
- Unfortunately there is no way to appeal if YouTube rejects your verification video. You‘ll have to re-record and resubmit. Be sure lighting, audio, spelling of details, etc are clear.
Hopefully this gives you some pointers on handling common verification issues! Now let‘s move on to tips for unlocking that verification badge.
Gaining Subscribers & Views for Verification Badge Eligibility
Let‘s brainstorm actionable strategies for explosive channel growth:
Optimize Video SEO
Nail YouTube video SEO best practices with smart tags, captions and alluring descriptions. Include target keywords naturally to improve search visibility.
Create Playlists
Group similar content into themed playlists. This retains viewers longer. Show off these playlists on your channel homepage.
Run YouTube Ads
Use YouTube viewer metrics to target both cold and warm audiences. Remarket to previous engagers. Promote best videos or channel itself.
Post on Social Media
Share new uploads across your socials. Ask followers for video topic requests and feedback.
Collaborate with Niche Influencers
Team up on videos leveraging each other‘s audiences. Or trade shoutouts. Finding compatible creators amplifies reach immensely.
Go Live Frequently
We covered earlier how live broadcasts boost impressions and channel authority. Schedule regular streams focused on hot topics or your expertise area.
Apply just a couple of the strategies above consistently, and you‘ll notice your daily subscribers start climbing.
Combine them together for maximum impact! Then request that shiny verification badge.
Let‘s wrap this up.
It‘s Time to Verify Your Channel!
As an aspiring or established YouTuber, account verification should be high priority. The additional features unlocked give you the creative tools to grab – and keep – viewer attention.
We walked through precisely how to:
- Verify your channel through phone and video
- Understand core vs advanced permissions
- Learn eligibility for a verification badge
- Troubleshoot verification text issues
- Brainstorm growth hacking tips
Now just pick one strategy above and apply it to your YouTube efforts today.
Consistency fuels growth. Before you know it, you‘ll hit that 100K subscriber milestone…with your verification badge in tow!
