Being verified on social media seems like a small thing. However, it can make a huge difference for your business. When you are a verified business, you are recognized by Twitter or TikTok or some other form of social media as the authorized user of the account.
In short, you have more credibility than an unverified account.
What does it mean to be verified?
Being verified tells everyone who sees the account that the person or business behind the account is who they claim to be.
To be verified, the media platform you are operating on must complete a vetting process of your account.
Oftentimes, a verified business will be recognized with a checkmark or some other symbolic indicator. It shows that the social media platform has vetted the user. That they have deemed them to be authentic.
Why is being verified important?
This may seem like a small thing to you. But to the outsider, it can make a massive difference. Consider how many times you have looked at a tweet or a video on TikTok or an image on Instagram. How many have you dismissed because they did not come from a verified source?
Like it or not, the internet “trolls” are out there. Being verified lends “accountability and stability” to your account according to Follows.com.
The verification vetting process for social media accounts is based in part on past history of accountability and stability. Because of this, being verified shows that you have proven to the social media company that you are trustworthy.
How to get verified on Google
One of the easiest platforms to get verified on is Google. With Google, it’s simply about claiming your business.
Google has a walkthrough here. But the gist of it is you create a Google account (if you don’t have one). Search for your business on Google. Click “Claim.”
Claiming or becoming verified on Google is important. It allows you to change information about your business such as hours of operation, website, phone number, and more.
How to get verified on YouTube
Though it’s run by the same company as Google, YouTube operates a bit differently in its verification process. Usually, your channel must have at least 100,000 subscribers before you’re considered eligible to apply for verification.
Once you’re eligible, YouTube will look at whether you’re authentic and complete.
Authentic means your channel represents the person it claims to represent and YouTube may reach out to you for more information or documentation.
Complete means the channel is public, there is a banner and description and profile picture, there is content and recently uploaded videos.
How to get verified on Facebook
Facebook says a verified badge confirms that a page or profile is an “authentic presence of the public figure or brand it represents.”
When deciding if a page should be verified, Facebook looks at whether the page is an “authentic” representation of the person, if it is “unique” meaning it’s the only page or profile for the person or business.
The social media platform also wants to make sure the page is complete with photos, activity, an about section, and at least one post.
Another key is “notable.” Facebook says it reviews pages and profiles “that are featured in multiple news sources, and we don’t consider paid or promotional content as sources for review.”
If you believe your page qualifies, you can find a link to Facebook’s verification form here.
How to get verified on Instagram
Because Instagram is owned by Facebook, it uses similar qualifications to verify Instagram accounts. The key is whether the Instagram user is authentic, unique, and notable with a complete page.
To request verification on Instagram, you must be logged onto the account you are requesting verification for. You will tap on your profile picture, go to Settings and then tap “Account.” Under account, there will be a “Request Verification” button.
You will be asked for your full name and another form of identification such as a government-issued photo ID or official business documents.
How to get verified on Twitter
Twitter also requires “notable” and “active” users in order to receive verification, but the social media platform explains what kinds of accounts are notable. They include:
- Government;
- Companies, brands, and nonprofit organizations;
- News organizations and journalists;
- Entertainment;
- Sports and esports;
- Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals.
To apply for verification, you can go to “Settings and Privacy”, choose “Your Account” and then “Account Information.” Once you’ve signed in, you can select “Request Verification.”
How to get verified on SoundCloud
To get verified on SoundCloud, you need to be a well-known or “highly searched” creator. You must be an original creator, meaning not a fan account or impersonator.
SoundCloud says every account that is verified must not include misleading information and must adhere to the company’s terms of use. You must also have a bio, profile photo and have at least one track uploaded.
To apply for verification on SoundCloud, you need to use your computer to access your SoundCloud account. Click on “Settings” and then the “Request verification” button.
How to get verified on Spotify
The odds of you needing to claim a Spotify profile are rare unless you’re an artist, but just in case, getting verified is simple.
Visit artists.spotify.com and click “Get Access.” Spotify will allow you to search for your artist profile or copy and paste your artist URL to claim it.
For details, see Spotify’s step-by-step video here.
Conclusion
Being verified on social media isn’t going to make or break your business but it is going to perform one very essential function, it is another step in establishing yourself as an authority figure in your industry. And that could be all of the difference in the world.
Written by Erika Towne