There’s no better way to boost your social presence, credibility, and exposure as a video creator than becoming a verified user on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. A verification icon may seem like just a small blue badge next to your profile name, however its impact is significant. Becoming verified on social media platforms establishes that a user is authentic and that their account is reliable. Many social media users assume that profile verification is often reliant strictly on the number of followers or likes you have, however the verification process is more complex. While the process of getting verified differs between social media platforms, one thing remains consistent– buying likes and followers will only hurt your chances. To help you navigate through the verification process on each platform, check out our tips below to find out how to get verified across all of your social media.
Benefits of Having a Verified Badge
For a video creator, being verified will set you apart from other creators who offer similar content. It allows other users to recognize your account as credible. By establishing your credibility on social media, you will ultimately have a better chance at being accepted onto popular publishing platforms like Vevo. Along with the instant credibility that a verified badge provides, it also has the potential to increase engagement. When a verified user is searched on social media, they will be the first account listed above all other accounts with names that are the same or closely related. As a creator, having your account as the first to appear when searched for, is an easy way for potential followers to find you without having to dig too deep. Before you begin the application process, the most important thing to remember about becoming verified is that buying followers can actually have a negative impact on your chances. Each platform has its own algorithm that will flag your account and potentially shut it down, so it’s important to build your following organically.
How to Get Verified on Twitter
One of the biggest factors considered for Twitter verification is that the profile has to be of public interest and on the public setting. In order to prove your profile is “of public interest”, Twitter recommends that the name and handle are the real name of the person or the name of the company that the account is representing. The profile photo, as well as the header, should also reflect that of the user that the account belongs to. The bio that is displayed on the profile should identify the user’s identity as well as specify what areas of expertise they may have. Another important factor that Twitter considers is the level of engagement you have with your followers as well as other accounts that are already verified. Engagement can be as easy as following similar accounts or tweeting back and forth with your followers. If you meet all of Twitter’s requirements you can submit a request form where you will be prompted to explain why your account should be verified and why you believe you’re deserving of that little blue check mark.
How to Get Verified on Facebook
Facebook applies the blue verified badge to brands, media organizations, and public figures who are thought to be influential, frequently searched for, and who are likely to be impersonated. Before requesting for verification, Facebook requires that your page not only follows their Terms of Service, but also has a cover photo, a profile photo, and relevant content already posted to the account. Once you these requirements, you can submit a request for a verified badge. After submitting the request your page will go into review and if it is accepted you’ll receive your verified badge, and If not you are eligible to submit another request after 30 days.
How to Get Verified on YouTube
Being verified on YouTube means that the channel belongs to an established creator or is the official channel of a brand, business, or organization. YouTube requires users to have at least 100,000 subscribers before being eligible to submit a request for verification. Once you receive approval from YouTube, your verified badge will remain on your profile, even if your channel’s subscriber number changes over time. If you change your channel name, you will lose the verified badge for the new channel. YouTube has the right to revoke any verification at any time if a channel does not adhere to YouTube’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.
How to Get Verified on Instagram
Unlike Twitter and Facebook, Instagram does not offer a way to request or apply for a verified badge. Instagram directly verifies accounts that have a high chance of being impersonated. The verified badge exists so that people in the Instagram community can easily find legitimate accounts and not have to guess at which account is the real one. Instagram strives to remain an authentic and safe space for users to engage with one another in a creative way. In order to be considered for verification, an account must follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines. Like Twitter, an account that has a large amount of followers and engagements may have a better chance at being verified, however there have been instances of accounts being verified who are not huge name brands or celebrities, and who do not have a huge follower count. Other things that may help your chances are posting on a regular schedule, using proper hashtags, and sticking to a theme that accurately reflects the vision of the person or company that the account is representing.
Any creator with a verified badge is likely to be seen as an influential account that other users will want to follow. As a video creator, you should strive to become verified because it is an easy way for current and potential fans to find your profile and content and recognize it as legit and trustworthy. Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Remember that buying followers or like will eliminate any chance of getting your profile verified. If you need some help gathering a following, check out our blog to learn how to attract and maintain followers the right way.