On YouTube, verification allows you to upload videos that are longer than 15 minutes and customize your video thumbnails.
Anyone can verify a YouTube account – all you will need is a phone number to prove your identity. But, to be clear, verification doesn't mean you get a verification badge.
Verification badges are reserved for those with at least 100,000 subscribers, which is when the platform considers a creator to be "established." This kind of badge, however, does not give you access to additional features.
For everyone else, here's what you'll need to do to get your account verified and start taking advantage of the perks that come with it.
How to verify a YouTube account
To verify your account, you'll need to have an internet connection and a phone number. Keep in mind that some countries don't support the text-message option for verification.
Here's how to verify your YouTube account:
1. Go to youtube.com, and in the left-hand toolbar, scroll down and click "Settings."
2. Click "View additional features" (located under "Your Account").
3. Click "Verify."
4. Pick your country of residence and choose whether you want to get a phone call or text (this is how you'll get your verification code).
5. If you select the phone call option, click "Confirm."
6. Enter your phone number and click "Submit."
7. When you receive the six-digit verification code, enter it in the text box and hit "Submit."
Once you go through this process, you'll get a confirmation message. Click "Continue" to return to the status and features page of your account.
On that screen, you'll also see the word "verified," along with a check mark, appear below your channel name.
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How to create your own YouTube channel for personal use, or a Brand Account for business
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How to temporarily hide or permanently delete your YouTube account, and erase any trace of yourself from the site
