Verification Badge

What is a verification badge on YouTube?

A verification badge on YouTube is the check mark shown next to a channel's name. It means YouTube has verified the channel as the official one of a creator, artist, company, or public figure, which helps viewers tell an official channel apart from others with similar names.

Why the badge matters

The badge solves one problem: impersonation. When several channels share a name, the check mark shows viewers which one is real, and that protects both your audience and your brand deals. Beyond that it gives nothing — verified channels get no extra features, and the badge is not an award, a milestone, or an endorsement from YouTube (those are Creator Awards). You can apply once the channel has 100,000 subscribers; if you are still working toward that, see our guide on how to increase subscribers on YouTube.

Eligibility requirements

YouTube lists 3 requirements for submitting a verification request:

• The channel has 100,000 subscribers.

• The Google account has 2-step verification turned on.

• The profile is complete: a banner image, a profile picture, a description, and at least 1 public video.

Only channel owners or managers can submit the application. After you apply, YouTube reviews whether the channel is authentic — it represents the real creator, brand, or entity it claims to be, and the review may weigh factors such as channel age or ask for more info or documentation — and whether it is complete: public, with a banner, description, and profile picture, plus content and activity on YouTube. YouTube sometimes also verifies channels with fewer than 100,000 subscribers proactively when they are well known outside YouTube.

How to apply for verification

Sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer, open Settings → Channel → Verified badge, then click Apply. If the Verified badge tab does not appear, the channel has not met the 100,000-subscriber requirement. If you have the subscribers but no 2-step verification or an incomplete profile, YouTube shows Turn on or Edit your profile first, and the Apply option appears once those are done. YouTube systems sometimes need a few days to update, so check back if you have just crossed the threshold.

A verified channel stays verified unless you change its channel name: a renamed channel loses the badge and has to reapply. Changing your handle does not remove it. YouTube can revoke verification or terminate channels that violate the Community Guidelines or the Terms of Service, and it does not verify channels that impersonate another creator or brand.

What to do without a badge

Below 100,000 subscribers there is no application to file, so the job is making the channel obviously yours. YouTube suggests 3 moves: pick a unique channel name or handle that reflects who you are and what you publish, use a high-quality profile picture so the channel looks professional in search results, and customize your channel layout and branding. If someone is impersonating you, report it to YouTube.