How to Verify Your YouTube Account
Verifying your YouTube account is an essential step for content creators who want to access additional features and privileges on the platform. Verified accounts are more trusted by viewers and can unlock various benefits, including the ability to upload videos longer than 15 minutes, customize thumbnails, and livestream directly from mobile devices. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of verifying your YouTube account, ensuring you can make the most out of your YouTube experience.
Why Verify Your YouTube Account?
Before we dive into the verification process, let’s explore why you might want to verify your YouTube account:
- Upload Longer Videos: Without verification, you’re limited to uploading videos that are 15 minutes or shorter. Verified accounts can upload longer videos, which is especially beneficial for content creators.
- Customize Thumbnails: Verified channels can create custom video thumbnails, allowing you to make your content more appealing and recognizable.
- Livestreaming Privileges: If you plan to livestream on YouTube, verification is a requirement to ensure that your content meets YouTube’s standards.
- Access to Community Features: Verified accounts gain access to YouTube’s community features, including the ability to engage with your audience through comments and more.
How to Verify Your YouTube Account
Follow these step-by-step instructions to verify your YouTube account:
- Login to Your YouTube Account: Start by logging in to the YouTube account that you want to verify. Ensure that you’re using the correct Google account associated with your channel.
- Access YouTube Studio: Click on your profile picture at the top-right corner of the screen and select “YouTube Studio” from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to Channel Dashboard: In YouTube Studio, locate and click on “Settings” in the left-hand menu. This will take you to your channel’s dashboard.
- Access the Channel Status and Features: In the dashboard, you’ll find a “Channel” section. Click on “Channel status and features” to manage your channel’s settings.
- Start the Verification Process: Scroll down to the “Verification” card, which will display your current verification status. If your channel isn’t already verified, click on “Verify” to initiate the process.
- Choose Your Verification Method: YouTube offers two methods for verification:
- Text Message (SMS): If you choose this option, you’ll receive a verification code on your linked phone number. Enter the code in the provided field to verify your account.
- Voice Call: With this option, you’ll receive a voice call on your linked phone number. Listen to the automated message and enter the verification code as instructed.
- Verify Your Account: After entering the verification code, click “Submit.” If the code is correct, your YouTube account will be successfully verified.
Congratulations! You’ve now verified your YouTube account and can enjoy the benefits of a verified channel.
Troubleshooting Verification Issues
If you encounter any issues during the verification process, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- Double-Check Your Phone Number: Ensure that the phone number linked to your Google account is correct. You should receive the verification code via text message or voice call on this number.
- Check for Typos: Make sure you enter the verification code accurately, without any typos or mistakes.
- Reattempt Verification: If the first attempt fails, you can initiate the verification process again. YouTube will provide you with a new verification code.
- Wait for a Voice Call: If you initially chose the text message option and didn’t receive the code, try the voice call option. YouTube may send the code via voice call if the text message method is unsuccessful.
- Contact YouTube Support: If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to YouTube’s support for assistance. They can help troubleshoot and resolve verification problems.
After Verification
Once your YouTube account is verified, you’ll gain access to the features mentioned earlier. Here’s what you can do after verification:
- Upload Longer Videos: You can upload videos that exceed the 15-minute limit, allowing you to create more comprehensive and in-depth content.
- Customize Thumbnails: Personalize your video thumbnails to make your content more attractive and eye-catching to viewers.
- Livestreaming: If you plan to livestream, you can do so directly from your verified account, engaging with your audience in real-time.
- Community Engagement: Interact with your viewers through comments and community posts, building a stronger connection with your audience.
Conclusion
Verifying your YouTube account is a valuable step for content creators looking to expand their presence on the platform. It provides you with additional features and privileges that enhance your ability to engage with your audience and create compelling content. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can successfully verify your YouTube account and make the most out of your YouTube experience.