Enter the 6-digit code you receive into the box on your screen.
Originally, YouTube verification was exclusive. To earn the check, a channel had to prove it was "notable" and "genuine." This meant a massive subscriber count, heavy press coverage, or a pre-existing fame outside the platform. The badge served a critical function: if you searched for "Justin Bieber" or "BBC News," the verified channel was the safe harbor. It was a gatekeeping mechanism designed to protect users and the platform’s integrity. youtube verify
I declare that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information may result in my verification request being denied or revoked. Enter the 6-digit code you receive into the
From a security standpoint, linking a phone number is the single best thing you can do to prevent your channel from being hijacked. I manage a channel with a decent following, and the number of phishing emails I get is staggering. Knowing that a hacker cannot change my password or transfer my channel without access to my physical phone is a massive relief. The badge served a critical function: if you
In 2019, YouTube announced a massive change. The company would decouple verification from notability, opening the badge to any channel that met three criteria: having at least 100,000 subscribers, being authentic, and being active. At face value, this seemed fair. Why should only million-subscriber celebrities get a badge of legitimacy? Small but dedicated creators—like a skilled woodworker with 150,000 fans or a local historian—deserved recognition, too.
Without this basic verification, your channel is restricted. Verifying your phone number unlocks: Upload content exceeding 15 minutes.