Verifying your YouTube channel is an important step if you want access to advanced features like custom thumbnails, longer videos, live streaming, and appealing copyright claims. Many beginners confuse channel verification with the verification badge (blue tick) — but they are different.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
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What YouTube channel verification means
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Benefits of verifying your channel
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How to verify using a mobile
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How to verify using a desktop
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Difference between phone verification and verification badge
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Common problems and fixes
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Important tips
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Is YouTube Channel Verification?
YouTube channel verification (phone verification) confirms that you are a real person. After verifying your phone number, YouTube unlocks additional features for your channel.
Benefits of Verifying Your YouTube Channel
Once verified, you can:
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Upload videos longer than 15 minutes
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Add custom thumbnails
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Live stream
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Appeal Content ID claims
Without verification, these features remain restricted.
Important: Verification Badge vs Channel Verification
Many creators get confused.
There are two types of verification:
1. Phone Number Verification (What this guide explains)
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Available to everyone
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Quick and simple
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Unlocks features
2. Verification Badge (Gray Checkmark)
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Given to large channels
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Usually requires 100,000+ subscribers
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Confirms authenticity
This article focuses on phone verification.
How to Verify a YouTube Channel (Using Mobile)
You cannot complete verification fully inside the YouTube app. You need to use a browser.
Step 1: Open Browser
Open Chrome or Safari on your phone.
Step 2: Go to the YouTube Verification Page
Search:
“YouTube verify channel.”
Open the official YouTube verification page.
Step 3: Sign In
Sign in with your Google account connected to your channel.
Step 4: Choose Country
Select your country from the list.
Step 5: Choose Verification Method
You’ll see two options:
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Text message (SMS)
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Voice call
Choose SMS (recommended).
Step 6: Enter Phone Number
Enter your mobile number.
Click Submit.
Step 7: Enter Verification Code
You will receive a 6-digit code.
Enter the code and click Submit.
You’ll see a message confirming:
“Your YouTube account is now verified.”
Done.
How to Verifya YouTube Channel (Using Desktop)
The desktop method is easier.
Step 1: Open YouTube Studio
Go to:
youtube.com
Click your profile picture → YouTube Studio.
Step 2: Go to Settings
On the left menu, click:
Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility
Step 3: Check Intermediate Features
You’ll see:
Standard features
Intermediate features
Advanced features
Click Verify phone number under Intermediate features.
Step 4: Complete Phone Verification
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Choose country
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Enter phone number
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Select SMS
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Enter code
Verification complete.
What Features Unlock After Verification?
After verifying, you get:
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Custom thumbnails
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Videos longer than 15 minutes
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Live streaming access
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Community post access (if eligible)
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Content ID appealability
This is essential if you plan serious content creation.
How to Check If Your Channel Is Verified
To confirm:
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Open YouTube Studio
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Go to Settings
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Click Feature eligibility
If Intermediate features are enabled, your channel is verified.
Why Can’t I Verify My Channel?
Here are common issues:
1. Code Not Received
Fix:
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Check cthe orrect phone number
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Wait a few minutes
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Try the voice call option
2. Too Many Attempts
YouTube limits verification attempts.
Fix:
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Wait 24 hours
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Try again later
3. Wrong Country Selected
Fix:
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Select the correct country code
Is Phone Verification Safe?
Yes.
YouTube uses your phone number to:
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Confirm identity
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Prevent spam
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Protect platform security
Your number is not shown publicly.
Can You Use the Same Phone Number for Multiple Channels?
Yes, but with limits.
YouTube restricts how many channels you can verify with one number per year.
If the limit is exceeded, try another number.
How to Get YouTube Verification Badge (Blue Checkmark)
This is different from phone verification.
Requirements generally include:
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100,000+ subscribers
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Complete channel profile
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Authentic content
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Compliance with YouTube policies
You can apply through YouTube Studio if eligible.
Do You Need Verification to Monetize?
Yes, indirectly.
To monetize, you need:
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Verified channel
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1,000 subscribers
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4,000 watch hours (or Shorts requirement)
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Follow YouTube policies
Verification is part of the basic setup.
Tips After Verification
Once verified:
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Add custom thumbnails immediately
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Upload longer tutorials
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Try live streaming
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Keep the account secure
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Enable 2-step verification
Security is important.
Quick Summary
To verify the YouTube channel:
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Go to the YouTube verification page
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Sign in
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Select country
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Enter phone number
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Enter SMS code
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Confirm
Verification takes less than 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Verifying your YouTube channel is a simple but important step in your content creation journey. It unlocks powerful features that help your channel grow faster and look more professional.
If you plan to upload tutorials, live stream, or build a serious audience, verification is essential.
Now that you know how to verify your YouTube channel, complete the process today and unlock all the advanced features waiting for you.
