Google Business Profile video verification: how to pass

What Google is checking

A verification video is Google's way of confirming three things:

1. Your business is where you say it is.
2. It is a real, operating business.
3. You are authorised to manage it.

Every part of your video should help prove one of those three. Anything else is just noise.

What to film

Google asks for one live recording, made on a mobile device through your Business Profile, unedited and with no breaks, at least 30 seconds long. Move through these in order.

1. The location

Start outside. Show the street sign, building numbers and nearby businesses, then the outside of your building. If you have a storefront, your business name should be on a permanent sign. Google uses this to match the video to the address on your profile.

2. The business in action

Show things that prove it is a working business: equipment, tools, stock, a workspace, branded vehicles or uniforms. For a service business working from home, a branded van with its tools, a workshop or a garage full of equipment does the job.

3. Proof you manage it

Show something only the owner or an authorised manager could. For a storefront, Google's examples are opening the cash register, opening the kitchen or storage room, or using the point of sale. For a service business, Google's examples are performing your service or opening a branded van. A business permit, invoice or utility bill with the same name as your profile can also help.

What never to show

Google asks you not to show bank, tax or ID numbers, other private information, or other people's faces. Cover those up before you start recording.

Tips that get videos approved

• Plan the route before you record. Know exactly what you will show and in what order.
• Keep it continuous. One live take from start to finish, at least 30 seconds, no edits and no stopping.
• Film in daylight, and slowly. Shaky, dark or rushed videos are hard to review.
• Make the business name match. Signage, vehicles and documents should show the same name as your profile.
• Keep it short and focused, usually one to two minutes is plenty.
• Record it through your Business Profile on your phone, signed in to the account that manages it. Google does not accept uploads of earlier recordings.

Service area businesses

If you have removed your address because you go to customers, you still verify at your base. Start at the street and the outside of the building, then show your vehicle, tools and equipment, then proof you run the business, such as opening a branded van or carrying out part of your service. You do not need to show the inside of your home beyond what proves the business operates from there.

Other ways Google may ask you to verify

Video recording is one of several methods. Depending on your business, Google may offer a phone call or text, email, a live video call during business hours, a postcard (most arrive within 14 days, and the code expires after 30), or instant verification. Online only businesses cannot be verified for a Business Profile.

If your video is rejected

1. Read the message from Google carefully. It sometimes says what was missing.
2. Fix the gap and record again. Common reasons for rejection are no clear link to the address, no proof of the business operating, edited footage, or a mismatch between the name on the profile and what is shown.
3. Check your profile details. If your name, address or category do not match the real world, change them before trying again. See how to hide your address if you are a service area business showing an address by mistake.
4. Contact Google Business Profile support if repeated videos are rejected. Explain what you have shown and ask what is missing.

Why verification keeps coming back

Google can ask you to verify again after big changes to your name, address, category or phone number, or if its systems flag something unusual. Making changes only when they are real, and keeping your details consistent across the web, reduces how often it happens. If you would like your profile handled for you, including verification, that is part of our Google Business Profile management.

Questions owners ask

How long does video verification take?

Google says reviewing a verification video can take up to five business days. You can check the status in your Business Profile.

Can I edit the video or record it in pieces?

No. The video has to be recorded live on your phone through your Business Profile, as one complete, unedited take with no breaks, at least 30 seconds long. You cannot upload a video you recorded earlier.

I work from home and have no sign. Can I still pass?

Yes. Service businesses without a storefront can show their street and surroundings, a branded vehicle or equipment, tools of the trade, and business documents or something only the owner would have access to.