How to Get the Verified Checkmark on YouTube in 2026?
The verification badge rules from YouTube Help, and what does not qualify.
Aditya Challa1 min read
Summary
To get the verified checkmark on YouTube you need at least 100,000 subscribers, then apply through YouTube's verification form. Your account also needs 2-Step Verification turned on and a complete, authentic channel profile.
Requirements
- 100,000 subscribers
- 2-Step Verification on your Google account
- A complete channel: name, profile picture, description and content
- An authentic channel representing a real creator, brand or entity
How to apply
Once eligible, open YouTube's channel verification application from YouTube Help. If the form does not appear, you are not yet eligible.
Keeping the badge
Changing your channel name can remove the badge, and you may need to reapply.
Related: /blog/how-many-subscribers-to-monetize-on-youtube
Related: /blog/what-is-average-position-in-search-console
Sources
Lab evidence
What I found running this
Facts in this draft were checked on 12 Oct 2026 against the primary sources listed in the body (official docs, release schedules or Google/YouTube help pages). No benchmarks or timings were run, so the post makes no performance or measurement claims; dates are quoted as published by the maintainers, and any estimate is labelled as such.
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