TikTok has exploded in popularity over the last few years, with over 1 billion monthly active users. As it continues to grow, getting verified on TikTok has become an important milestone for creators, influencers, brands and public figures.
The blue verified badge next to your name adds legitimacy and authority to your profile. It shows viewers that your account is the authentic presence of a notable public figure, celebrity or brand.
But the process for getting a verified TikTok account is still relatively opaque. TikTok doesn’t share the exact criteria or timeline for reviewing verification requests.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting verified on TikTok in 2024.
What is TikTok Verification?
TikTok verification is a process to confirm the authenticity of accounts belonging to influential users.
The blue verified badge is TikTok’s way of identifying accounts that are the official presence of:
- Celebrities
- Influencers
- Public figures
- Global brands
- Media companies
This verification badge helps distinguish these official accounts from impersonators or fan accounts.
TikTok users will know that a verified account is the real deal. They can trust that the content comes directly from the source.
Benefits of Getting Verified on TikTok
Getting verified on TikTok comes with a few key benefits:
Increased Visibility
The TikTok algorithm may give preference to verified accounts in some cases. This can lead to more impressions and traffic from TikTok’s “For You” page.
Of course, TikTok never publicly admits this. But verification acts as a signal of account authority. So it would make sense for their algorithm to feature verified profiles.
Added Credibility
The blue checkmark badge immediately boosts your credibility with viewers. They can instantly recognize that your account is legitimate.
This is especially helpful for brands looking to establish authority and trust. But it also benefits creators by validating their identity.
Protection From Impersonators
A verified badge makes it much harder for impersonators to trick viewers. People can simply check for your blue verification mark to confirm your identity.
This protects your audience and makes it easier to report fraudulent accounts.
More Opportunities
Verification opens more partnership opportunities with other influencers and brands. They may only want to collaborate with verified accounts to maintain their reputation.
Getting verified also opens up opportunities to use TikTok’s monetization features like TikTok LIVE gifts which allow you to earn money from your fans during livestreams. Check out this guide on how to send LIVE gifts on TikTok to learn more about activating gifts.
TikTok Verification Requirements
TikTok has not published their exact criteria for verifying accounts. But based on observations, we can piece together some minimum requirements:
- Authenticity – You must represent a real person, brand or entity. Parody or fan accounts are not eligible.
- Complete profile – Your profile needs a profile photo, bio, website link and other key details filled out.
- Public account – Your account must be public, not private. Private accounts are not eligible. Consider making your account public and using TikTok’s privacy settings to control who can view certain content.
- Secure account – Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong password. This shows you value account security.
- Active usage – You need to post new content regularly, not just let your account sit idle.
- Relevance – Your account should be known in your industry or niche with an engaged, growing audience.
- Notability – It helps to have press features or be searched for by name on Google and social media.
- Guideline compliance – Avoid community guideline violations or your verification request will likely be denied.
These requirements create a high bar to get over. Very few accounts are able to check all these boxes, which is why verification is still relatively exclusive.
Next, let’s go over the step-by-step process for requesting verification.
How to Request Verification on TikTok
TikTok rolled out an in-app verification request form in late 2022. This new process makes it much easier to submit your account for review.
Here are the steps to request TikTok verification:
1. Open your TikTok app and go to your profile page.
2. Tap the 3-dot menu button in the top right corner.
3. Go to Settings and privacy > Manage account > Verification.
4. Tap Start verification and follow the steps to submit your request.
5. TikTok will review your request and get back to you once a decision has been made!
That’s all it takes to submit your TikTok account for verification.
Keep in mind that not everyone has access to this in-app verification form yet. If you don’t see the option, you’ll need to request verification on TikTok’s website instead.
Now let’s go over some pro tips to improve your chances during the TikTok verification process.
7 Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Verified
Simply submitting a request is just the first step. You need to convince TikTok that your account deserves verification.
Here are some ways to strengthen your verification application:
1. Grow Your Audience
One of the top criteria TikTok evaluates is your account influence and reach.
Focus on growing your follower count by consistently posting content optimized for the TikTok algorithm. Use viral trends, hashtags and engaging captions to get more people watching your videos.
While there are no public follower thresholds, shoot for at least 10,000 engaged followers. The more the better!
2. Establish Your Notability
TikTok wants to verify accounts that have strong awareness among the general public.
Work on establishing your authority both on and off TikTok. Participate in press interviews, guest podcasts and partner with other creators to get your name out there.
3. Highlight Press Mentions
Make it easy for TikTok to evaluate your notability by highlighting press features on your profile.
Add links in your bio to news articles that mention you by name. Feature screenshots of news mentions in your TikTok videos.
This acts as social proof that you are notable enough for verification.
4. Promote Your TikTok Profile
Take steps to proactively drive more traffic to your TikTok profile.
Promote your account handle and encourage people to follow you on other social platforms. Share your videos on Instagram. Embed TikToks into your YouTube videos.
This cross-promotion demonstrates that your influence extends beyond just TikTok.
5. Authenticate Other Profiles
Link and authenticate profiles on other major platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Twitch.
Use the same profile name and photo across each platform for consistency.
Having an authenticated profile on another site demonstrates your identity has already been verified elsewhere.
6. Add More Profile Details
Fill out every section of your TikTok profile, including the website link, contact email and description.
The more complete your profile, the more it shows you are maintaining an authentic presence on TikTok as that public figure.
7. Post Consistently
Stay active by posting new TikToks consistently, at least a few times a week. Profiles that appear inactive or abandoned won’t qualify.
Show that you are committed to regular content creation and engaging with your audience.
How Long Does TikTok Verification Take?
There is no set timeline for when TikTok will review your verification request and make a decision. The process can be slow and take weeks or even months in some cases.
Here are some estimates based on reports from other creators:
- 1-2 weeks: If your account is already notable and you meet all the requirements, TikTok may approve your verification request within a couple weeks.
- 1-2 months: Average wait time seems to be 1-2 months for creators who are actively building their audience and authority.
- 3+ months: Bigger brands and extremely popular accounts are sometimes verified quickly. For smaller accounts, it can take 3 months or longer in some cases.
Some users have reported losing verification after not posting for 1-2 months. Be sure to post consistently, at least once per week. Check out this guide on why TikTok stops showing your videos to followers if you notice a drop in reach.
The best approach is to apply for verification and then put it out of mind. Keep focusing on creating awesome content and engaging your audience.
Eventually when that blue checkmark comes through, it will be a pleasant surprise!
Can You Appeal If TikTok Rejects Your Verification Request?
If your verification request gets rejected, you can submit an appeal to TikTok for a second review.
However, you won’t get any details on why you were rejected. So make sure you meet all the requirements we covered above before appealing.
Follow up with an email to TikTok as well. Provide any extra context and emphasize why your account adds value to the platform.
With some accounts, it simply takes a few tries before being approved. So don’t get discouraged if your first request is denied.
Can You Lose Verification on TikTok?
Yes, TikTok can revoke your verification at any time, especially if you violate their terms.
Here are some scenarios that may lead to losing your blue checkmark:
- Inactive account – If your account becomes inactive for an extended period, say 2-3 months without new posts.
- Profile changes – Altering your profile name or photo without notifying TikTok can cause verification to be removed. Avoid impersonation by changing your TikTok username if needed.
- Guideline violations – Breaking community rules like posting harmful content could make you lose verified status.
- Impersonation – Pretending to be someone else or deceiving followers is grounds for revoking verification.
- Selling your account – Transferring your account ownership will definitely result in losing the blue badge.
To avoid this, stay active on TikTok, notify them of any major changes, and closely follow their policies. Having verification revoked is a big blow to your brand’s reputation.
FAQs About TikTok Verification
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting verified on TikTok:
How Many Followers Do You Need to Get Verified?
There is no defined follower requirement, but at least 10,000 engaged followers seems to be the unofficial starting point based on accounts that have recently gotten verified. The more the better when it comes to the size of your audience.
Does Getting Verified on TikTok Get You Paid?
No, TikTok does not directly pay verified users simply for having the blue checkmark. However, verification does open doors for influencer sponsorships, brand deals, the TikTok Creator Fund and other monetization avenues.
Does TikTok Verify Everyone Who Applies?
Definitely not. TikTok evaluates many factors before approving verification requests. The majority of requests are still rejected and never receive the blue badge. Verification is still exclusive to the top, most influential accounts.
Why does TikTok take up so much storage space?
TikTok can take up a lot of storage due to caching videos and data. See why TikTok uses so much storage here. Try clearing the cache and removing downloaded videos to free up space.
How to Get Verified on TikTok With No Followers?
It will be extremely difficult to get verified without having at least 10k engaged followers. Your best bet would be getting press mentions or verified on other major platforms first before applying to TikTok.
Can You Buy a Verified Badge on TikTok?
No, there is no way to simply buy a TikTok verification badge. Any offers to do this online are 100% fake. The only way to get verified is to apply directly via TikTok and prove your account’s authenticity.
Key Takeaways
Getting verified on TikTok takes time and effort but provides key benefits for creators, brands and influencers.
Here are the main takeaways:
- Verification adds more legitimacy and authority to your TikTok profile.
- Submit verification requests directly in the TikTok app if the option is available.
- Grow your audience, establish authority, and post consistently to improve your odds.
- It can take anywhere from weeks to months for TikTok to review your request.
- Stay active and keep providing value to avoid losing your blue checkmark.
TikTok verification ensures viewers they are connecting with authentic profiles. While not required for growth, the blue badge marks your account as one to watch within the TikTok universe!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
