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How to Do Video Verification for a Google Business Profile

Google Business is increasingly using video to verify its profiles. But how does this work? And how do you complete video verification for a Google Business Profile?

What is Google Business Profile Video Verification?

Google Business Profile Video Verification requires that a user authenticates a Google Business Profile through a live video call. By showing various business attributes on the call, such as signage or equipment at the specified address, Google confirms the business is legitimate and the location is accurate.

Video verification is required whenever a company sets up a new Google Business Profile or changes address.

It may also be required to re-authenticate a profile when the profile has suffered a Google suspension.

Why Is Google Business Profile Video Verification Important?

While it may seem an administrative burden to your business, particularly when it doesn’t go smoothly, video verification helps Google Business reduce the creation of fraudulent profiles, which can mislead users, affect rankings, or, worse, lead to nefarious business practices.

In this way, video verification makes Google Business trustworthy, which helps customers find your legitimate business.

How to Prepare for Google Business Video Verification

First, you need a smartphone or a device with a camera and an internet connection. Ideally, this should be a mobile device so you can move around the premises during the video recording. 

Second, determine whether you are a ‘Storefront’ or ‘Service-Area’ business. Examine the video requirements for each (in the section below) and plan how to include these elements in the video. 

Third, clear away any sensitive information, such as bank details and financial information, and ensure that no people’s faces appear, including in photographs.

Needless to say, you need to be on your business premises when making the call.

Google Business Video Verification Requirements

This section explains what details must be included in the video for different types of businesses.

Storefront or Hybrid Business vs. Service-Area Businesses

storefront vs service area businesses

Google Business differentiates between ‘Storefront’ (or ‘Hybrid’) businesses and ‘Service-Area’ businesses. 

Storefront businesses are those that serve customers at a location, such as a high-street shop or restaurant.

Service-area businesses are those that don’t serve customers at their business address, such as plumbers or electricians. A business may nominate up to 20 service areas, all of which should be within a two-hour drive of the business address. 

A hybrid business is a mixture of the two, for instance, a restaurant that serves food on-site and for delivery. 

The type of business determines the evidence required during video verification.

Video Verification Requirements for Storefront or Hybrid Businesses

For storefront or hybrid businesses, the video should include the following:

  • The location of your business by capturing official street signs and numbers, other nearby businesses, recognisable landmarks, or the area around your business 
  • Your business name and category by capturing the storefront, showroom and signage. Show your business’s name printed on permanent fixtures, such as a signboard, wall or window. The name should be an exact match with your Google Business Profile name.
  • Proof of management, by recording employees-access-only areas (such as a staff kitchen) and/or by recording yourself opening a cash register, accessing a point-of-sale system, or unlocking the door to the business.

Video Verification Requirements for Service-Area Businesses

For service-area businesses, your video should include the following:

  • The location where you offer your services by capturing signs within your service area that advertise your business or street signs next to your business. 
  • Your business name and category by capturing branded equipment, marketing materials, product inventory, or tools you use to serve your customers. Unlocking a van with your business name on it is a typical method for demonstrating the existence of the business.
  • Proof of management by recording yourself at work providing the service in addition to showing business documents, such as a business licence, invoices or utility bills.

How to Do Google Business Video Verification

To complete Google Business Video Verification, complete the following steps.

1. Access Your Google Business Profile

In Google Search, navigate to your Google Business Profile Manager or visit www.google.com/business to sign in to your Google Account. Select the business you would like to verify. 

2. Start the Verification Process

If the business is not already verified, a ‘Verify’ or ‘Get Verified’ button will be visible. Click this.

get verified button

At this stage, Google may provide several methods for verifying your business, including by post, email and phone. If so, try these first (they are often quicker and more straightforward); if not, select video verification.

Note: If you access your Google Business Profile via a desktop, scan the QR code on the screen using your mobile to continue on this device.

3. Record the Video

Follow the prompts to start the video call, which will take you to the ‘Start Recording’ screen. If necessary, allow access to your camera and microphone. Hit the red button to start recording, like you would with a normal video.

When recording the video, take care to:

  • Show the required elements in one continuous segment
  • Make the video over 30 seconds but under five minutes (preferably no longer than 2 minutes).

4. Complete the Verification

When you’ve finished recording, stop the video and click the ‘Upload Video’ button. 

It can take up to five business days for Google to complete the review. You will receive an email notification once your business has been verified.

Note: occasionally, the video will have to be re-recorded. If so, simply follow steps 1-3 again.

5. Verify Business Information

Log back into your account to check the verification has gone through.

Google Business Video Verification FAQs

See below for frequently asked questions regarding Google Business Video Verification.

Do All Google Business Profiles Require Video Verification?

All Google Business Profiles require some form of verification. The majority of Google Business Profiles require video verification, but other methods are available. These include phone, email and postal verification. 

If it’s possible to verify via other methods, they will be available on the verification tab of the profile.

My Business is Online Only

Google Business will not allow you to have a profile if your business is online only.

Google Business Video Verification Not Uploading

If your video does not upload, try again. If the issue persists, try recording and uploading from another device or get in touch with Google Support.

I Keep Failing the Google Business Profile Video Verification

For your next attempt, ensure the following:

  • Your video contains all the required elements, namely location, proof of existence and proof of management.
  • Your video is over 30 seconds but under five minutes long.
  • Your Google Business Profile meets the required standards and the business name in the profile matches the evidence in the video.
  • Location Services or the equivalent on your mobile device are switched on.
If your attempts continue to fail, try logging a ticket with Google Support.

How Long Does Google Business Video Verification Take?

A Google Business Video Verification review takes around five business days to complete. You will receive an email when verification is complete.

Can I Pre-record a Google Business Verification Video?

No. Videos must be filmed live via the video verification process in your Google Business Profile. There is no option to upload a pre-recorded video.

Google Business Video Verification: Final Thoughts

Google Business Profiles are notoriously temperamental; they’re also incredibly important for your business. 

Advance Online has handled the creation and verification of hundreds of Google Business Profiles for local businesses. We also offer web design, SEO, PPC, content marketing, and more. If you would like to know more about our digital marketing services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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