TikTok verification is kind of a big deal. That little blue checkmark signals that your content is legit. It means you (or your brand) are the real thing, and boosts both your credibility and your social media impact.

It's also a bit of a status symbol.

One of the reasons that a verification badge is so coveted, is that not everyone can get one. They're typically only granted to users that have a significant following, or an established name. You'll also need an active account and a complete profile to be considered worthy of a blue checkmark.

If you're an influencer or a brand who can check those boxes, then you can request verification for your TikTok account.

However, there are some lesser-known criteria for TikTok verification that we'll get into later in this guide.

Basically, TikTok looks for accounts that are authentic, unique, active, and comply with their guidelines. They want to see that you're creating engaging content regularly and that you have a presence outside of TikTok, too.

So if you want to get that TikTok verification in the bag, you'll need to focus on building your following and engagement. We've written this guide specifically to share all the tips and tricks that make it happen.

In this article:

What is TikTok verification and why it matters

TikTok verification is that little blue tick that appears next to a user's profile name. The verified badge means that TikTok has confirmed the account belongs to a real person or brand. There are no bots here! But it's also much more than that.

Getting verified on TikTok can be a big deal for creators and businesses. The blue badge sets you apart and gives you a trusted, professional edge. Users are more likely to trust and engage with content from verified profiles.

When you're verified, your videos should get more views and likes. The badge helps you stand out in search results and on the For You page. This increased visibility can lead to faster follower growth and more opportunities.

No wonder everyone craves a blue tick!

TikTok verification criteria: What TikTok wants

TikTok doesn't just hand out verification badges to anyone. They look for specific things during the verification process that you need to meet in order to get approved.

First of all, authenticity matters. TikTok wants to make sure you're the real deal. They check if you're who you say you are. If you're a fan account – like the ones that spread across X and Instagram – you're out of luck.

Secondly, you'll need to stay active. Post often and engage with your followers. TikTok likes to see accounts that are always buzzing with activity.

If you're planning to put in a verification request, make sure you follow the rules. Stick to TikTok's community guidelines. Breaking rules won't help your case for verification.

Aim for quality over quantity. It's not just about how many followers you have. TikTok cares more about the quality of your content and how people interact with it.

It's also important to build your profile elsewhere. Are you known outside of TikTok? Having a presence on other social media platforms or in traditional media can help.

Remember, you don't need to rush to get loads of followers. TikTok looks for accounts that are growing in a natural way. Sudden spikes might look a bit odd and raise red flags, perhaps indicating that bots are flooding to your profile.

Finally, focus on creating unique content. Stand out from the crowd. TikTok values creators who bring something new to the table, and rewards these with verified accounts.

Like we said above, getting verified isn't easy. But focusing on these areas can improve your chances and help you build a stronger TikTok presence overall.

How to get verified on TikTok: The step-by-step process

Ready to welcome that blue checkmark into your life? Here's how to get verified on TikTok.

Open the TikTok app and tap your profile icon.

  1. Tap the menu button (three lines) in the top right corner.
  2. Select settings and privacy.
  3. Tap account, then tap verification.
  4. Choose your verification type: personal or institutional.
  5. Fill out the required information and submit your request.

And that's it. Nothing more. Of course, you'll need to meet the basic requirements we mentioned before. You'll need a username, bio, and profile photo. You'll need a verified email address and phone number. Finally, turn off private account settings.

If you have a personal account, you'll be asked to choose between personal and institutional verifications. Personal applies to any notable person, such as a celebrity, influencer, or journalist. Institution applies to any nonprofit institution, such as an organization or university.

If you‘re seeking verification for a brand or company, you'll need to switch to a business account then follow the steps above.

After submitting, TikTok will review your application. This process can take up to 30 days, so don't worry if you don't hear back straight away.

Keep in mind that verification isn't guaranteed. That's one of the reasons it's so sought after!

Remember, TikTok looks at factors like authenticity, uniqueness, and activity when deciding who gets verified. But if you can tick these boxes and have a solid following, you'll have a pretty good shot at bagging the blue tick.

While you wait for the verdict, focus on creating great content and growing your audience. Even if you're not successful this time, this can boost your chances of getting verified in the future.

The great thing is that you can always try again if your first request isn't approved. Just keep working on your TikTok presence and take another shot at the verification process after a few months.

Key strategies to improve your chances of getting verified

Unless you've got a huge public profile, getting verification for your TikTok account will probably involve some effort and strategy.

Here are some approaches that you can take to boost your odds of earning that coveted blue check mark.

Create consistent, engaging content

Post new TikToks daily to keep your audience coming back – and remember to be consistent. If you tap into popular trends and use trending hashtags, you'll be more likely to land on the FYP (For Your Page).

You can game this by paying attention to which posts get the most views and engagement, then create more content in that style.

Try different video formats first, like tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, or challenges, to see what resonates with your target audience. The aim is to get lots of views, likes and comments. Use trending audio and experiment with image carousels to see what takes off. Interact with your followers by responding to comments and making duets.

Quality matters as much as quantity. Put effort into your lighting, editing, and overall production value. You don't have to spend much money to look professional. If you're aiming for a verified account, putting a bit of effort into content creation shows TikTok you're serious about creating top-notch content, like these amazing brands.

Build a strong presence across social media platforms

Now, this is where we let you into a secret. When it comes to getting TikTok verified, every social media platform matters.

Don't limit yourself to just TikTok. Grow your following on other social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X. A broader social media presence across a few different social media platforms makes you look more established and influential.

It can help verification requests if you cross-promote your TikTok videos on your other accounts to drive traffic. Share snippets or teasers to entice people to check out the full video on TikTok.

Any TikTok user seeking verification status should make sure their branding is consistent across all platforms. Use the same profile picture, bio, and username if possible. This helps fans easily find and recognize you.

Get media coverage and engage with other creators

While account verification on TikTok can give you an air of credibility and notability, doing a bit of work to present yourself as credible and notable even before your TikTok verification application will mean you're more likely to be awarded that blue check mark symbol.

It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation.

Media coverage is great for building your public profile before you request verification. Reach out to multiple news sources, websites, and podcasts in your niche. Offer to do interviews or provide expert quotes for articles.

If you make products, send out press releases for product launches and stay up to date with those contacts. Any press mentions can boost your credibility and notability.

Get on the TikTok app and collaborate with some high profile creators, especially those with verified badges. This exposes you to new audiences and shows you're connected in the TikTok community.

It's also a good idea to get offline and attend industry events and TikTok creator meetups. This could take the form of product launches or socials among the TikTok community. Meet the faces behind the TikTok users and try to build genuine relationships. 

Go viral and maintain follower growth

In your quest for that elusive verified badge, you should aim to create content with viral potential.

This might mean jumping on trends or coming up with a unique twist on popular formats. Don't be afraid to try new things – you never know what might take off.

Track your analytics across your TikTok profile to see which posts perform best. Look for patterns in your most successful videos and try to replicate those elements.

Run contests or challenges to encourage engagement and shares. This can help your content spread beyond your current followers, and can help you get that TikTok verified badge.

Keep growing your audience steadily. Consistent follower growth is a key factor TikTok looks at if you request verification. The overall number of how many followers you have is less important than that number tracking upwards.

Common myths about TikTok verification

Many TikTok users think a verification badge is all about follower count. This isn't true. While popularity matters, TikTok looks at other factors too.

Before we go any further, let's debunk some common myths.

Myth 1: Follower numbers are important for business verification

You don't need millions of followers to get verified on TikTok. TikTok considers your account's authenticity, uniqueness, and impact. Quality content and engagement are key.

Myth 2: Verified accounts are permanent

Some believe that a verification badge is permanent. It's not. TikTok removes verification if you break their rules or go inactive for a long time. If you want to keep your verified account, you'll need to stick around.

Myth 3: Buying followers helps you get verified on TikTok

Unfortunately, there are also no shortcuts that will help you get verified on TikTok. Buying followers definitely won't help you get verified (and it might do the opposite, especially if those fake followers are obvious).

Similarly, TikTok can spot fake engagement – and so can other users. Focus on growing your audience organically instead, and creating high quality content.

Myth 4: Get verified and you'll also get bonus stuff

There are rumors that a TikTok verification badge gives you advanced access to special features. There's no proof that this is true. That verified badge is mainly for credibility and clout. It just means the account owner is real and noteworthy.

Myth 5: You can pay for a verified badge

You can't pay TikTok for a verified account. There's no fee to apply or get approved for a verified badge. Be wary of anyone offering to verify your account for money.

Myth 6: If you've got verification badges elsewhere, you'll get a verified badge on TikTok

Getting verified on another third party site doesn't guarantee verification on TikTok. Each platform has its own criteria. To get verified on TikTok, you'll need to meet TikTok's specific requirements.

What to do if your verification request is denied

Don't worry if TikTok turns down your verification request. It's not the end of the road!

You can actually just wait a few weeks and try again.

In the meantime, make sure you're following all the rules. This includes having a complete profile, posting regularly, and following community guidelines.

You can also spend the time improving your content. Focus on making stuff that people love. Try to post more often, use popular hashtags, and join in on trends.

While the number of followers you have isn't everything when it comes to getting that verified badge, it's still good to focus on growing your following. The more followers you have, the better your chances. You could collaborate with influencers, share your TikTok videos on other platforms, and get into the comments to engage with your audience.

Now is also a great time to build your brand! If you're not well-known outside of TikTok, you could start to branch out to other social channels or go looking for some media coverage.

Remember, any account owner without the blue check mark can still be successful. Keep creating great content and connecting with your fans. Your hard work will pay off in time.

Frequently asked questions

Getting verified on TikTok can be tricky. We'll wrap up this guide by answering some common questions about the process and requirements for snapping up a verified badge.

What are the requirements for getting a verified badge on TikTok?

To get verified, you need an active TikTok account with a username, bio, and profile photo. You must verify your email address and phone number. Your account can't be private if you want a verified badge. TikTok also loves to see authenticity, activity, and a growing follower count.

Can you be verified on TikTok without a large follower count?

For sure! TikTok cares more about your influence and content quality than just follower numbers. Even a personal account with a smaller following can get a verified badge if they create unique, engaging content regularly.

What are the benefits of being verified on TikTok?

That little blue checkmark boosts your credibility. You'll stand out in search results and comments. Verified accounts often get more followers and engagement.

What steps should businesses follow to get verified on TikTok?

It's the same process for businesses as individuals, the only difference being that you create a business account and fill out all profile info. Post lots of great content. Engage with your audience. Grow your following on and off TikTok. Apply for verification through the app settings when you're ready.

Is there a way to speed up the TikTok verification process?

There's no official fast-track to get verified. Unfortunately, the process can take time. It might even take multiple attempts – just keep trying! You can try using the same account repeatedly.

How does TikTok determine if an account qualifies for verification?

TikTok looks at several factors. They check if you're a real person or brand rather than another entity claiming to be someone else. They review your content quality and posting frequency. Your follower growth and engagement rates matter too. Being newsworthy or at risk of impersonation can help your case.