Verified: Google Business Profile Video Verification Guide

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Verifying your Google Business Profile is a crucial step for establishing your business’s online presence. When setting up your Google Business Profile, Google will request a verification method. While these can vary, video verification is getting very common.

A verification video will prove your business’s existence and location. This guide will walk you through the best practices and essential tips for creating a successful verification video for your Business Profile.

This guide applies to home-based businesses (service area businesses) and businesses with a physical address.

7 Tips: Google Business Profile Video Verification

To help verify your business, there are a few things to establish before you begin filming your verification video.

Here are some basic details when verifying your profile via video.

1. Minimum length: 30 seconds
2. Take your time: Most Google Business Profile verification videos are 1-2 minutes long.
3. Plan ahead, capturing all 3 requirements in a single, continuous video. Editing is not available.
4. Start outside, capturing your business surroundings, then move inside as required.
5. Privacy: This video is for verification only; it won’t be shared publicly.
6. Ensure that your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) on your website match your Google Business Profile. Also, ensure that your business hours match. Clearly show your business name, exactly as it appears on your Google Business Profile.
7. Start the process on your mobile device.

Don’t be discouraged if your first video isn’t accepted. It is common to submit 2 or more times before a positive result.

What to Include in Your Verification Video: 3 Factors

Okay, now let’s get prepared to shoot your verification video. There are three components to each video submission: proof of location, management, and existence.

1. Proof of Location (Location Verification)

This step verifies that your business exists and is where you claimed it to be. Note that service area businesses have different requirements from physical businesses.

Physical Location

• Capture the exterior of your business location
• Show the complete street address, including business and street signs.
• Ensure the building is clearly identifiable and matches your profile information.
• Provide a brief tour of your business interior
• Include staff working or business activities in progress (if appropriate)

Service Area Business

• Show your street sign and your house
• Show key areas that demonstrate your business is real and operational

2. Proof of Management

This step establishes that you are authorized to verify the profile for this business.

• Show yourself providing the service.
• Show official business documents with your business and personal name on them. For example, your business registration documents, listing you as an owner or agent. Other documents include invoices or utility bills that match the business name on your Google Business Profile.

Consider how to demonstrate that you are a manager or owner of this business. Collect these details and evidence to show in your video.

3. Proof of Business Operation and Existence

Now it’s time to show evidence that your business exists and is in operation.

• Operation: Show any branded signage, vehicles, equipment, company apparel (staff t-shirts), etc.
• Operation: Show any equipment or tools, business cards or flyers, or promotional products with your company name.
• Operation: Show yourself unlocking the business entrance, a company-branded vehicle, or a point of sale system.
• Existence: Business registration or incorporation documents, business license, tax registration (like GST/HST with Canada Revenue Agency), invoices with your business name and address.

Show evidence that your business exists: Capture branded work equipment, marketing materials, services or products for sale, or tools you use to serve your customers. Good examples include recording yourself unlocking a van with your business name on it or branded t-shirts for employees or customers.

via Google Support

Here is a step-by-step video to help plan what you’ll include in your video. Video starts at 6:19. Notice the distinction between Physical Location and Service Area Businesses.

Technical Requirements and Best Practices

Two Ways to Get Started with Video Verification

For the video, it’s easiest to use a phone that is logged into the Gmail account you use for your business.

You can find the “Get Verified” Option in two ways.

• Desktop: From there, you’ll go into your Business Profile and select Verify. It will walk you through the process. The video is uploaded directly after recording. You can record the video on any phone, as long as it is logged in to your Gmail account. 
• Mobile / Google Maps: Open Google Maps on your phone. Tap on Business, and select your business name. You should see Recommended Actions: “You’re not verified.” Tap “Get Verified”.

Video Quality

1. Ensure that location services are turned ON on your phone.
2. Allow your app to use location services (like the browser you’re using or Maps).
3. Reduce the video quality to save file size. Consider 720p instead of 4K. The target file size is 75MB or smaller.
4. Use good lighting and ensure the video is stable.

More Reading: 17 Easy Google Business Profile Optimization Tips for Local SEO

What to Avoid in Video Verification

Common Mistakes to Steer Clear Of

• Do not use pre-recorded or stock footage
• Avoid blocking or obscuring key identifying information
• Don’t rush through the video
• Never show sensitive or private information
• Avoid using filters or heavy editing that might obscure details

Red Flags for Google

• Inconsistent information between the video and your profile
• Videos that appear staged or inauthentic
• Lack of clear business identification

Preparation Checklist

• [ ] Clean and organize your business space
• [ ] Prepare what you’ll say in advance
• [ ] Check lighting and sound quality
• [ ] Ensure all signage is visible and clean
• [ ] Have someone review the video before submission

Remember: The goal is to prove your business is real and located where you have listed it in the profile.

Need help? We offer a Google Business Profile Management Service.

Rejected Verification Video?

If your verification video is rejected:

1. Carefully review Google’s specific feedback
2. Re-record the video addressing any identified issues
3. Double-check all business information for accuracy
4. Consider seeking assistance from Google Business Profile support

Pro Tip: When in doubt, aim for clarity, authenticity, and professionalism in your verification video.

Special Considerations for Service Area Businesses (SAB)

Unique Verification Challenges

Service area businesses (SABs) have distinct verification requirements compared to location-based businesses. These typically include:

• Mobile businesses
• Businesses that serve customers at their homes or offices
• Consultants, contractors, and service providers

In the following video, you’ll learn how to craft a video for your service area business.

Time to Start Recording

A well-prepared verification video can streamline your Google Business Profile verification process. By following these guidelines, you’ll increase your chances of a successful verification and quickly improve your local SEO.

Have a question? Please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer.