How To Get Verified on TikTok: Steps, Benefits, and Tips (2024)

If you’ve ever received backstage access to a show, you were probably given an ID, tag, or wristband to prove you belong. That symbol shows others that you’ve been conferred a special status, that though the audience may be large, you stand out.

A verified badge is like a VIP pass on social media. You get to do all the things regular users do, but the TikTok verification badge signals that you’re special and your content deserves extra recognition. Brands and content creators often want TikTok verification badges to boost credibility and reach a wider audience. Here’s what you need to know to get verified on TikTok.

What is TikTok verification?

Verification is a seal of authenticity—it’s TikTok’s way of certifying that an account belongs to the stated user. Verified accounts have a blue checkmark symbol displayed next to their name in search results and on their profile page, signaling that the account holder is who they say they are.

Similar to the Instagram verification process, TikTok typically reserves verification for users with public significance, such as celebrities, influencers, and notable brands. TikTok users need to meet certain qualifications and prove their identity to get approved for verification.

Benefits of TikTok verification

A TikTok-verified badge means that your account is noteworthy and authentic. It doesn’t guarantee social media success, but becoming verified can benefit your account in several ways:

Impress your audience

Verification can make your account more eye-catching. The blue checkmark displayed next to your name is a signal that your profile is significant and trustworthy. TikTik users may be more likely to pay attention to content from verified accounts. The blue checkmark also helps your username stand out in search results.

Discourage copycats

Getting verified on TikTok helps protect your identity. Copycats sometimes make imitation accounts to attract followers. A verified badge confirms to visitors that you’re indeed the associated business or person behind the profile.

Increase engagement

Users and other verified accounts may be more likely to respond to your comments or messages if you sport a blue checkmark. Interacting with other users on the app can boost your engagement rate and lead to increased exposure.

How many followers do you need for verification on TikTok?

Verification eligibility on TikTok is not tied to follower count, and large accounts aren’t automatically verified. Smaller or newer accounts can receive a blue check if they demonstrate public value. To grant verification, TikTok requires proof of public significance, which you can demonstrate by participating in multiple news or trend stories.

You can’t buy TikTok verification—you have to meet the eligibility requirements and complete the approval process.

How to get verified on TikTok

1. Complete your profile
2. Secure your account
3. Attract media coverage
4. Request verification

According to TikTok’s guidelines, accounts must be “complete, notable, and secure” to be eligible for verification. If your account meets these criteria, submit a verification request in the TikTok app.

Here’s how to get your account in shape and apply:

1. Complete your profile

Make sure your account is complete before requesting verification. TikTok requires that all verified users have a profile photo, bio, and username. Your account must also be set to public to be considered for verification. Edit or update this information by navigating to your profile page and tapping the edit button under your picture.

Ensure that your information accurately reflects your identity and your account’s purpose. Choose a recognizable username to help users identify your account. For business accounts, select a handle that resembles your business name.

2. Secure your account

TikTok uses verification to certify that accounts are authentic to discourage impersonators. If your account has reached the level of prominence required for verification, it may become a target for bad actors. To reduce risks, TikTok requires that verified accounts take certain security measures.

Secure your account by confirming your contact information and setting up two-step verification. Follow the instructions in the app to verify the phone number and email address associated with your profile.

3. Attract media coverage

TikTok’s policies state that an account “must be featured in multiple news sources” to be eligible for verification. Earning media coverage helps make the case that your content is noteworthy and of interest to the general public. Participate in trending hashtags, follow best practices to increase your odds of going viral, and pitch coverage to journalists to improve your odds of attracting media attention.

Be aware that paid media placements (sponsored content) and features in press releases are not considered valid mentions.

4. Request verification

Once you meet these requirements, you can request verification in the app. To submit a request, log in to your account and go to your profile by tapping the thumbnail in the bottom right corner. Open the three-bar menu, click “Settings and privacy,” tap “Account,” and tap “Verification.”

The app prompts you to select your account type. If you are registered as a personal account, choose between personal and institutional verification. Business accounts must select business verification.

If you’re seeking personal verification, you may need to upload a photo of an official document, like a driver’s license, to prove your identity. Once submitted, TikTok staff will review the request, which may take a few weeks. Avoid resubmitting within 30 days, as duplicate requests can delay the process.

Tips for getting verified on TikTok

Here are some techniques brands and content creators use to grow their following and build the credibility required to get verified:

Post consistently

The TikTok algorithm favors active accounts. Regularly uploading new videos attracts loyal followers who return for fresh content. Maintaining an active account increases the odds of your verification request getting approved.

Grow your following

A large following doesn’t guarantee verification, but it does boost your account’s notability. More followers mean more visibility, increasing the chances of media coverage—a key verification criterion.

Populating your page with high-quality content is the best way to increase your follower count. Focus on honing your unique brand voice and an authentic tone. Engage with other TikTok creators; like and comment on videos and partner with influencers to attract a larger audience.

Go viral

Participating in a viral TikTok trend is an excellent way to attract media attention. Digital publications often publish TikTok trend explainers or round-ups that include popular videos.

Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to go viral. Pay attention to trends and post engaging content with trending hashtags to help your TikTok videos attract attention.

Start a trend

Kickstarting a new trend can earn you media mentions. If the trend catches on, your account might be featured in trend pieces or explainers. TikTok trends are light-hearted and easy to replicate, encouraging users to create their own videos. Challenges, filters, and dance routines all have the potential to ignite a trend.

Verify non-TikTok accounts

Other social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, offer similar verification programs. Getting your other accounts verified can boost your credibility, proving you’re a real person or brand with influence. If you have a significant following on another platform, connect your accounts.

Mind the guidelines

Pay attention to TikTok’s community guidelines, which prohibit content involving hate speech, harassment, dangerous acts, illegal activities, misinformation, and explicit material. TikTok will not verify accounts that violate its terms of service and may shadow ban violators, minimizing their visibility.

Keep these guidelines in mind even after you become verified. TikTok staff can remove verification badges if an account violates the app’s content policies or changes its username.