The Complete Guide to Google Business Profile Video Verification

Google introduced video verification for Business Profiles to improve security, reduce spam, and speed up the verification process. Postcard verification often took days, delaying access, while video verification provides a faster alternative. It also strengthens fraud prevention by making it harder for bad actors to falsify business locations or claim listings they don’t own.

1. Video Verification – Requires a real-time video from your mobile phone showing your business location, signage, and proof of operations.  Google will need access to your mobile camera and location.  Video verification can not be done on a desktop.
2. Phone or Text Verification – Some businesses receive a verification code via call or text to their registered phone number.
3. Email Verification – If eligible, Google will send a code to the business email associated with the listing.
4. Live Video Call Verification – A Google representative verifies your business in real-time through Google Meet. You must show proof of your business location and operations.
5. Bulk Verification – Bulk verification is available for businesses with 10 or more locations, allowing them to bypass standard verification once their account has been approved for bulk verification.
6. Postcard Verification – Google mails a postcard with a unique code to your business address, which you must enter in your profile.  This option is the least available method.

1. Your Service area – Show recognizable street signs, landmarks, or advertisements in your service area. Avoid generic land or unmarked locations.
2. Business existence – Display branded work vehicles, tools, uniforms, or marketing materials. A strong example is unlocking and starting a branded van, then showing equipment inside.
3. Proof of management – Record yourself performing a service and using your tools to perform services (e.g., carpet cleaning) and show business documents like invoices, registration, or utility bills matching your Business Profile name.
4. For more information you can visit the Google Verification support page or watch this helpful video.

1. Exterior of the Business – Show your storefront, including clear signage with your business name. Capture nearby landmarks or street signs to confirm the location. Window decals and small signs on office buildings are acceptable.
2. *Failure to provide proper signage will result in a failed verification.
3. Interior of the Business – Record inside the business, highlighting branded items such as menus, posters, inventory, or workspaces that reflect the nature of your business.
4. Proof of Management – Show yourself unlocking the front door, accessing the point-of-sale (POS) system, unlocking the interior doors, handling inventory, using tools on the job or displaying business licenses, tax documents, or other official paperwork.

Your video should be at least 30 seconds but no longer than 5 minutes, ensuring all required elements—such as signage, proof of operations, and location—are clearly shown. Before starting, make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account with owner or manager access to complete the verification successfully. You now have the ability to preview your video before submitting it, making it easier to confirm everything is clearly captured—saving time and helping avoid potential resubmissions.

1. Use a mobile device—video verification must be done on a smartphone or tablet; it cannot be prerecorded or completed on desktop.  If you select “Get verified” on desktop you will be prompted to scan a QR code and complete the verification on a mobile device.
2. Enable location services and camera access – Before starting, ensure location services are turned on for your device and that your camera and microphone have permission to record.
3. Log into the correct Google account associated with your Business Profile.
4. Search my business or go to Google Business Profile Manager and look for the “Get Verified” button.
   
5. If video verification is required, Google will prompt you to begin the process.
6. Prior to viewing the verification methods; Google may prompt you to enter your address or phone number. Make sure to use the address that is associated with the GBP.
   
7. Follow on-screen instructions — Google will guide you to record specific elements. For brick-and-mortar businesses, show your storefront, signage, interior, and proof of                  management (e.g., POS system, inventory, or business documents). For service-area businesses (SABs), show a branded work vehicle, service tools, or documents proving your business operations.
8. Preview your video before submitting it – You now have the ability to preview your video before submitting it, making it easier to confirm everything is clearly captured.
9. Upload Video – Submit the video for review by following Google’s prompts. While the video is uploading do not interrupt the process.
10. Review times can vary from minutes to several days, during which your profile may show as “pending edits” or “processing” while Google reviews the video..

Documents are not required during the video verification process, but you can provide them to support your affiliation or ownership of the business. Acceptable documents include business registration certificates, utility bills, invoices, tax documents, or any official paperwork that matches the business name and address on your Google Business Profile. While not mandatory, including these documents can be helpful. Make sure to allow your camera to hover over the documents so that Google can clearly read them. It is also important to ensure that the documents are in focus and easily legible.

For businesses with 10 or more locations, bulk verification may be an option, but strict requirements apply. A brand must apply for bulk verification before creating new listings, and no listings can already be pending verification at the time of application.