TikTok’s blue verification badge is an important status symbol that designates an authentic, notable, and active account on the platform. Verification provides credibility and authority to profiles, allowing influencers, brands, celebrities and public figures to easily identify themselves on TikTok. The coveted blue checkmark enables verified accounts to stand out from the crowd and gives followers confidence that the account is legitimate. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok verification helps content creators, companies and organizations maximize their reach and engagement on one of the world’s fastest growing apps.
Verification Badge
The TikTok verification badge is a blue checkmark that appears next to a user’s username on their profile. According to TikTok’s help center, “The blue verification badge lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic.”
The verification badge will appear on the user’s profile page, next to their profile photo and username at the top. It will also show up next to the username on any videos or comments the user posts. The blue checkmark icon is the same one used on other social platforms like Twitter and Instagram to indicate verified accounts.
Seeing the verification badge lets viewers know that the account belongs to the authentic person, brand or entity it represents. TikTok manually reviews accounts before granting verification, to confirm they meet the criteria.
Criteria for Verification
TikTok has several main criteria it uses to determine whether an account should be verified with a blue verification badge. According to magicbrief.com, TikTok’s verification criteria are selective, aiming to verify only those accounts that are genuinely influential and notable on the platform. The key requirements are:
Authenticity – TikTok wants to verify real accounts of public figures, brands, and organizations. Fake, parody, or inactive accounts are unlikely to get verified.
Uniqueness – TikTok looks for accounts that are unique and not duplicate versions of verified accounts. Having a unique brand identity and content style helps.
Activity – Verified accounts need to be active in posting content and engaging with followers. Inactive accounts are unlikely to receive or maintain verification.
Steady growth – TikTok likes to see healthy growth in followers and views. Rapid growth through artificial means may get an account banned instead.
Watch time – Accounts with high view durations and engaging content tend to be verified. Quality content that keeps viewers watching is important.
Following TikTok rules and guidelines – Any signs of policy violations may prevent an account from being verified.
Verification Request
To request verification on TikTok, you need to open the app and go to your profile page. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Request verification” from the menu. This will open up a form where you can submit your request.
In the request form, you’ll need to provide details about your account like your name, account username, email address, and phone number. You’ll also need to select a category that fits your account, such as musician, public figure, comedian, etc. Lastly, you can write a short paragraph explaining why you should be verified on TikTok.
Once you submit the request, it will be reviewed by TikTok’s team. They will evaluate if your account meets the criteria to receive a verified badge. According to HootSuite, the review process can take a few weeks. You’ll receive a notification if your request is approved or denied.
Number of Followers
Contrary to popular belief, the number of followers an account has is not the main criteria for verification on TikTok. As TikTok states, “We don’t consider the number of followers or likes on an account when granting a verified badge” (source). While having a large following can help raise awareness of an account, there is no set minimum follower threshold that guarantees verification.
TikTok focuses more on assessing the authenticity and quality of content from accounts applying for verification, not follower counts. Accounts with smaller but highly engaged followings who produce original, high-quality content have a solid chance at getting verified. Mass follower counts from fake bot accounts or follow-for-follow schemes do not impress TikTok’s verification review team.
In short, creators should focus on organically building an authentic, active audience that genuinely enjoys their content rather than obsessed over vanity metrics like follower counts. TikTok values authenticity and quality over pure follower numbers when handing out verification badges.
Account Originality
TikTok emphasizes the importance of creating and posting original, high-quality content in order to get verified. Accounts that get verified tend to consistently produce creative videos that entertain and engage viewers. According to TikTok’s Integrity and Authenticity guidelines, the platform wants to provide an experience where users can “discover content that is original.”
This means accounts seeking verification should avoid reposting or repurposing others’ content without adding substantial new value. TikTok aims to highlight creators who showcase their unique talents, skills, and personalities through their videos. Accounts that get verified need to demonstrate their ability to consistently generate innovative content within their niche.
Overall, TikTok emphasizes originality because the platform wants to connect users with authentic content that feels fresh and genuine. A verified badge signals that an account’s content stands out with its creativity and ingenuity.
Account Activity
TikTok looks at your account’s activity and posting frequency when reviewing verification requests. To qualify for verification, your account should have regular posting activity over an extended period of time. According to the TikTok Help Center, accounts with infrequent posting are unlikely to get verified.
TikTok wants to verify accounts that are actively creating and engaging with content on the platform. If your account has large gaps with no posts or you only post sporadically, it signals that you may not be committed to regularly posting content on TikTok. Accounts with consistent posting activity show that you are an active member of the TikTok community.
While TikTok has not provided specific posting frequency requirements, general guidance is to post multiple times per week. Verified accounts tend to post at least 3-5 times per week. Having regular posting over months and years, rather than batches of posts followed by long gaps of inactivity, helps demonstrate an active commitment to TikTok.
Sources:
How To Get Verified on TikTok: Tips for a Successful Verification Request | Hootsuite
Verified accounts on TikTok | TikTok Help Center
Authenticity
TikTok wants to ensure you’re the real person behind the account. They’ll ask for your legal name and a copy of your government ID to verify your identity according to How to Get Verified on TikTok: A Guide to Earning the Blue Check. TikTok may also require a live video selfie showing your full face and government ID to confirm your identity. You will need to prove you are the authentic owner of the account to get verified.
TikTok looks at various signals like account login and creation information to detect inauthentic behavior. Accounts that exhibit bot-like activity or show signs of buying followers or likes are unlikely to get verified. TikTok aims to verify real people, so fake or spam accounts have no chance at getting a blue badge.
Appeals Process
If your request for verification is denied, you can appeal the decision within 30 days. To start the appeals process:
- Open the notification in the TikTok app that states your verification request was denied.
- Tap “Appeal” to begin the appeal process.
- Follow the instructions provided to explain why you believe your account should be verified.
- TikTok will review your appeal and notify you of the result. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible on why your account meets the criteria for verification.
Some reasons your appeal may be accepted include providing more evidence your account is notable, authentic, and associated with a real person or organization. However, there is no guarantee your appeal will be approved. TikTok has sole discretion over which accounts get verified. If your appeal is denied again, you’ll need to wait at least 30 days before submitting another verification request.
Maintaining Verification
Once an account has been verified, there are certain requirements needed in order to maintain the verified status. According to TikTok’s Help Center, accounts must continue to adhere to the platform’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service to keep the blue verification badge.
Verified accounts should avoid violating any of TikTok’s policies around dangerous acts, illegal activities, regulated goods, dishonest behavior, and intellectual property infringement. Accounts must continue to meet the criteria that initially qualified them for verification as well.
TikTok may remove an account’s verified status if there are severe or repeated violations of their terms and policies. Accounts can also lose verification by changing the username associated with the badge. According to TikTok’s Help Center, “Keep in mind that we only review subsequent verification requests after 30 days.”
