If you’re active in the TikTok space, you’ve likely noticed that fancy blue checkmark on specific profiles. This little badge of honor proves the account is verified on the platform–which sounds impressive, but what does it actually mean? Even more, how can publishers become verified to boost their online success?
Getting verified on TikTok is a powerful strategy to build credibility, expand your reach, and unlock new possibilities for your brand to grow online. The platform still attracts an average of 1.5 billion users worldwide, so publishers have a massive potential audience to reach.
Let’s explore more about getting verified on TikTok and the benefits publishers can expect from the process.
What does it mean to be TikTok verified?
Similar to other platforms, getting verified on TikTok adds a stylish little blue checkmark next to your username for all to see. While it may seem insignificant, it’s a big deal–it signals that TikTok has confirmed your account as authentic and truly belonging to the person or brand it claims to represent.
With so many fake accounts on TikTok, the verification badge is more important to users than ever. The badge appears on your profile, comments, feeds, and search results, making it easy for your audience to recognize that you’re the real deal.
Importance of verification on TikTok
Publishers considering TikTok verification have a chance to boost their presence and leverage this space to access new audiences. Here are some of our favorite benefits.
Access new features
Verified accounts on TikTok often get priority regarding new app features, adding a valuable advantage. This means your content could be among the first to reach audiences eager to explore the latest features, driving traffic to your page and website. Early access also gives verified publishers a head start in troubleshooting features and sparking new trends.
Security against impersonators
Let’s face it–TikTok is rife with accounts impersonating other people. These copycats often try to ride the coattails of more successful accounts, hoping to gain enough followers to access programs like the TikTok Creator Fund. Verification helps users identify real and trustworthy accounts to follow, cutting through the noise of fake profiles.
Boosts credibility and trust
There’s something about the little blue check that puts TikToks on your content that gives users peace of mind when engaging with it. Not only is it a symbol that you’re legitimate, but it also helps publishers establish themselves as credible within their niche and trustworthy with the information they’re putting out there. This is especially valuable if you offer products or services on the app, as users are more likely to purchase from verified accounts.
Increased engagement and reach
Trust and engagement go hand-in-hand with trust–the more users trust your brand, the more they are to interact with your content. Increasing engagement on TikTok has proven a little more challenging in recent years, so any opportunity publishers have to improve this metric is a win.
Becoming TikTok verified can also enhance your visibility by helping your profile stand out from non-verified accounts on the app. TikTok’s algorithm tends to prioritize verified accounts, making it more likely for you to reach new audiences and get on the sought-after For You Page.
Potential TikTok growth
There’s no proof that getting verified on TikTok automatically equals steady growth on the app. However, the benefits and steps you have to take to get verified make it far more likely. Landing on the FYP page, more engagement, reaching new audiences, and boosting trust will all have a positive impact in some way.
Eligibility criteria for TikTok verification
In the past, TikTok verification was reserved for big brands, celebrities, public figures, and the other heavy hitters with millions of followers on the app. Blue badges were assigned directly by TikTok staff to accounts they deemed worthy.
Now, brands of all sizes can become verified to enhance their protection and boost their success. The app considers five TikTok verification requirements before awarding the blue badge.
- Authentic profile. We talk about authenticity a lot in this space, but it’s a little different in this context. Authentic here means real. Your account must represent a genuine brand, business, person, or organization to be verified. Your username, business name, and email domain should all reflect the same brand. What if you have two accounts? TikTok will generally only verify one account per business/brand.
- Account activity. Account activity is essential to verification–TikTok won’t verify a stale account. You are technically only required to have logged in within the past 6 months. However, active posting and engagement throughout the app doesn’t hurt either and may help your chances of verification.
- Notable in media. Here’s where the requirements get a little more complicated. TikTok likes to verify accounts that have been featured in multiple news sources. This doesn’t include press releases or sponsored/paid media. News sources prove that your brand is credible and accurate.
- Complete profile. In addition to your account being public, the app wants your profile to be 100% complete. Your profile should have a username, photo, bio, and a few posts. Using TikTok SEO techniques will already accomplish this requirement.
- Security measures. Using a two-step verification code is always the best security practice, but it’s also a requirement. This eases worry about your account being hacked or taken over by scammers. For guidance, TikTok has more information on the two-step verification process.
Extra tips for getting verified
These steps are not part of the requirements, but some verified accounts have found these tips helpful for getting that blue check!
- Verified outside of TikTok. Some verified users have noticed that getting verified on other platforms can influence TikTok’s final decision on verification. It’s not a guarantee, but it can’t hurt–it may even boost your success across multiple platforms!
- Follow community guidelines. None of these requirements matter if your account does not adhere to the community guidelines set by TikTok. These rules help maintain a safe and supportive space. TikTok won’t endorse hate posts, bullying, or trolling of other accounts.
- Consistent posting. Verifications are generally not given to accounts that lack activity and community building. Make sure you’re posting consistently and engaging with other users and accounts.
How to become verified
Publishers looking to request TikTok verification must apply via the app to be considered. You can access the application through the steps below:
- Open TikTok and tap your profile in the app.
- Tap the menu and select Settings and Privacy.
- Select Account> Verification> Start
- Follow the steps for applying.
There are three types of verification: business, personal, and institutional. You must select the one that matches your account type, or your verification request will not go through.
The platform responds in about 30 days, and denied applications are provided an explanation for why they did not meet verification standards. If you get denied, don’t worry. You can apply again 30 days from the denial date, ensuring you implement the requested changes.
Verification phishing scams
Publishers should only request verification status through the TikTok app. If you receive an email, direct message, or other form of communication asking you to become verified on TikTok, do not engage. These are likely phishing scams, and TikTok officials encourage people to report these attempts if possible.
Let TA help you with TikTok
Getting verified on TikTok may take some effort, but in the long run, it’s worth it for publishers to capitalize on growth potential. The benefits of TikTok verification are worth pushing forward.
Need a hand meeting the requirements? True Anthem’s tool helps publishers consistently with creating and publish engaging content tailored to your audience, hitting more of the key metrics TikTok is looking for. Reach out to chat or request a demo to see how we can support your success.
