How to Get Verified on TikTok in 2026

A blue checkmark is the most coveted status symbol for creators and brands on social media. The TikTok verification badge is one of the most visible trust signals on the platform. That blue check tells viewers your account is authentic, notable, and managed by a real person or organization.

If you want a verified badge, you’ll need to treat verification like a process; it doesn’t just happen on a whim or because you have thousands of followers. There are steps to the verification process, and this guide breaks down what TikTok looks for, how to apply, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting verified.

What TikTok Looks For Before Granting Verification

TikTok evaluates several factors before granting a verified badge. Verification is based on credibility, not popularity. In fact, TikTok has stated that follower count and likes are not part of the decision. To be verified, TikTok looks for these 5 things:

1. Your account must be active

TikTok expects verified accounts to be regularly active. If you haven’t logged in or posted in the last six months, you likely won’t qualify.

2. Your account must be authentic

You need to represent a real person, business, or organization. TikTok generally allows one verified account per person or business, with exceptions for different languages or branded affiliates.

If you’re a business, TikTok may ask for an email domain that matches your brand user name (for example, @yourbrand.com). If you can’t provide that, you may be asked to share additional documentation.

3. Your account must be complete

Your profile needs to be public and fully filled out. To increase your likelihood of verification, make sure your profile includes:

• A username that reflects your brand or name
• A profile photo
• A bio
• At least one posted video

4. Your account must be notable

TikTok wants to see proof that you’re known outside the app. This usually means coverage in multiple credible news sources, not press releases or paid media. For example, a self-published press release or sponsored blog post wouldn’t support your verification application, but coverage from outlets like Forbes, The New York Times, or Business Insider would.

5. Your account must be secure

TikTok requires verified accounts to have two-step verification enabled and a verified email address. This helps protect verified accounts from being hacked or misused.

How to Request Verification on TikTok (Step-by-Step)

If you meet the requirements, here’s how to submit a verification request inside the TikTok app:

• Open TikTok and go to your Profile
• Tap the Menu (☰)
• Select Settings and privacy
• Tap Account
• Tap Verification
• Choose Start and follow the prompts

Important Notes

• Business accounts can only apply for business verification
• Personal accounts can apply for personal or institutional verification
• Government or political accounts must apply for institutional verification
• If the option isn’t available in your region, you can submit a request through TikTok’s online form
• If your application is denied, you can reapply 30 days after you receive the notification.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Verified

Post consistently

TikTok favors accounts that show sustained activity over time. For example, posting 3–5 times per week for several months signals reliability, while an account that goes viral once and then goes quiet often gets overlooked.

Build real engagement

Focus on interaction, not just views. For example, a video with 20K views and hundreds of comments, saves, and shares is stronger than a video with 200K views but little audience response.

Use a complete and professional profile

Your profile should clearly reflect who you are. For example, a recognizable name, a concise bio explaining what you do, a high-quality profile photo, and a link to an official website or social account help establish legitimacy.

Earn credible media coverage

Verification is tied to real-world notability, which means TikTok looks for proof that people talk about you outside the app. This can come from being quoted as an expert, being profiled for your work, or being covered for something you’ve actually done.

Publicists and PR professionals can help by identifying newsworthy angles, pitching journalists, and securing earned media placements, but coverage still has to be editorial and independent. Whether through a publicist or organic outreach, what matters is that reputable publications choose to cover you.

Keep your account secure

Security is part of the verification criteria. Enabling two-step verification and using a verified email domain reduces the risk of impersonation and shows TikTok your account is protected.

Build Credibility That Actually Converts with SideShift

Verification is a status symbol, but it’s not necessarily a success indicator. What actually matters is consistency, output, momentum, and access to the right opportunities.

SideShift helps brands scale TikTok content by connecting them with Gen Z creators who truly understand the platform. Not all SideShift creators have or need a verification badge. In many cases, unverified creators feel more relatable and authentic, which can make their opinions, recommendations, and brand affiliations land harder. When creators get too big or overly focused on chasing verification and similar symbols of status on social media, they sometimes sacrifice reliability and authenticity in the process.

Instead of putting all your spend into a single macro or celebrity influencer just because of a shiny blue badge, SideShift helps brands spread the word wide, not deep. With an equivalent or lesser budget, hiring a content army of nano and micro creators (many of whom are unverified) can outperform one big name when it comes to trust, volume, and real engagement. Don’t be fooled: the little guys win too.

SideShift also supports creators at every stage with resources, guidance, and an accessible support system to help you get set up, gain traction, and grow your portfolio as a UGC creator. Many creators go from earning nothing to generating thousands per month by using SideShift to access paid brand opportunities.

If you qualify for verification, it’s worth pursuing, but it’s not a prerequisite for winning. You don’t need to wait for verification to earn on social media. Start building real momentum instead.

Try SideShift for free.

FAQs

1. How do I apply for verification on TikTok?

You can apply inside the TikTok app under Settings > Account > Verification. If the option isn’t available in your region, you can apply through TikTok’s online form.

2. Does TikTok verification depend on follower count?

No. TikTok explicitly states that follower count and likes are not considered when awarding a verified badge.

3. How long does it take to get verified?

TikTok does not provide a set timeline. If your application is denied, you can reapply after 30 days.

4. Does Verification Cost Money?

No. TikTok does not charge for verification. Any service claiming to sell verification badges is not affiliated with TikTok and should be treated as a scam.

5. Can You Remove Verification If You Want To?

TikTok does not currently offer a way to request badge removal. The only reliable method is changing your username, which removes the badge automatically.