How To Pass Google Business Profile Video Verification and Fix Upload Issues
- Allan Weck
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Key points:
Keep your video under 1 minute
Use the Chrome browser
Make sure your browser is allowed to share your location in youjr phone's settings
Why do I need to verify my business?
If you are setting up a new profile, Google will typically require you to verify to prove your business is legitimate. You will also be asked to verify if you are claiming to be the owner of an existing business listing on Google Maps.
Your profile can also become unverified if any information on it doesn’t follow Google’s guidelines (for example, your website button links to a social media page rather than your website). Sometimes it’s just a matter of making too many updates that sends a warning signal to the system, and you’ll be asked to re-verify before any further edits can be published.
We recently worked with a client who had a duplicate listing merged with their main profile, only to discover the next day that they had been locked out and needed to re-verify ownership of the business. In that instance, their profile remained visible on Google Maps, they just couldn’t make any further changes until they passed verification. If there is content that doesn’t follow Google’s guidelines, the entire profile may be delisted until it’s corrected.
Why is video verification my only option?
It’s becoming more common that video verification is the only option available for users. This is a combination of limited resources for the number of businesses listed on Google Maps, and it’s a seemingly harder method to fake all the checkpoints their looking for. While it may seem like a headache, you’re only filming a 45-second video of a space you’re probably regularly in.
What is Google looking for?
Google wants proof that you are the owner or manager of the business. They have 3 criteria for proof outlined in their guide.
Store-front and Hybrid Businesses
Show your business location: Film your storefront so your business name and address are easy to see. Street signs or the building number help, but the key is a clear, permanent sign with your business name on it.
Show proof your business exists: Record your front entrance, showroom, or anywhere your business name is clearly displayed on a sign, wall, or window. The name must match your Business Profile.
Show proof you run the place: Capture something only an employee or owner could do, such as opening the cash register, walking into the stockroom, demonstrating the POS system, or unlocking the kitchen.
Service-Area Businesses
Show where you work: Record something in your service area that proves you’re local, like your business name on a sign, a van, or a landmark near where you operate. Don’t film empty fields or random locations with no signs.
Show proof your business exists: Film your branded van, tools, or gear. You can also show uniforms or shirts with your logo. Basically, something that ties your name to the work you do.
Show proof you’re in charge: Show paperwork that proves you manage the business, like a business permit, utility bill, or invoice with the same name that’s on your Business Profile.
Do I need to have signs in front of my business?
Only if you are a storefront/hybrid business. This means you are displaying your address on Google with the expectation that customers can visit you there. Your home address can also be used if you have permanent signage.
What if I’m unable to film the video at the address I have listed?
To display your address on your business profile, your business must be physically located there. If you try to film your verification video from another location, it will fail. It’s best to correct or remove your address on Google before doing the verification video. If you don’t have permanent signage, remove your address and set a service area instead.
How long should my verification video be?
As short as possible. Google recommends keeping it under 2 minutes, but most people’s videos fail to upload if they’re over 1 minute. It has to be over 30 seconds. Around 45 seconds seems to be a sweet spot for most.
I’ve tried to film my Google Business verification video a few times, and it keeps saying upload failed.
This is likely due to the video's length. If your video is under 1 minute and the upload is still failing, make sure you are on the chrome browser. If your phone settings allow it, turn your camera down to the lowest quality. Also wait until you have a strong wifi connection or signal to hit upload.
How long will it take to hear back if I passed verification?
In most cases, if your video passes, you will start to see your profile return to normal over the next week. In rare cases, it can take longer if Google chooses to do a manual review.
Get help with your Google Business Profile from Purely Imagined
We help brands manage their presence on Google. This includes helping them with verification issues. If you need some assistance with getting your profile back or maintaining it after you’ve been verified, reach out to our team.
