How to Verify a TikTok Account

That coveted blue check on TikTok isn't some random award, it's a sign that an account is authentic, notable, and of public interest. While there's no magic follower count that guarantees verification, there is a clear process - and a set of unspoken rules - that TikTok follows. This guide breaks down the official requirements, the step-by-step application process, and actionable strategies you can use to significantly increase your chances of earning that verified badge.

What Does the Blue Check on TikTok Actually Mean?

First, let's clear up a few common myths. The verified badge on TikTok isn't just for mega-celebrities, and it doesn't automatically boost your videos in the For You Page algorithm. At its core, the blue check is all about authenticity and notability.

Its primary purpose is to protect well-known individuals and brands from impersonation or parody accounts that could mislead the public. When you see a verified badge, it means TikTok has officially confirmed that the account belongs to the person, organization, or brand it claims to represent.

When you boil it down, verification serves two main functions:

• Authenticity: It confirms you are who you say you are. This protects your reputation and helps your followers distinguish your official account from fan pages or imposters.
• Credibility: While not a direct algorithm booster, the badge acts as a powerful form of social proof. It lends credibility to your content, making brands more likely to partner with you and users more likely to trust the information you share.

Think of it less as a reward for being popular and more as a safety measure for accounts that are likely to be copied or impersonated. This is why having significant public recognition outside of TikTok is such a big part of the process.

The Official TikTok Verification Requirements Checklist

So, what does TikTok actually look for? According to their official guidelines, your account must meet several criteria related to integrity and notability. Let's break down each requirement into a simple checklist. You'll need to hit all of these to even have your application considered.

1. Be Active

To be considered, your account must have a recent history of activity. TikTok specifies that you must have logged in within the last six months. However, just logging in isn't enough. An "active" account in their eyes is one that is consistently creating and engaging with content. While there's no official rule on posting frequency, a profile with a handful of videos from months ago is unlikely to be approved. Aim for a regular posting schedule that shows you are an active participant on the platform.

2. Be Authentic

This one is straightforward. Your account must represent a real person, business, or entity. This is confirmed through official documentation during the application process.

• For individuals: You'll likely need to provide government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport.
• For businesses/organizations: You'll need to submit official documents like business registration, trademark certificates, or articles of incorporation.

3. Be Complete

Your profile needs to look official and be ready for public viewing. This is a non-negotiable step. Make sure your account has all of the following:

• A bio
• A profile photo
• A username (@handle)
• At least one public video

Basically, your profile can't be an empty shell. It needs to clearly communicate who you are and what you're about from the first glance.

4. Be Secure

Security is a must for verified accounts since they are bigger targets for hackers. To meet this requirement, your account must have multi-factor authentication (MFA) set up with a verified email address. This ensures that only you can access your account and make changes. If you haven't enabled MFA yet, TikTok will prompt you to do so during the verification application process.

5. Be Notable

This is easily the most important - and the most subjective - requirement. It's not enough to be popular on TikTok, you need to be a recognized figure outside of the app. TikTok says it looks for accounts featured in "multiple, reputable news sources."

What does that actually mean?

• Reputable News Sources: Think major news outlets, national magazines, and respected industry publications. Things like Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, or even well-regarded local broadcast news channels count.
• What Doesn't Count: Paid or promotional content (like advertorials), press releases, your own website, or blog mentions on small, unknown sites won't move the needle. TikTok wants to see organic media coverage that proves you are a figure of public interest.

This is where most people get stuck. If you're "TikTok famous" but nowhere else, your chances of verification are slim. The real work is often in building your brand off-platform.

How to Apply for Verification on TikTok: Step-by-Step

If you meet the criteria above, the application process itself is quite simple and can be done directly within the app. Here's how to find it and what you'll need.

1. Go to Your Profile: Open TikTok and tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Open Settings: Tap the three-line menu (the "hamburger" icon) in the top-right corner to open the Settings and privacy menu.
3. Go to 'Account': In the settings menu, tap on Account.
4. Select 'Verification': If your account is eligible to apply, you'll see a Verification option. Tap on it to begin the process. (Note: This option is rolled out, so it may not be visible to everyone).
5. Fill Out the Application: TikTok will guide you through a series of steps. You'll need to:
   • Confirm your identity: You'll be asked to provide ID for a personal account or business documents for an organization.
   • Prove your notability: This is where you submit links to the media coverage we just discussed. You'll have a chance to add several links to online articles, so choose your most impressive ones. Don't add YouTube videos, links to other social profiles, or your personal blog - stick to credible, third-party press mentions.
   • Confirm your details: Double-check all the information you've entered for accuracy.
6. Submit and Wait: Once you submit your application, all you can do is wait. TikTok says it can take up to 30 days to review an application, but it can vary. You'll receive a notification within the app letting you know their decision.

Beyond the Basics: Strategies to Increase Your Chances of Getting Verified

Just meeting the minimum requirements isn't enough. True success in getting verified comes from building a brand that is undeniably notable. Here are some actionable strategies to help you get there.

1. Generate Off-Platform Buzz

Since notability is mostly measured by press coverage, you need to be proactive about getting it. No one is just going to find you randomly, you have to put yourself out there.

• Pitch Local Media: Are you a successful local business owner or a creator with a unique story? Local news stations, newspapers, and magazines are often looking for interesting community stories. A feature in a local ABC or NBC affiliate's news segment is a great piece of press.
• Use Services like HARO: Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is a free service that connects journalists with expert sources. Sign up for alerts related to your niche. If a reporter quotes you in a major publication, that's exactly the kind of press TikTok is looking for.
• Collaborate with Recognizable Figures: Co-creating content with already verified creators or well-known experts in your field can lend you credibility by association and often leads to cross-promotional opportunities, including press mentions.
• Speak at Events or on Podcasts: Being a guest on a respected podcast or speaking at an industry conference establishes you as an expert. These appearances are often covered by industry blogs and news sites.

2. Focus on Consistent, High-Quality Content

One-off viral hits are great, but sustained growth is better. TikTok's team looks at accounts that have a proven track record. A consistent stream of high-performing videos shows that you're a serious creator who understands the platform and provides ongoing value to your followers. This growth pattern tends to attract the external attention (and press) that leads to verification.

3. Build Your Presence on Other Platforms

A strong presence across multiple social platforms is a powerful signal of notability. If you're already verified on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or have a big following on YouTube with a Subscriber Play Button, you appear more legitimate. Make sure your other social profiles are linked in your TikTok bio. While verification on one platform doesn't guarantee it on another, it definitely helps build your case.

4. Define and Dominate Your Niche

Are you the go-to person for home baking tips? The funniest lawyer on the app? A financial advisor who simplifies complex topics? Being a recognized authority in a specific niche makes it easier to prove you are "notable." General lifestyle content is much harder to build credibility in than a focused category where you can truly become an expert. Your content and bio should clearly communicate your area of expertise. When news outlets need a quote on a topic in your niche, being highly visible makes you the obvious person to call.

5. Know What to Do If You're Rejected

Getting a "No" isn't the end of the road. If your application is denied, you can re-apply after 30 days. Don't just re-submit an hour after the 30-day window opens. Use that month to actively build your case. Re-evaluate your profile: Have you secured any new press mentions? Has your follower growth been accelerating? Have you further niched down and strengthened your brand identity? Treat each rejection as feedback on where to improve before your next submission.

Final Thoughts

Getting verified on TikTok is a marathon, not a sprint. It's less about a single application and more about building a notable brand that has an impact both on and off the platform. By focusing on consistent content, generating external buzz, and securing your account, you transform verification from a distant dream into an achievable goal.

We know that consistently creating great content - the kind that gets you noticed - is the hardest part of building your brand. At Postbase, we designed our platform specifically to help with that. Our visual calendar helps you plan your TikToks alongside your Reels and Shorts to keep your content flowing without the headache, and our scheduling works seamlessly for video-first content. It's all about helping you keep up the momentum required to build a truly notable presence.