Google Business Profile Video Verification: Step by Step
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Google video verification asks you to record one continuous video, through your Business Profile on your phone, that shows three things: where the business is, that it is a real working business, and that you are the person who runs it. Plan the shot before you press record, show signage or tools and something only the owner can do, such as unlocking the shop or van, and keep it to a couple of minutes.
When does Google ask for video verification?
Google decides the verification method; you can't choose it (Google). Video is often offered for new profiles, after big changes such as a new name or address, or when Google wants to re-check a business. If other options are shown, you can try them first.
What do you need to show?
| Show this | Storefront business | Service-area business (no shopfront) |
|---|---|---|
| Where you are | Street sign, building, your shopfront and signage | Street or area you are based in, then your vehicle or workspace |
| That it's a real business | Inside: counter, stock, equipment | Branded vehicle, tools, equipment in use |
| That you run it | Unlocking the door or till, staff area | Unlocking the van or toolbox |
| Paperwork (optional) | Business permit, invoice or utility bill in the business name | Same |
Google says you can show business documents such as a permit, invoice or utility bill that matches the name on your profile (Google).
How do you record and submit the video?
- Open your Business Profile on your phone and choose Get verified.
- Choose the business video option and read the requirements on screen.
- Record one continuous take: start outside, then show the business, then show something only an owner can do.
- Upload and wait for the review.
Google says verification reviews can take up to 5 business days (Google).
What are the common reasons videos fail?
- The business name on the profile doesn't match any signage, vehicle or paperwork in the video
- The video jumps between places, or is edited or pre-recorded
- The location isn't clear: no street sign, landmark or building in view
- Nothing shows you control the business, like keys or tools
- The profile name includes extra keywords, which breaks Google's guidelines (Google)
What if your video isn't accepted?
Tips for tradies and mobile businesses
- Fix your profile first: real business name, service area set, home address hidden (Google)
- Film your branded vehicle with the number plate and signage in view, then unlock it and show your tools
- If your vehicle isn't branded, have an invoice or business registration in the business name ready to show
- Film in daylight and talk through what you're showing
How should you prepare before you press record?
In our experience, rushed videos are the ones that get knocked back. Ten minutes of preparation makes it far more likely the first video is accepted.
- Check your profile name, address or service area and category are correct before recording; fix them first, not after
- Charge your phone and clear some storage, so the recording doesn't stop halfway
- Make sure you have a steady mobile or wi-fi connection for the upload
- Walk the route once without recording: street, outside, inside or vehicle, then the owner-only step
- Have your keys and any paperwork in your pocket, ready to show
- Pick a time when the street and shop are quiet
What does a good shot list look like?
Plan the video as one smooth walk. Here's an order that covers what Google asks for (Google), for a shop and for a tradie:
| Step | Shop or kiosk | Tradie or mobile business |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Location | Street sign or the centre's entrance sign | Your street or suburb sign, or a local landmark |
| 2. Outside | Your shopfront and signage | Your vehicle with any signage |
| 3. The business | Counter, equipment, stock | Tools and equipment in the vehicle or workshop |
| 4. Ownership | Unlock the door, till or storeroom | Unlock the vehicle or toolbox |
| 5. Paperwork | An invoice or permit in the business name | An invoice or business registration in the business name |
Talk as you go: "This is our street, this is our shop, this is me unlocking the front door." Narration helps the reviewer follow what they're seeing.
What if you work from home with no signage or vehicle?
Plenty of small businesses, such as bookkeepers, mobile beauty and online services, have no shopfront and no branded van. Video verification can still work, but you have to show more of the business itself.
Start with your street or a local landmark to show the area
Show the equipment you use for the work, such as a treatment kit or work laptop with your business software open
Show business paperwork in your business name: an invoice, a business registration or a utility bill
Keep the camera off family members and private rooms
If your customers don't visit you at home, set a service area and hide your address (Google). See home-based businesses on Google Maps.
Can someone else film the video for you?
Yes, it often helps. A second person can hold the phone steady and walk with you while you unlock doors and show paperwork, which is hard to do one-handed.
- Make sure the person who runs the business is the one doing the owner-only steps on camera
- Agree the route beforehand, so the camera never stops or cuts away
- Hold the phone at chest height and move slowly; shaky, fast footage is hard to review
- Keep it in landscape or portrait, but don't switch halfway through
If an agency or staff member manages your profile, they can help plan it, but the video should still show the real business and the person who runs it.
What if you've recently moved or changed your business name?
Google often asks for verification again after big changes. Make sure everything in the video matches the new details, not the old ones.
- Put up the new signage, or apply new vehicle signage, before you record
- Update your website and invoices with the new name or address first
- Bring paperwork that shows the new details, such as an updated business name registration or a recent invoice
- Don't film the old premises or old signs
See how to change your business name or address on Google for the order to make changes in.
How do you protect private information in the video?
The video goes to Google for review, but it's still worth being careful about what's in shot.
- Cover bank account numbers, tax file numbers and customer details on any paperwork you show
- Don't film customers or members of the public up close
- Avoid showing screens with customer records or passwords
- Tell staff before you start, so nobody is caught off guard
The aim is to prove the business is real, not to show everything about it or everyone in it.
Verification is the start, not the finish. Once your profile is live:
- Complete every section: services, hours, description, photos and a link to your website
- Hold off on further changes to your name, address or category unless you need them, and make any changes one at a time
- Ask your first customers for a review. See how to get more Google reviews
- Post an update and add photos regularly
- Check your performance report after a month to see calls, direction requests and website clicks (Google). See reading your performance report
Stuck on verification? Morphic sets up and verifies Google Business Profiles for Melbourne small businesses and tradies. Get a free quote, or book a 30-minute call.
Related service. Google Business Profile management.
Related reading: How to Set Up a Google Business Profile, How to Change Your Business Name or Address on Google and Google Business Profile Suspended?.
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Key Takeaways
Google picks the verification method; video is common for new and changed profiles.
Record one continuous take on your phone through the Business Profile.
Show location, a real working business, and proof you run it.
Make sure the profile name matches your signage, vehicle or paperwork.
If it fails, fix the exact issue Google names and record again.
Emon Datta
Founder, Morphic Agency
Morphic Agency is a Melbourne-based UX design agency. We've shipped 50+ products across 15+ countries.
