It’s important for your brand to prove its credibility every chance it gets. With TikTok marketing, that means securing the coveted blue checkmark next to your username.
It’s the ultimate symbol of identity verification across social media. Get the checkmark, and you’ve proven to TikTok (and your followers) that you’re the real deal. But the coveted check doesn’t appear automatically, and the requirements have tightened.
Here is your updated guide on how to get verified on TikTok in 2026, including the specific documents you will need to have ready.
What is TikTok verification?
TikTok verification is a process the platform uses to confirm the identity of an account owner. It appears as a blue checkmark by your username to signal to users that your account is authentic, protecting your audience from imposters, scammers or fan accounts.
Why is TikTok verification important?
The blue checkmark is more than just a status symbol to the casual browser; the value of TikTok verification goes far beyond this.
Here is why verification is critical for your brand strategy.
Authority
Getting verified helps demonstrate your brand authority. The blue checkmark is considered a symbol of credibility on social media, and consumers are more inclined to trust brands that have it.
If a customer has the option to engage with, follow and purchase from an unverified brand or a verified competitor, they’ll likely be drawn to the verified option. By getting verified on TikTok, you make it easier for users to support your brand without hesitation.
Authenticity and trustworthiness
Because the verification process is all about proving who you are, consumers perceive creators and brands with a checkmark as more authentic and trustworthy than those without.
This also protects your account from fraud. It’s not uncommon for impersonation accounts to crop up, especially if your brand stands to make money through TikTok Shop. If a TikTok user happens upon an account impersonating your brand, the blue checkmark may be the only safety measure that keeps them from getting scammed.
Credibility
A verification from TikTok tells your audience that your brand is legitimate. When you verify your business identity, you create a safer, more transparent experience for users and advertisers. Your verified business name will be displayed on all your content and under ads shown to customers.
Audience and engagement growth
Getting verified on TikTok can help your account grow faster. While TikTok does not officially confirm that verified accounts are prioritized in the algorithm, the enhanced brand authority and trustworthiness will influence more people to follow and engage with your account.
Beyond establishing authenticity, a verified badge can also enhance your appeal for brand partnerships and other monetization opportunities, ultimately helping you make money on TikTok more effectively.
The 5 core requirements for TikTok verification
Before you apply, you must meet TikTok’s baseline criteria.
TikTok looks for accounts that are:
- Active: You must have logged in within the last 6 months. If you are new to the platform, ensure you know how to use TikTok features regularly.
- Authentic: Your account represents a real person, business or entity.
- Complete: You must have a public account with a bio, profile photo and at least one video. Learn more about how to make TikTok videos.
- Notable: This is the hardest hurdle. You or your brand must be featured in multiple legitimate news sources. Note: Press releases and sponsored/paid media do not count.
- Secure: Your account must enable two-step verification and use a verified email to ensure it stays with the authentic owner.
How to apply for verification on TikTok: Step-by-step
In 2026, the verification process is almost exclusively done in-app.
Here’s the workflow:
- Open your TikTok app and tap Profile at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the Menu button (≡) at the top right of the Profile screen.
- Select Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Account, then select Verification.
- Note: If you are running ads, do not confuse this with “Business Center Verification.” This process is for the blue checkmark on your public profile.
If you don’t see the option to submit a verification request in your app, submit a request through TikTok’s online form. If you have a managed account, you can go directly to your TikTok representative to inquire about verification.
Critical step: Prepare your documentation
This is where many applicants get stuck. Depending on your account type, whether it’s a TikTok business vs. creator account, you must provide specific proof of identity.
For Personal Accounts (Creators/Influencers)
You cannot just “claim” to be a person. You must be ready to upload:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport or National ID).
- A live selfie: Be prepared to take a photo in-app to match your face to the ID provided.
For Business & Institution Accounts
A branded email is the primary requirement. Your account email must match your website domain (e.g., contact@brandname.com, not @gmail.com).
If you cannot provide a branded email, or if TikTok requires further proof of authenticity, you must be prepared to submit:
- Official business documents: Such as a Business License, Articles of Incorporation, Tax Registration or SEC filings.
6 tips to increase your TikTok verification approval
You understand why being verified is so important. But how do you get verified on TikTok?
1. Focus on “notability,” not just virality
In the past, the advice was simply “go viral.” While learning how to get more views on TikTok is a crucial part of your overall growth strategy, a video with 1 million views does not guarantee verification.
TikTok cares about press. Use your viral moments to pitch stories to news outlets, magazines and digital publications. Put together a content strategy that aims for newsworthiness, not just views. TikTok wants to see that people outside of the app are talking about you.
2. Get verified on other social media platforms first
TikTok’s verification team often cross-references your status on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. If you already hold a blue check on Meta platforms, your chances of approval on TikTok improve.
Review our guides to help you prove your authenticity across social before applying to TikTok:
3. Generate media coverage
Since “Notability” is a requirement, you need a PR strategy. Work with your team to identify ways of embedding TikTok content into existing or planned media pitches. If a major publication cites your TikTok video in an article, save that link—it is gold for your verification application.
4. Create consistent content
You cannot get verified on an empty account. Post consistently to show TikTok that you are an active participant in the community.
To keep your feed active, brainstorm unique TikTok video ideas and stay on top of emerging TikTok trends. While follower count isn’t a hard metric for verification, a dead account will rarely be approved.
And if you remain consistent with quality content, your hard work will pay off.
5. Work with influencers
Collaborating with already-verified TikTok influencers can help transfer some of that “notability” to you. If verified creators are tagging you and duetting your content, it signals to TikTok that you are a legitimate part of the creator ecosystem.
Influencer partnerships will help your brand reach even more users, leading to new followers and better engagement.
Looking for influencers to collaborate with?
Start by browsing TikTok to find influencers that are resonating with your target audience. For example, a brand selling kids’ toys may reach out to parent influencers who create content about child enrichment.
Once you find your influencers, compile a list and start reaching out to them about a partnership. Many creators will include an email address for media and brand inquiries in their bio to help brands easily start the conversation. Be sure to define your budget ahead of time. According to the 2024 Influencer Marketing Report, nearly half (47%) of influencers charge between $251 and $1,000 per post.
When you find the right influencer, work with them to create a video that’ll appeal to their audience. The 2024 Influencer Marketing Report also found that influencers resoundingly prefer to create short-form video for brand partnerships. The more their video resonates with their audience, the better chance you have of growing your account and reaching new customers.
Pro Tip: If you want to set a strong foundation for success when reaching out to creators, try using our influencer marketing brief template.
6. Follow TikTok’s community guidelines
Our last tip is simple: Follow the rules.
If your videos are repeatedly removed for violating community guidelines, you’ll struggle to get verified on TikTok. Stay aware of what content is acceptable and post on your best behavior.
Why does TikTok remove verification?
TikTok reserves the right to remove verified badges at any time, without notice. Here are some common reasons badges are removed:
- Ownership transfer: The account was transferred to another owner, making the verification inauthentic.
- Username changes: The username changed, which means the account owner must re-apply for verification.
- Account type changes: The account type changed between business, personal or institution.
- Violations: The account repeatedly or severely violated TikTok’s Community Guidelines and/or Terms of Service.
Get verified on TikTok and go viral
Engagement is key to getting verified. Start by implementing the tips shared to accelerate your path to verification. Then check out our ultimate guide on TikTok for business for new ways to reach your audience, increase your reach and go viral on TikTok.
Ready to take your TikTok strategy to the next level? Streamline your social media management and measure your success with Sprout Social. Start your free 30-day trial today.
The post How to get verified on TikTok: 6 tips for success in 2026 appeared first on Sprout Social.