Google Business Profile Video Verification: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Google Business Profile video verification is a way for Google to confirm that your business is real and that you manage it. You record one short, live, unedited video on your phone through your Business Profile, Google reviews it within about five business days, and if it passes your profile is verified.

This guide walks through the whole process: who is eligible, what to show for your type of business, how to record and upload, and what to do if the review does not go your way.

Who can verify with a video?

Google offers video verification to three kinds of businesses:

• Storefront businesses that serve customers at a permanent location with signage, such as a shop, salon or clinic.
• Service-area businesses that travel to customers, such as plumbers, cleaners or mobile mechanics.
• Hybrid businesses that serve customers at a location and also travel or deliver. Google treats these like storefronts for video verification.

Online-only businesses are not eligible for a Business Profile at all, so they cannot verify by video. You also cannot choose the method yourself: Google decides which verification options your profile is offered. If you see "Record a video" or similar, that is the method Google wants from you.

Google's recording rules

Google's help page sets out a short list of requirements. Your video must be:

• Recorded and uploaded from a mobile device, through your Business Profile.
• Captured live. Pre-recorded clips from your camera roll are not allowed.
• One unedited, complete recording with no breaks or cuts.
• At least 30 seconds long.

Most failed videos break one of these rules without the owner realising, for example by pausing the recording to walk to another room or by filming the sign first and then starting a second clip inside.

What to show in the video

Google is looking for three things in every video: where the business is, proof that it exists, and proof that you manage it.

1. The location

Show the street or area around you so Google can match it to the address on your profile. Street signs, building numbers, landmarks and neighbouring businesses all help. Service-area businesses should show identifiers at the business address, such as a street sign or a landmark nearby.

2. Proof the business exists

For a storefront, this means your shopfront, showroom or permanent signage showing the business name. The name in the video must match the name on your profile. For service-area businesses, Google accepts things like tools, equipment, a workspace, business cards or branded clothing.

3. Proof that you manage it

This is the step owners most often forget. Show something only staff can access: unlocking the front door, a cash register or point-of-sale system, the kitchen, a storeroom or an office. Service-area businesses can show themselves starting a job, opening a work vehicle or toolbox, or a permit, invoice or utility bill that matches the business name.

Step-by-step: recording and uploading

1. Check your profile first. Make sure the business name, address or service area, and category are accurate and match your real-world signage. A mismatch here is a common reason for rejection.
2. Plan your route. Decide where you will start (outside, with the street visible), where you will walk, and what you will show inside. Do a practice walk without recording.
3. Open your Business Profile on your phone. Start verification and choose the video option when it is offered.
4. Record in one take. Start with the location, move to the signage or tools, then finish with proof of management. Keep the camera steady and move slowly so details are readable.
5. Upload. If the upload fails, Google's advice is simply to try again, ideally on a stronger Wi-Fi connection.

For a ready-made shot list by business type, see What to Film for Google Business Profile Video Verification.

What happens after you upload

Google says reviews can take up to five business days, and on rare occasions longer. The result will show as either "Successful", which means your profile is verified, or "Not successful", which means the video did not meet all requirements.

If the video is not successful, Google tells you why. You can then record a new video that includes everything from the first one plus the missing items. Common reasons Google gives include:

• The business name is not visible on the storefront.
• The surrounding area was not shown.
• There was no proof of authorisation to operate the business.

If your video keeps failing, read Video Verification Rejected by Google? for the fixes that usually work.

Tips for a video that passes first time

• Film in daylight so street signs and business names are readable.
• Hold each important shot, such as the sign or the unlocked door, for a few seconds.
• Narrate what you are showing if it helps you stay on track; it is not required.
• If you have no permanent signage, check whether your profile should be a service-area business instead of a storefront. Google says businesses without permanent signage should be listed that way.
• Do not edit your name, address or category while a review is in progress.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Google Business Profile Help, "Verify your business with a video" and "Verify your business on Google" (checked October 2026).