How to Verify Your Business on GBP Using Video Verification

The process of verifying your business on Google Business Profile (GBP) used to mean waiting days for a postcard to arrive in the mail.

Now, Google offers a much swifter option: video verification.

This method works wonders for storefronts, service-area businesses, and especially multi-location or franchise brands in which consistency truly matters. That said, you need to have a smartphone to take advantage of the video verification method (but don’t stress if you don’t).

Here’s how it works, what to show in your video, and why it’s worth your time.

Step-by-Step: How to Verify Google Business Profile with Video

Step 1) Before You Record

• Plan your video: Recording must be done through your Business Profile on a mobile device (no pre-recorded uploads)
• Keep it unedited: One continuous shot, at least 30 seconds long
• Avoid sensitive info: No bank details, tax IDs, or personal identification numbers
• Don’t show other people’s faces

Step 2) Know What to Show

For Storefront or Hybrid Businesses
Hybrid means you serve customers at your location and also visit or deliver to clients. Your video should clearly show:

1. Your business location, including street signs, number signs, nearby landmarks, or neighboring businesses
2. Proof your business exists, including your storefront, showroom, and signage that matches your GBP name
3. Proof you manage the location by unlocking the door, opening a cash register, and accessing staff-only areas 

For Service-Area Businesses
Service at customer locations, no in-store visits.

Your video should clearly show:

1. Service area proof, such as landmarks, street signs, or community signage where you operate
2. Evidence your business exists, such as branded vans, uniforms, tools, and marketing materials
3. Proof of management by demonstrating services, showing branded equipment, or business documents (registration, invoices, utility bills)

Step 3) Record and Upload

1. On your mobile device, open your Business Profile
2. Tap Get verified → Capture video
3. Tap Start recording (allow location, camera, and mic access)
4. Walk through your required shots in one take
5. Review your video and if you missed something, tap Try again
6. When satisfied, tap Upload video

Step 4 ) Wait for Review

• Google’s review can take up to 5 business days
• If approved, your profile goes live
• If rejected, you’ll get a reason (e.g., business name not visible, no surrounding area shown). You can re-record and resubmit.

Step 5) Optional: Delete Your Video

• You can delete your uploaded video at any time via your Business Profile settings
• If you don’t delete it, Google will remove it automatically after a period of time

The content in this guide is sourced directly from Google Business Profile.

Here is a video tutorial that walks you through all the steps:

The Benefits of Video Verification

For franchises and multi-location businesses, waiting on verification feels like being stopped at a red light when you’re ready to be full speed ahead. Those delays leave some locations visible while others lag behind, creating inconsistent listings that not only hurt local visibility but also make customers wonder if the information they see is accurate.

Video verification gives Google a real-time tour of your business. This method speeds things up and keeps every location in sync, so potential customers know you are active and ready to serve them.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. Faster Approval: Often within hours, instead of waiting days for a postcard
2. Fewer Delays: No postal delivery errors or lost mail
3. Direct Proof: Show your location, signage, and operations in one shot
4. Works Without Clear Signage: Ideal for service-area and home-based operations
5. Multiple Proof Points at Once: Address, branding, workspace, and documents all in one recording
6. Better Security: Reduces the risk of fraudulent profile claims
7. Higher First-Time Approval Rates: You’re giving Google more verification evidence up front
8. Great for Remote Locations: Bypass unreliable mail service altogether

Why This Matters for Every Location You Operate

Make sure every location shows up on Google without the waiting game. Video verification helps you roll out new listings faster, keep your branding consistent, and bridge the gap between “we’re open” and “we’re findable.” By giving Google a quick, authentic peek at each location, you boost your chances of first-time approval everywhere. That means customers can find you faster, no matter where they’re searching.

Checklist and Script

To make video verification a breeze, we’ve put together a handy checklist and script that guides you through every step so you never miss a thing.