Video verification requirements: what your video must show

Updated 3 Oct 2026 by TopOnMaps team

Quick answer

Your video must be one continuous, unedited recording made live from your phone through your Business Profile. Google's help page says it must be at least 30 seconds long. It has to show three things: where the business is, that the business exists under the name on your profile, and that you manage it. Shops show the street, the signboard and something only staff can open. Service-area businesses show the neighbourhood, their tools or branded vehicle, and business documents.

Why it happens

  • Location

    Street signs, building numbers, nearby shops or landmarks that prove the business is where the map says it is.

  • Proof the business exists

    For a shop, a permanent signboard with the exact profile name. For service-area businesses, your tools, equipment, workspace or branded items.

  • Proof you manage it

    Something only the owner or staff can access, like unlocking the shutter, opening the cash counter or billing system, or a branded van.

  • What to leave out

    Google asks you not to show bank, tax or ID numbers, other private info, or other people's faces.

How to fix it

  1. Plan the route before recording

    Write down the order: street and landmarks, signboard, entrance, inside, proof of management. Pre-recorded videos aren't allowed, so do one practice walk first.

  2. Shops: start outside

    Show the road and a nearby landmark, then the signboard with the name readable, then walk in without stopping the recording.

  3. Service-area businesses: show where you operate

    Record street signs or landmarks near your base, then your tools or equipment, then a business document or branded vehicle.

  4. Show proof of management

    Unlock the door or shutter, open the cash drawer or billing software, or show a business document with the same name. Cover any account or ID numbers.

  5. Record and upload in the app

    Tap Get verified, choose the video option, record, review, and upload. Google says review can take up to about five business days.

For businesses in India

  • If your shop has no permanent signboard, Google's guidance is to list it as a service-area business instead of a storefront. Putting up a proper board first is often the simpler fix.
  • Home-based tutors, beauticians, electricians and caterers can verify as service-area businesses. Show the neighbourhood, your kit or tools, and a document such as an invoice or registration in the business name.
  • If you show a GST certificate or licence, cover the GSTIN, PAN or other ID numbers. Google asks you not to include tax or ID numbers in the video.

Questions

Is there a maximum length?

Google's page sets a minimum of 30 seconds. Keep it short and focused anyway, roughly a minute or two, so the upload doesn't fail.

Can an online-only business verify by video?

No. Google says businesses that only operate online and don't serve customers in person aren't eligible for a Business Profile.

Still stuck? We can fix it for you.

One-time fixes start at ₹2,999. Tell us what you see on your profile and we'll reply within one working day.

Email us

Related problems

Setting up from scratch? How to create a Google Business Profile, step by step.