Video verification is currently the preferred method of verification for businesses on Google Maps. This is the method Google most often uses to verify the authenticity and reliability of a company.


At the same time, the system may offer alternative verification options — SMS, phone call, or email. It is important to understand that Google only shows the verification method that is available for your company, and it is not possible to select it manually.
To perform video verification, you do not necessarily need to have the rights of the primary owner. You can simply be the administrator of the company profile.


If confirmation via SMS, phone call, or email is not available to you, it means that:

  • Google does not have enough data about your company;
  • the system does not trust the available data;
  • or there is a low level of trust in your account.


In such cases, no third party can change the verification method — it is determined solely by Google’s algorithms.


The only exception is when an alternative method was available (e.g., SMS or phone call), but you were unable to complete the verification for technical reasons — the message did not arrive, the call did not go through, or the email did not arrive. In this situation, you can contact Google Support and request an alternative verification method — video verification or an online video call with a support representative.

Video verification and online call: what is the difference and when is it used?

1. Video verification. Independent video recording via the company profile

The most common format is video recording without the involvement of a Google employee. Video verification is available to most businesses automatically. If this option is not available, you can request an alternative method of company verification via video in your correspondence with support.

In this case, the video verification feature becomes available in the company profile. You shoot a short video without editing and upload it directly through the company profile interface. The video is then sent for review, and Google makes a decision on business verification.

This format is used most often and does not require live communication with support.

2. Online video call with a Google representative

An online video call with a Google representative may be scheduled in cases where additional questions about the company arise after unsuccessful video verification. This option is also available if the business owner independently contacts support when other verification methods are unavailable or impractical.

Such calls are most often made through Google Meet, and you choose the date and time of the call yourself.

Mandatory rules for video verification or online video call

1. Compliance with the rules. Regardless of the method you choose, first check that your company profile complies with Google’s Information Posting Rules. Make sure you have added at least a few photos, especially photos of your sign or nameplate.

2. Account verification. It is important to check which account you are working from. If you enter the query “My Business” but do not see the company profile in the search, you may have logged into the browser under a different account.

3. Device. Video verification can be done from a phone or other handheld device. It is not possible to do this from a computer.

4. iPhone features. In some cases, verification from an iPhone is more difficult. In addition, if access to the camera and microphone is granted, the phone may continue to request them, preventing you from proceeding to the next step. If you encounter this problem, try switching to an Android device.

Recording a video.

General information for video confirmation

• The video must be continuous.• The video is immediately uploaded to the system and no one except the support service will see it (it is not stored on your phone).

• The average video length is 2-3 minutes, the maximum is 5 minutes, and the minimum is 30 seconds.

• Do not comment on the filming process

• Do not focus on people’s faces or license plates

• It is recommended to shoot videos in horizontal orientation

Common mistake:

If you already have several businesses on the map, the system will ask you if you want to confirm an existing business. That is, you will be offered a list of businesses that are already yours or businesses that are nearby and similar in category or name to your business.

It is important to note that none of the suggested businesses are the company you want to confirm right now.

By selecting your old company (the one that is already on the map), you interrupt the confirmation process, because it is impossible to confirm something that has already been confirmed. Please be careful!

Step one. Recording the video

Before you start recording, the system will tell you what you need to show.

For businesses with a physical address:

• Start filming from the front of the building.

• Try to focus on all signs and plaques for 2-3 seconds so that the text can be read, especially the address plaque.

• Don’t forget to show the area around you, opposite, to the right, and to the left of your business so that people can understand where your location is.

• Clearly show the entrance to the premises, your sign, open the front door with a key, and demonstrate access to the cash register or cash desk and work equipment.

• The video should show as clearly as possible that you are the owner of the business, not just someone off the street who came to film your business. Therefore, if you can open something with a key (a cabinet, door, tool storage), be sure to film it.

• Show documents only if the system or support service specifically asks you to do so.

For businesses with a service area (no address):

• Show a sign with the street name and other businesses to confirm your geolocation.

• Show branded clothing or stickers with your logo on your car.

• Open the car with your own key.

• Show the tools or equipment you use for work.

For more information, see the article: How to verify a company with a video recording

Step two. Wait 5 days while the company is “In progress”

While the company is in “In progress” status, the main thing is that nothing changes in the profile. Any change in name, phone number, or address during this period will result in verification being denied. If after 5 days your company has been verified, then congratulations!

You did it!

You can fill your company profile with useful information, add photos, and respond to user reviews…

Step three. Only for those who are stuck in the Processing stage

If after 5 days of waiting your company is still in the Processing stage, then there is no point in waiting any longer. There will be no miracle.

Your only option is to contact Support.

We hope this guide will help you successfully verify your business and attract new customers through Google!