GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE · STEP BY STEP

Google Business Profile
Video Verification

Google recommends video verification whenever a profile is eligible for it. The video is recorded live on your phone inside the Business Profile, in one continuous take, and it has to prove three things: where the business is, that it exists, and that you manage it. This page follows Google's published requirements in order.

IN ONE SENTENCE

One live, unedited recording of at least 30 seconds, ideally 2 to 3 minutes, filmed and uploaded from your phone, that shows the location, the sign or the tools, and something only the owner or staff can do.

  • 30sGoogle minimum
  • 2-3minutes recommended
  • 1continuous take
  • 5business days review

01 · THE RULES

Video Verification Rules

Google publishes a short list for the recording itself and a separate evidence list by business type. Most rejections come from missing one line on these lists, not from camera quality.

YOUR VIDEO MUST BE
Recorded live

Captured inside the Get verified flow on your phone. Google says pre-recorded videos are not allowed and you cannot record offline and upload later.

Unedited, unique and complete

One recording with no breaks. No trimming, no stitched clips, no filters.

At least 30 seconds

Google gives a minimum and no maximum. Expert recommendation: plan for 2 to 3 minutes, long enough to hold each shot until it is readable, short enough to stay in one take without mistakes.

From a mobile device

Recorded and uploaded through the Business Profile on your phone.

Planned before you record

Google's own instruction. Walk the route once without the camera.

×YOUR VIDEO MUST NOT INCLUDE
Sensitive numbers

Bank account, tax or ID numbers.

Private information

About you or about anyone else.

Other people's faces

Record outside busy hours and keep the camera on fixtures, doors, equipment and documents.

ELIGIBILITY

Google says an online-only business with no in-person contact is not eligible for a Business Profile and cannot be verified by any method.

BUILD YOUR SHOT LIST · BEFORE YOU PRESS RECORD

Pick your business type. Get the route.

The route below is assembled from Google's requirements for that business type. Tick each stop as you rehearse it, then copy the list to your phone. Nothing is sent to Google from this page.

    02 · STOREFRONT AND HYBRID

    Storefront Recording Route

    Three requirements, one continuous take, in the order Google lists them. A hybrid business follows this route and may add its vehicle or tools at the end.

    THE WALK
    01Street02Sign03Staff area

    01SHOW YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION

    Start On The Street

    Google asks for street signs, building numbers, nearby businesses or familiar places around the business so it can confirm the profile sits at the correct point on Google Maps.

    What Google needs to see at this stop
    GOOGLE SAYS

    Include street signs, building numbers, nearby businesses, or familiar places around your business.

    SHOT TIP · EXPERT

    Start recording on the pavement. Hold on the nearest street sign or building number for three to five seconds, pan to a neighbouring business, then walk toward your own frontage without stopping. A full walkthrough of 2 to 3 minutes is the target.

    02SHOW PROOF THAT YOUR BUSINESS EXISTS

    Film The Storefront Sign

    Google wants the business name clearly printed on a permanent fixture such as a signboard, wall or window, and the name in the video must match the name on the Business Profile.

    What Google needs to see at this stop
    GOOGLE SAYS

    Make sure your business name is clearly printed on a permanent fixture, like a signboard, wall, or window.

    The name shown in your video must match the name on your Business Profile.

    SHOT TIP · EXPERT

    Fill the frame with the sign long enough to read it. Compare the sign to the profile name before you film: extra keywords, an old trading name or a different spelling are all rejection risks.

    03SHOW PROOF OF MANAGEMENT

    Show Staff-Only Access

    Google asks you to prove you manage or represent the business by recording things only an employee can access.

    What Google needs to see at this stop
    GOOGLE SAYS

    Record things only an employee can access, like opening a cash register, kitchen, storage room, or using a point-of-sale system.

    SHOT TIP · EXPERT

    Unlock the entrance, walk through and end on one clear staff-only action. One action done properly beats four done in a rush.

    03 · SERVICE-AREA BUSINESSES

    Service Area Video Route

    No storefront, so the evidence changes: identifiers at the address, the tools and branding you work with, and a branded vehicle or a document that ties you to the business name.

    THE WALK
    04Address05Tools06Van or document
    GOOGLE

    If you do not serve customers at your business location, do not add the address to your Business Profile.

    04SHOW WHERE YOUR BUSINESS OPERATES

    Prove Where You Operate

    A service-area business confirms its location without a storefront. Google asks for street signs, nearby landmarks or other identifiers at the business address and says not to film empty land or places without clear markers.

    What Google needs to see at this stop
    GOOGLE SAYS

    Record street signs, nearby landmarks, or other identifiers at your business address. Avoid filming empty land or locations without clear markers.

    If you run a service-area business from your home, you can record landmarks and signs in your immediate neighborhood to verify the address.

    SHOT TIP · EXPERT

    Record the nearest street sign or house number, then a landmark that identifies the neighbourhood. If you work from home, Google says the immediate neighbourhood is enough.

    05SHOW PROOF THAT YOUR BUSINESS EXISTS

    Show Tools And Branding

    To prove the business exists, Google accepts the professional tools, equipment or products you use for work, your workspace, business cards, or branded apparel worn by employees or customers.

    What Google needs to see at this stop
    GOOGLE SAYS

    Show the professional tools, equipment, or products you use for work. This can include specialized machinery, your workspace, business cards, or branded apparel.

    SHOT TIP · EXPERT

    Lay the equipment out before recording so the walk is continuous. A branded uniform or vehicle in the same shot does two jobs at once.

    06SHOW PROOF OF MANAGEMENT

    Show Van Or Documents

    Google accepts performing a service, accessing business-only assets such as unlocking a van with your branding, or showing a business permit, invoice or utility bill that matches the name on the profile.

    What Google needs to see at this stop
    GOOGLE SAYS

    Record yourself performing a service or accessing business-only assets, such as unlocking a van that has your business branding.

    You can also show business documents like a business permit, invoice, or utility bill that matches the name on your Business Profile.

    SHOT TIP · EXPERT

    If you use a document, frame only the business name and hide account numbers. Google prohibits bank, tax and ID numbers in the recording.

    04 · SUBMIT AND REVIEW

    Upload, Review, Resubmit

    The upload happens inside the app. Google reviews it within about 5 business days and a rejection comes with the reasons. The second attempt has to include everything the first one showed plus what was missing.

    07

    Upload From Your Phone

    Google's submission steps, in order. The recording only starts from inside this flow.

    1. 01Open the profile

      On your phone, go to your Business Profile signed in with the owning Google Account.

    2. 02Tap Get verified

      You may be asked to enter your phone number, then tap Next.

    3. 03Choose Business video

      Tap Business video, then Next.

    4. 04Read the requirements

      Allow access to location, camera and microphone when asked.

    5. 05Tap Start recording

      Then tap the record button and film the full route live.

    6. 06Stop and review

      Aim for 2 to 3 minutes in total. Check that every required item is visible. Tap Try again if not.

    7. 07Upload video

      Tap Upload video. If it fails to upload, Google says to upload it again.

    8. 08Wait for review

      Google says review can take up to 5 business days.

    9. 09Get the result

      Successful: the profile is verified. Not successful: the reasons appear under Review issues.

    08

    Fix A Rejected Video

    When the video does not meet all requirements, the profile shows Review issues with the reasons. These are Google's published examples. Record a new video that includes everything from the first recording plus the missing evidence, in one continuous take.

    Review issue shown by GoogleWhat was missingAdd to the next recording
    Business name not visible on storefrontThe permanent sign was not shown, was unreadable, or did not match the profile name.Fill the frame with the sign, hold for three to five seconds, and confirm the profile name matches it before recording.
    No nearby area shownThe recording started at the sign or inside, so the map location was not confirmed.Begin on the street with a street sign, building number or neighbouring business.
    Missing proof of authorization to operate the businessNo staff-only action, branded asset or matching document was recorded.End on a cash register, kitchen, storage room, POS, a branded vehicle you unlock, or a permit or invoice showing the business name.

    Upload failed on the first try? Google says to upload it again. Video not working for your business? Google may offer another method on the profile: phone, text, email or postcard depending on eligibility. You can delete the verification video at any time under Business Profile settings, Advanced settings, Video uploads.

    QUESTIONS

    Video Verification Questions

    How long does the Google Business Profile verification video need to be?+

    Google says at least 30 seconds, and it must be one complete, unedited recording with no breaks. There is no published maximum. A walkthrough of two to three minutes is usually enough to show location, signage and proof of management without rushing.

    Can I upload a pre-recorded video for verification?+

    No. Google states that pre-recorded videos are not allowed and that you cannot record offline and upload later. The recording starts inside the Get verified flow on your phone and is uploaded from there.

    Can I do video verification from a desktop computer?+

    The video must be recorded and uploaded from a mobile device through your Business Profile. If you begin on desktop, sign in on your phone with the same Google Account, open the profile and continue from Get verified.

    What must a storefront verification video show?+

    Three things: the surroundings that confirm the map location, such as street signs, building numbers or nearby businesses; proof the business exists, meaning permanent signage with the exact profile name; and proof of management, such as opening a cash register, kitchen or storage room, or using a point-of-sale system.

    What must a service-area business video show?+

    Street signs, landmarks or other identifiers at the business address; the professional tools, equipment, workspace, business cards or branded apparel you use; and proof of management, such as performing a service, unlocking a branded vehicle, or showing a permit, invoice or utility bill that matches the profile name.

    I run my business from home. What do I film?+

    Google says a home-based service-area business can record landmarks and signs in the immediate neighbourhood to confirm the address, then show tools, equipment or branded items and a matching business document. Do not film empty land or a plain door with no identifiers.

    What should not be in the verification video?+

    Google lists bank account, tax or ID numbers, private information about you or others, and other people's faces. Record outside busy hours and keep the camera on fixtures, doors, equipment and documents that show only the business name.

    How long does Google take to review the video?+

    Google says the review can take up to 5 business days. You are notified whether the verification was successful, and if it was not, the reasons are shown under Review issues on the profile.

    My video was rejected. What do I do?+

    Tap Review issues on your phone, read each reason Google lists, then record a new video that includes everything from the first recording plus the missing evidence, in one continuous take. Google's own examples of missing items are: business name not visible on the storefront, no nearby area shown, and missing proof of authorization to operate the business.

    What if the business sign does not match the profile name?+

    Google requires the name in the video to match the name on the Business Profile. Correct the profile name to match the permanent sign before recording. If there is no permanent on-site signage at all, Google says the business should be listed as a service-area business instead of a storefront.

    Why was I asked to re-verify after editing my profile?+

    Google says changes to business information can require re-verification to keep the profile accurate. Follow the verification method shown on your profile again. It is a standard check, not a penalty.

    Can I delete the verification video afterwards?+

    Yes. On your phone, open the profile, tap More, Business Profile settings, Advanced settings, then Delete videos under Video uploads. Google says it will delete the video later if you do not.

    Is video verification available for online-only businesses?+

    No. Google says a business that operates online only with no in-person contact is not eligible for a Business Profile and cannot be verified by any method.

    CHECKED AGAINST GOOGLE'S DOCUMENTATIONZammy Zaif

    Global Search & Business Growth Strategist with SEO experience since 2006. This guide follows Google's own verification requirements, with practical recommendations added from an SEO and local search perspective. Google makes the final verification decision.

    NEXT STEP

    Plan The Recording Before You Film

    Bring the profile type, the sign, the address and any Review issues message. I will map the route against Google's requirements, flag the evidence that is missing and prepare a shot list for the next attempt.