About the Author
Corey Morris is the President and CEO of VOLTAGE, a search marketing and website agency for expertise-driven organizations. He has spent more than two decades in digital marketing and SEO, and he wrote the book on the Digital Marketing Success Plan® (DMSP), the planning process VOLTAGE uses with clients. Corey has published more than 150 articles and expert contributions across Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land, and Forbes over nearly a decade, and he still writes regularly for the first two. His Search Engine Journal articles alone have been read nearly 1.7 million times. He has spoken at SMX, Digital Summit, and SMPS. He's also a sought-after podcast and media guest, with more than 75 speaking, podcast, and media appearances. He served as an officer on the board of the global search marketing trade association, founded a Kansas City search marketing conference, and was named the 2019 KCDMA Marketer of the Year.
Google now asks many businesses to verify their Business Profile by recording a short video on their phone. The video has to show where you are, that your business exists, and that you manage it. If it misses any of those three, Google rejects it and asks you to record again.
This guide covers the steps, what to film, and how to fix a rejection. It reflects Google’s own guidance as of October 2026.
Google chooses your verification method, not you.
Google decides which methods to offer based on your business type, public information, region and hours. You may see one or more of these:
- Phone or text: a code sent to your business phone number
- Email: a link sent to an address shown on the verification screen
- Video recording: a short video you record in the Business Profile app or mobile browser
- Live video call: a guided call with a Google support rep during your business hours
- Postcard: a mailed code, now offered to fewer businesses
Some profiles are verified instantly, for example when the website is already verified in Google Search Console. If video recording is offered, Google recommends it.
Plan the video before you press record.
You can’t edit the video or upload one you recorded earlier. It has to be filmed live, in one continuous take of at least 30 seconds, from a mobile device. Walk the route once before recording so you know what you’ll show and in what order.
Google needs to see three things.
1. Your location. Show street signs, the building number, neighboring businesses or a familiar landmark that matches your address on Google Maps.
2. That your business exists. For a storefront or office, show the permanent sign with your business name exactly as it appears on your profile. For a service-area business, show your tools, equipment, branded vehicle, business cards or branded apparel.
3. That you manage it. Show something only an employee can reach, like a point-of-sale system, back office, kitchen or storage room. A business permit, invoice or utility bill in the business name also works.
Leave out other people’s faces and any sensitive numbers, like bank, tax or ID numbers.
Record and upload in seven steps.
- Open your Business Profile on your phone and tap Get verified. You may be asked to enter your phone number first.
- Choose Business video, then Next.
- Read the requirements and allow access to your location, camera and microphone.
- Tap Next, then Start recording.
- Film your location, your business and your proof of management in one take.
- Stop the recording and watch it back. Tap Try again if anything is missing.
- Tap Upload video.
Google reviews the video within five business days in most cases.
If Google rejects your video, record a more complete one.
A rejection comes with a reason. Common ones include a business name that isn’t visible, no surrounding area shown, or no proof that you’re authorized to operate the business.
To try again, open your profile, tap Review issues, and record a new video. Include everything from the first video plus whatever was missing. If video keeps failing, check whether another method is offered before contacting Google support.
Service-area and home-based businesses need a different approach.
If customers don’t come to your address, list your business as a service-area business and hide the address. For the video, film the street signs or landmarks near your base, your tools and vehicle, and a document like a permit or invoice in the business name. Avoid filming empty land or unmarked areas. Online-only businesses with no in-person service aren’t eligible for a Business Profile.
A storefront profile needs permanent signage at the location. If you don’t have it, Google’s guidance is to list as a service-area business instead.
Avoid the common reasons for rejection.
Videos often fall short for offices inside a shared building with no exterior sign, and when the recording cuts away before showing proof of management. Planning the route and filming the building directory, suite door and a back-office area in one take helps avoid both.
Keep the profile verified after you’re in.
Changes to your business name, address or category can trigger a new verification request. Make those changes deliberately, keep your hours and details current, and keep the profile consistent with your website and other listings. If your Business Profile is a key source of leads, our local SEO team can help keep it healthy.
Sources: Verify your business with a video recording and Verify your business on Google, Google Business Profile Help, checked October 2026.