Video verification is the most common method for business owners to verify their Google Business Profile. The goal is to prove you are an authorized representative of the business and that the business legitimately operates at the claimed location.
The video below demonstrates exactly what to show in your verification video. This example features Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a plumbing company operating from an office location, and serves as an excellent template for creating your own successful verification video.
Key Moments & Commentary
The following breakdown shows the essential elements to include in your video, with timestamps from the example above:
1. Start Outside the Business Address (0:00 - 0:02)
What to show: Begin recording outside your business location, capturing the street view, building exterior, and clearly visible street number or business signage.
Why it's critical: This establishes the physical location of your business and matches it to the address on your Google Business Profile. Google needs to see that your business actually exists at the claimed location.
2. Walk from Outside to Inside (0:02 - 0:09)
What to show: Record a continuous shot as you walk from the exterior of the building directly into your business space without cutting or editing.
Why it's critical: This unbroken sequence proves you have legitimate access to the premises and prevents the use of fake exterior shots. The continuous recording requirement is essential for verification success.
3. Show Proof of Business Connection (0:22 - 0:41)
What to show:
0:22: Business name clearly displayed on doors, windows, or interior signage.
0:26: Brief appearance of yourself in uniform (such as a reflection) to prove you're an authorized representative.
0:34: Opening door of separate unit with keys, demonstrating proof of management and unique authorized access to the physical location.
0:41: Business license, registration, or official documents showing the business name and address.
Why it's critical: This connects you personally to the business and links the business to the physical location. A business license or official registration document provides the strongest proof of legitimacy.
4. Showcase Active Business Operations (0:41 - 0:50)
What to show: Interior workspace including office equipment, reception areas, desks, computers, and any branded materials or marketing collateral.
Why it's critical: This demonstrates that your business is actively operational at this location, not just a vacant space or mail drop. Google wants to see evidence of real business activity.
5. Display Business Assets and Equipment (0:57 - 0:59)
What to show: Company vehicles with business branding, specialized tools, equipment, inventory, or other business assets.
Why it's critical: For service-area businesses especially, branded vehicles and professional equipment strongly indicate legitimate business operations and help differentiate you from fake listings.
Video Verification for Service-Area Businesses
Service-area businesses (SABs) face unique challenges in video verification since they don't serve customers at their business address. Here's how to adapt your approach:
Essential Elements for SAB Verification:
Dispatch/Operations Center:
Show your office or home office where you coordinate services
Include scheduling software, customer management systems, or dispatch equipment
Display business phone lines, computers, and administrative setup
Vehicle and Equipment Focus:
Prominently feature all branded company vehicles with clear business name and contact information
Show the vehicle registration or insurance documents that match your business name
Display specialized tools, equipment, and supplies organized for service calls
Service Documentation:
Include completed work orders, invoices, or service contracts (with customer information redacted)
Show business licenses, contractor licenses, or trade certifications
Display insurance certificates, bonding documents, or professional memberships
Operational Proof:
Film during business hours when possible to show active operations
Include uniformed staff or work clothing with business branding
Show inventory storage areas, parts, or materials used in your services
SAB-Specific Tips:
If possible, film immediately before or after a service call to demonstrate active operations
Include GPS or routing software showing your service area
Show customer testimonials, reviews, or marketing materials that reference your service area
Essential Elements for Your Video
Your video must be a single, continuous recording (30 seconds to 3 minutes) that includes:
Technical Requirements:
Single, continuous recording with no edits or cuts
Portrait or landscape orientation acceptable
Record during business hours when possible to show active operations
Use the Google Business Profile mobile app for recording (desktop submissions may not be accepted)
Clear audio if narrating (optional but can be helpful)
Stable footage - avoid excessive camera movement
Exterior Documentation:
Clear view of your business address and building exterior
Fixed signage displaying your business name (must match your Google Business Profile exactly)
Nearby street signs, landmarks, or identifying features
Interior Operations:
Active workspace showing desks, computers, or reception areas
Business equipment, tools, or inventory relevant to your services
Employee-only areas like storage rooms or work areas
Proof of Management:
Business license, registration, or official documents with matching name and address
Utility bills, lease agreements, or other address verification documents
Branded marketing materials, business cards, or promotional items
For Service-Area Businesses:
Focus heavily on branded service vehicles
Show specialized tools and equipment
Consider filming during or after an actual service call if possible
Recording Tips for Success
Technical Requirements:
Use a mobile device through the Google Business Profile app or mobile browser
Record in good lighting conditions for clear visibility of signs and documents
Ensure all text on signs and documents is readable in the video
Keep the video steady and move slowly between different areas
Content Strategy:
Plan your route and what to show before you start recording
Speak clearly if you choose to narrate (optional but can be helpful)
Make sure your business name appears consistently across all signage and documents
Avoid showing sensitive information like customer data or financial details
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Never edit or splice together multiple video clips
Don't use old footage or pre-recorded segments
Avoid shaky camera work that makes text unreadable
Don't rush through important elements like signage or documents
Common Rejection Reasons and Recovery Strategy
If your video verification gets rejected, don't panic. Here's how to identify the issue and successfully resubmit:
Most Common Rejection Reasons:
Unclear or Unreadable Content:
Blurry signage or documents due to poor lighting or camera shake
Business name on signage doesn't exactly match Google Business Profile name
Address numbers or street signs not clearly visible
Insufficient Proof of Operations:
Video shows empty or inactive space without evidence of business activity
Missing key verification elements like business license or official documents
No clear connection between the person filming and business management
Technical Issues:
Video was edited or spliced together from multiple recordings
Poor video quality makes important details unreadable
File size too large or format not supported
Access and Authority Concerns:
Unable to demonstrate authorized access to the business location
No proof that the person filming has management authority
Missing evidence of legitimate business operations
Recovery Strategy:
Step 1: Wait Period
Wait 7-14 days before attempting to resubmit
Use this time to analyze what went wrong and plan improvements
Step 2: Address Specific Issues
If Google provided specific feedback, address each point directly
Create a detailed filming plan that covers all missing elements
Test your lighting and camera stability before final recording
Step 3: Create a Completely New Video
Never reuse any footage from your rejected submission
Film during optimal lighting conditions (avoid early morning/late evening)
Move slowly and deliberately to ensure all text is readable
Step 4: Enhanced Documentation
Include additional proof documents if available
Show more evidence of active business operations
Ensure business name consistency across all visible materials
Pro Tips for Resubmission:
Film during business hours to show active operations
Have a second person review your video before submission to catch any unclear elements
Consider adding brief narration to explain what you're showing
Ensure your phone has adequate storage and battery life before starting
Submission and Follow-Up
After recording, submit your video directly through the Google Business Profile verification process. Google typically reviews video submissions within a weel, though complex cases may take longer.
If your initial video verification is unsuccessful, carefully review Google's feedback and create a new video addressing any specific concerns. Common reasons for rejection include unclear signage, insufficient proof of business operations, or technical issues with the video quality.
For more detailed information and a comprehensive verification checklist, refer to our complete guide: Adding a Physical Address to Google Business Profile Listing.
Remember, a successful verification video clearly demonstrates that your business legitimately operates at the claimed address and that you have the authority to manage the Google Business Profile. Take time to plan your video carefully, and don't hesitate to re-record if needed to ensure all essential elements are clearly visible and documented.