Now it is more difficult to get verified on YouTube and not only does the number of subscribers count. They will have to validate that the content matters off the platform and verify identity, just like Twitter does.
In response to backlash over the past few years, YouTube is making some major changes to its verification requirements. As of today, the requirements are much higher, and many currently verified channels are losing their badges as a result.
Many YouTubers have been posting screenshots of emails on social media about their disappearance channel badges. Since then, the platform has confirmed on its blog that it is in the process of removing the verification badge from some channels that do not meet the new verification criteria. Changes like this, and the way subscribers are displayed on YouTube, have drastically altered the landscape, prompting complaints from creators.
New criteria for verification
Those emails read in part:
We are writing to inform you that we are updating the eligibility criteria for channel verification on YouTube. Unfortunately, with the changes, your channel no longer meets the criteria to be verified. We know this can be disappointing, but we think these updates will make channel verification more consistent for users and creators on YouTube.
YouTube previously allowed any channel with 100.000+ subscribers to be verified, and you typically receive a check mark next to your channel name.
Now the requirements for the verification badge are changing to include only prominent channels that have a “clear need for proof of authenticity.” Apparently, this includes musicians, comedians, artists, and other types of channels. Traditional YouTubers are eligible for the badge, details are posted on YouTube’s blog. The company explains that to be considered for a verification badge, it asks the following questions:
Authenticity: Does this channel belong to the true creator, artist, public figure or company that it claims to represent?
Prominence: Does this channel represent a well-known or highly sought-after creator, artist, public figure or company? Is this channel widely recognized outside of YouTube and does it have a strong online presence? Is this a popular channel that has a very similar name to many other channels?
For channels that already had the verified on YouTube but have removed that badge, they can file an appeal before the changes are finalized in October. However, there is no guarantee that verification will be reinstated based on the new requirements.
Along with those updates, YouTube is also redesigning badges for verified channels. Instead of a check mark or music note, YouTube will simply highlight the name with one more background. YouTube also notes that this new method is much more difficult to replicate, as some channels would add a mark to the end of their channel name to spoof a verified account.
Source: YouTube Blog