Google Business Profile Video Verification — Exact Checklist, What to Film and Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Quick answer: A verification video should be one continuous recording (often about a minute is enough) that shows three things in order: (1) where you are — street signs, nearby shops or landmarks and the outside of your building; (2) your business — permanent signboard, entrance, inside, products, equipment or workspace; and (3) proof you manage it — unlocking the shop or counter, using the billing system, showing business documents, tools or a branded vehicle. Don't cut, edit or add music. The name and address in the video must match the profile exactly.

Video verification is now the most common way Indian businesses verify their Google profile. Most rejections come from a handful of avoidable mistakes. Use this checklist before you press record.

What Google is checking

Google wants evidence that:

1. The business exists at the location on the profile (or operates in the service area).
2. It's a real, operating business — not a temporary setup.
3. You're authorised to manage it.

Before you record

• Business name on profile = name on signboard (no extra keywords) (name rules).
• Address and pin correct (fix pin).
• Signboard is permanent and readable.
• Daylight or good lighting.
• Phone charged; stable internet for upload.
• Documents ready: GST, Udyam, Shop Act, FSSAI, utility bill or rent agreement (registration as proof).
• Keys or access ready to show you can open the business.

The three parts of a good video

Part 1 — Location (10–20 seconds)

• Start outside, facing the street.
• Show a street sign, nearby shop names or a well-known landmark.
• Pan slowly towards your building.

Part 2 — Business (20–30 seconds)

• Show the signboard clearly; hold steady for a few seconds.
• Walk through the entrance.
• Show the inside: counter, products, equipment, workspace, uniforms.

Part 3 — Management proof (15–20 seconds)

• Unlock the door, shutter or cash drawer.
• Open your billing software or POS.
• Show business documents with the business name and address.
• For service businesses: tools, branded vehicle, equipment.

Keep it continuous. If you make a mistake, start again rather than editing.

Business-type tips

Business type	Extra things to show
Shop / restaurant	Signboard, counter, menu or stock, kitchen/storage (if relevant)
Clinic	Signboard, reception, treatment room, registration certificate
Office / agency	Building directory or office nameplate, desks, branded materials
Home-based service-area business	Tools, branded vehicle or uniform, business documents; no need to show your home's interior beyond what's needed
Co-working cabin	Building entrance, reception directory, your cabin signage, team at work (co-working rules)

Uploading the video

• Upload through your Business Profile when prompted.
• Use Wi-Fi; large files can fail on weak mobile data.
• Don't close the app until upload completes.
• Review usually takes a few days; status updates appear in your profile or email.

Common reasons videos are rejected

1. Signboard doesn't match the profile name (keyword-stuffed name).
2. No location context — video starts indoors.
3. Temporary signage — banner or printout.
4. Edited or cut video.
5. No proof of management.
6. Address can't be matched — wrong pin or incomplete address.
7. Ineligible business — virtual office, online-only.
8. Poor quality — too dark, too shaky, too fast.

If rejected, fix the cause and retry: verification failed or rejected.

Privacy tips

• Avoid filming customers' faces.
• Don't show bank details or full ID numbers longer than necessary.
• Home-based owners can keep personal areas out of frame.

After approval

• Don't change name, address or category soon after.
• Complete the profile and start asking for reviews (first reviews).

Example: a boutique in Jaipur

A boutique's first video started inside the shop and showed a vinyl banner instead of a permanent board. It was rejected. The owner installed a proper signboard, re-recorded starting at the market gate with the street name, walked into the shop, showed racks and the billing counter, unlocked the cash drawer and showed the GST certificate. The second video was approved within a few days.

A 60-second script

1. "This is MI Road, Jaipur" — show street sign (5 s).
2. Pan to neighbouring shops and our building (10 s).
3. Hold on our signboard "Riya Boutique" (5 s).
4. Walk in, show racks and trial room (15 s).
5. Show billing counter and open the billing app (10 s).
6. Show GST certificate with name and address (10 s).
7. Unlock the cash drawer with keys (5 s).

You don't need to speak — clear visuals matter most.

Sources and further reading

• Google Business Profile Help — "Verify your business with a video recording": support.google.com/business
• Google Business Profile verification in India

Frequently asked questions

How long should the video be?

Usually around a minute of continuous footage covering all three parts is enough; follow on-screen instructions.

Can I record on a phone?

Yes, a normal smartphone is fine.

Do I need to speak in the video?

No, visuals matter most.

Can I show a banner instead of a signboard?

Permanent signage is strongly preferred; temporary banners often lead to rejection.

How long does approval take?

Often a few days; sometimes longer during busy periods.

Can I pause the recording and continue?

Record in one continuous take; if you make a mistake, start again.

Should I show my face?

It's not required; focus on location, business and proof of management.

What if my shop is inside a mall?

Show the mall entrance and name, the floor directory, your shopfront signage and inside.

Can I record at night?

Daylight is better; if you record at night, make sure the signboard and street are clearly visible.

Can I re-upload a better video?

If prompted to retry, record a new continuous video.