Why Does YouTube Require Number Verification?
YouTube uses phone number verification for several reasons
- Account Security: Verifying your number adds a layer of protection to your account.
- Access to Features: Certain features, like uploading videos longer than 15 minutes, live streaming, and custom thumbnails, require verification.
- Preventing Spam: It helps reduce spam and fake accounts, improving the platform’s quality.
Steps to Verify Your Phone Number on YouTube
Step 1: Log In to Your YouTube Account
- Open YouTube on your browser or the mobile app.
- Log in with your Google account credentials.
Step 2: Go to Account Verification
- On the browser: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “YouTube Studio”.
- On the mobile app: Tap your profile icon, go to “Settings”, then “Channel”.
Step 3: Select Verification Options
- Navigate to the “Settings” section in YouTube Studio.
- Under “Channel”, find the “Verify Phone Number” option.
Step 4: Enter Your Phone Number
- Input your active phone number. Make sure the number is accessible and entered correctly.
- Choose your country from the dropdown list.
Step 5: Choose Verification Method
YouTube offers two ways to verify your number
- Text Message (SMS): A code will be sent via SMS to your phone.
- Voice Call: You’ll receive a call with the verification code.
Step 6: Enter the Code
- Check your phone for the 6-digit verification code.
- Enter the code on YouTube’s verification page and click “Submit”.
Step 7: Confirmation
- Once the code is verified, YouTube will display a confirmation message.
- Your account is now verified, and you can access additional features.
Benefits of Verifying Your Number
- Upload Longer Videos: Videos exceeding 15 minutes can be uploaded only after verification.
- Enable Live Streaming: You can start live streaming on your channel.
- Add Custom Thumbnails: Verified users can upload custom thumbnails for their videos.
- Account Recovery: Linking a phone number makes account recovery easier if you forget your password or lose access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Didn’t Receive the Code?
- Ensure your phone number is entered correctly.
- Check if your number is blocked from receiving automated texts or calls.
- Try the voice call option if SMS doesn’t work.
- Code Invalid or Expired?
- Make sure you enter the code within the time frame provided.
- Request a new code and enter it promptly.
Phone Number Already Used?
- YouTube allows a single number to be linked to multiple accounts, but there’s a limit.
- Use a different phone number if the one provided is already linked to too many accounts.