How to get the green tick verification on WhatsApp
The WhatsApp Business Platform is known worldwide as being a powerful tool for marketing, sales and support use cases. Businesses are discovering what WhatsApp can do for business communications, especially those who have that little green tick beside their brand name.
What is the green tick on WhatsApp?
Although it may seem like just a tiny icon, the WhatsApp green tick serves as a badge that certifies your WhatsApp sender as an Official Business Account. It gives customers a better sense of trustworthiness by assuring them they are not interacting with a fraudulent account and improves your brand reputation with users.
Let’s walk through exactly what you will need to get a green tick verification on your WhatsApp Business Account.
WhatsApp Business Verification vs. Official WhatsApp Business Account
Any brand that uses WhatsApp Business Platform or even the WhatsApp Business App is a “Business Account”. This means you (as a brand) can interact with customers on the platform for a variety of use cases.
WhatsApp offers Business Verification for brands. Businesses would usually start the process of verifying their WhatsApp Business account in order to:
- Scale authentication, marketing and utility messages
- Have their brand name appear instead of a phone number in WhatsApp
- To apply to be an Official WhatsApp Business Account (green tick badge)
So, for you to apply to the Official WhatsApp Business account and achieve a green tick badge, you first need to pass the WhatsApp Business Verification process.
How do brands apply for WhatsApp Business Verification?
- In your WhatsApp Business Platform Manager, you go to settings, Secure Center, and click on “Start Verification”
- Fill in all your business details – triple check all your answers, any mismatching information will lead to your application being rejected
- Add your contact information
- Add any supporting documents – this includes official documents that verify your business information like address and phone number
- Provide your contact information – you’ll get a 2FA code at this number
- Input your verification code and submit
WhatsApp Business account
Verified WhatsApp Business account
Official WhatsApp Business account
Criteria for green tick verification on WhatsApp
// WhatsApp Business Platform account
WhatsApp Business Platform account
First and foremost, you’ll need to register your number on WhatsApp Business Platform API. You can apply through your Meta Business Manager or get assistance from a WhatsApp Solution provider like Infobip. You cannot get a green tick badge on the free WhatsApp Business App. As mentioned above, you must have a verified business account.
Start using your WhatsApp channel strategically to connect with customers. The more you use your channel to effectively connect with your audience, the better chance you have of earning your green badge.
// Tier 2 messaging level
At least a tier 2 messaging level on your WhatsApp channel is required. That means your outbound messaging limit is a maximum of 10,000 unique users in 24 hours.
This signals to Meta that you are actively using your WhatsApp Business Account to connect with customers through multiple use cases (from marketing campaigns to sales). Use WhatsApp features like quick replies, Flows, and more to get the most out of your messaging.
// Enable two factor authentication
To ensure better security, your WhatsApp account must be using 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp Business Platform API account with a unique PIN that is connected to your WhatsApp number.
// Reputable brand name
Meta is inclined to verify well-known brand names that have a good reputation with customers. That usually means that larger businesses and enterprises generally have a better chance of getting verified compared to small and medium businesses (SMB). They also check the number of followers your brand has on Facebook and Instagram. It doesn’t mean SMBs can’t be verified, you might just have to invest more effort into establishing your brand to your audience.
How to apply for WhatsApp green tick verification
Once you’ve covered all the steps listed above, you’re ready to start the process of applying for a WhatsApp green tick verification.
If you have opted to partner with a WhatsApp Business Platform provider like Infobip for your account, we can then help you submit a request for the WhatsApp Official Business Account to get your green tick, or you can fill out the application yourself with help from one of our experts.
- Go to “WhatsApp Manager” and select “Settings” next to the sender that you want verified (green tick)
- Choose “Profile tab” and select “Submit request” in the Official business account section
- Input your business website, country of operation and supporting links that prove your presence and reach with the audience (such as articles, blog posts or reviews). You can also add any supporting information that will show your business is recognizable by your audience
3 tips for getting your sender verified as an Official WhatsApp Business Account
1. Create a credible and reliable business website
Meta is looking for brands that have a solid reputation with customers, and a low-quality website will definitely hinder your chances at getting that green tick next to your name. Invest in a user-friendly and professional website to impress both end-users and Meta.
2. Set up click-to-WhatsApp campaigns
Using ads that click-to-WhatsApp shows that you are an avid user of the WhatsApp Business Platform and places high value on the features and capabilities WhatsApp can bring to your interactions. These ads are set up on Facebook and Instagram and allow the customer to start a conversation with your brand. Customer-initiated conversations are free of charge and are open for 72 hours.
3. Build campaigns around brand awareness
Brand awareness brings about many perks for organizations, one of which is the chance of getting green-tick-verified by Meta. Work on creating a better brand presence online and with your users through PR campaigns, collaborations with other brands or influencers and build up a strong list of references and reviews from customers. Meta also takes into consideration your social media presence, number of followers, likes and engagement. All of these will contribute to you building up your brand credibility with not only Meta, but your target audience as well.
Why did your WhatsApp account not get green tick verified?
The WhatsApp green tick verification is not guaranteed. Meta is strict and particular about which brands get verified on WhatsApp.
Most small businesses won’t get verified but medium to large businesses have a better chance. Ensure you have a valid web page and verified Facebook page setup first before you apply.
What to do if your WhatsApp account is rejected?
You can always reapply for an Official WhatsApp Business Account (green tick) – although you will have to wait at least 30 days before you do so. There are a few things you can do to try and get your green tick on your next application:
- Review the rejection: Carefully review why you were denied as you may have input incorrect or mismatching information which is an easy fix.
- Improve brand presence: Work on expanding your use of WhatsApp for various use cases and campaigns, to build a better presence on the channel and with your audience.
- Incorrect documentation: Your business information in your supporting documentation does not match the information you used in your application.
- Hard to read documents: Make sure the documents you share are clear, not cropped, and easy to read.
- Additional documentation: Meta might ask you to submit additional documentation, in this case make sure you share what they ask for in the given timeframe.
Can you still use WhatsApp without a green tick badge?
Even if Meta does not approve your request, you can still use your account on the WhatsApp Business Platform for all your messaging needs and have access to all the features that build strong conversational interactions with end-users.
Here’s a quick look at all the things you can do with WhatsApp Business Platform API, with or without a green tick:
- Build a WhatsApp chatbot
- Launch a marketing strategy and campaigns
- Build end to end journeys for any industry like banking, eCommerce, telcos etc.
- Build WhatsApp Flows for better customer experience
- Accept payments on WhatsApp
How can Infobip help you get WhatsApp verified?
Meta might decide whether your brand qualifies as a verified account, but Infobip can boost your chances of attaining an Official Business Account.
We’ve assembled a team of WhatsApp experts worldwide who specialize in number registration and verification on WhatsApp – available in multiple languages. They will guide you on the best ways to use WhatsApp as a communication solution for your business, how to improve conversational experiences on the app and offer insight and support when you need it.
We offer fast API integration, quickly get your number set up on WhatsApp, offer template options for messaging and can assist in setting up the right use cases.
Become a professional WhatsApp Business Platform user with Infobip and boost your chances at becoming a WhatsApp verified sender with that little green tick.