Google Business Profile Verification Video Not Uploading? What to Do

You filmed your verification video, hit upload, and it failed. Or it sat on the progress bar forever. Or it said it uploaded and nothing happened.

You're not alone. Google's own help page says it plainly: in some cases, videos fail to upload on the first try. Here's what to do.

First: upload it again

Google's official advice is simply to try again. Before you do:

• Don't cancel a slow upload. Google says if you cancel, both you and Google lose access to that video, and you'll have to film it again.
• Stay on one connection. A common cause is a phone switching between Wi-Fi and cell data in the middle of an upload. Turn Wi-Fi off and use a strong cell signal, or stand close to your router with cell data off.
• Keep the screen on and the app open until it finishes.

If it fails again, check the video itself

Google says that if the upload keeps failing, make sure the video meets every requirement and try again. The rules:

• Filmed live. You can't record offline and upload it later, and pre-recorded videos aren't allowed. The recording happens inside the verification flow: Get verified, then Business video, then Start recording.
• At least 30 seconds, one continuous take, unedited, no breaks.
• Recorded and uploaded from a phone or tablet.

Longer videos take longer to upload. Google doesn't publish a maximum, but there's no reason to go much past a minute or two if you show everything Google needs.

Make the next take count

If you have to film again anyway, make sure it covers the three things Google's reviewer checks:

1. Where you are: street signs, building numbers or neighboring businesses.
2. That the business exists: your sign with your exact business name, or your tools and work vehicle if you go to customers.
3. That you run it: open the register, unlock a staff-only room, or show paperwork with your business name.

Our video verification guide has a one-take shot list.

After it uploads

Review can take up to five business days. Don't upload a second video while the first is in review. If Google rejects it, you'll see Review issues on your profile; Google's instructions are to record a new video that includes everything from the first one plus whatever was missing.

When nothing works

Some businesses go round and round with failed uploads and rejected videos for weeks. At that point, check whether Google is offering you another method (a live video call, phone or email) and try that instead. And when the normal methods keep failing, Google can review a business by hand with documents like a recent utility bill and your business registration.

That last step is the one most owners never find, and it's what our done-for-you setup handles.