Google Business Profiles Introduce Video Previews for Verifications

Google has introduced a small but significant update to its Google Business Profiles verification process. The new feature, called Video Previews, gives business owners a chance to review their verification video before submitting it for approval. While it may seem like a minor change, this addition is likely to save time and reduce frustration for countless businesses trying to verify their listings.

For those unfamiliar with the process, Google Business Profiles sometimes require businesses to submit a video as part of their verification. This typically involves recording specific elements that prove a business’s legitimacy, such as the storefront, signage, business location, or operations taking place inside. Previously, once you recorded and submitted the video, you had to hope it contained everything Google needed to approve your profile. If it didn’t, you risked delays or even rejection, requiring you to start the process all over again.

Now, thanks to Video Previews, that process is a bit more forgiving. Before submitting the verification video, business owners will be able to preview their recording. This means you can double-check that everything is clearly captured and in line with Google’s requirements before it goes off for review.

Lisa Landsman from Google explained this on LinkedIn, noting that the feature was designed to help reduce errors and avoid unnecessary resubmissions. In her words, “Now, you can review your recordings before submitting, ensuring clarity and accuracy – saving you valuable time and reducing the need for resubmissions.”

The importance of this feature becomes clear when you consider how easy it is to make mistakes during the verification process. Maybe you forget to show your business signage, miss an essential interior shot, or the footage ends up being blurry or poorly lit. Any of these issues could lead to a failed verification attempt. By allowing a quick preview, business owners now have one last opportunity to catch and fix any oversights before the video is sent off to the Google Business Profile team.

From a user experience perspective, this change also helps bring more transparency and control to a process that has often felt rigid and somewhat unclear. For small businesses and local operators, many of whom are not tech-savvy, video verification can be intimidating. With the ability to review and re-record if needed, the feature adds a bit more breathing room into what has traditionally been a high-stakes task.

This update may also reduce the burden on Google’s support teams, since fewer flawed submissions mean fewer cases needing re-verification or follow-up. It’s a win for both sides, business owners get a smoother process, and Google can streamline its review operations.

So, what should businesses do with this update? If you’re in the process of verifying your business using the video method, make sure you take advantage of the preview feature. Watch your recording carefully, make sure every necessary detail is clearly visible, and double-check that you’ve followed Google’s instructions. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the main performance.

 

How to Record a Google Business Profile Verification Video (Step-by-Step)

If you’re verifying your business with Google via video, it’s crucial to do it right the first time. Now that Google offers a Video Preview feature, you have the opportunity to review your footage before submission, but that won’t help if you’ve missed key requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to plan and execute a successful video that meets Google’s verification standards.

 

1. Plan Ahead Before You Hit Record

Preparation is key. Don’t just walk outside with your phone and start filming. You need a plan to ensure you cover all three of Google’s core requirements in one continuous, unedited video:

• Show your business location
• Show proof of business name
• Show that you’re authorised to represent the business

Start by setting up your environment, particularly your home office or workspace, to support these requirements. For example, if you’re working from home but servicing clients locally, you might:

• Display paperwork or certificates with your business name and logo in view.
• Open your business booking system or CRM on your computer and leave it visible.
• Have a business card, license, or any document clearly showing the registered business name.

This preparation ensures that when you move indoors during the video, you have everything ready to validate your authority and operations.

 

2. Begin Outside: Establish Your Business Location

Start your video recording outside your business premises or home office. This part is essential for demonstrating that your physical location matches the service area listed in your profile. Capture:

• Surrounding area landmarks, such as neighbouring businesses, public buildings, or well-known intersections.
• Street signs nearby to confirm your location.
• Any building signage or exterior branding on doors, walls, or windows.

This footage should make it immediately clear to Google where your business is physically located. If your business is home-based, the outside of your residence, mailbox with address, or driveway signage can help meet this requirement.

 

3. Transition Inside: Show Authorisation and Business Operation

Once you’ve captured your location from the outside, transition directly into your workspace (without stopping the recording). Here’s what to include:

• A business license, certificate, or business card showing your business name, this must exactly match the name in your Google Business Profile.
• Equipment or tools you use to run the business, whether it’s a computer displaying a booking system, a piece of branded equipment, or even an unlocked branded vehicle parked nearby.
• If you’re using a laptop, show the logged-in admin dashboard of your business management tools or systems.
• Make sure you’re demonstrating that you are not just at the location, but also authorised to represent the business.

This footage proves the legitimacy of your operations and your role in the business.

 

4. Technical Tips for a Successful Video

To maximise the chances of Google accepting your video, follow these practical guidelines:

• Record the entire video in one take. No edits, cuts, or pauses are allowed. Google wants an unbroken recording for authenticity.
• Avoid showing faces of employees, customers, or bystanders to protect privacy.
• Keep sensitive documents out of view. If you’re using screens or paperwork to verify your business, make sure no confidential information (like credit card numbers or client data) is visible.
• Take your time, most successful videos are between 1 to 2 minutes long.
• Use your phone’s highest video quality setting and make sure your camera lens is clean.
• Avoid low-light or loud environments. Google needs to clearly see and hear everything in the video.

 

5. Use the Video Preview Feature Before Submitting

Once you’ve recorded your video, take full advantage of Google’s new Video Preview feature. This lets you rewatch your submission before sending it off, a crucial step that helps you confirm:

• All required elements are clearly visible.
• The video isn’t blurry, dark, or incomplete.
• No faces or personal information accidentally made it into the frame.

If anything’s off, don’t hesitate to re-record. It’s much better to take a few extra minutes now than risk having your profile rejected and starting over.

 

The introduction of Video Previews reflects a growing trend in Google’s product design: more user-friendly tools and processes that support small business success online. It’s not just about helping companies get listed, it’s about helping them get listed correctly, efficiently, and with confidence.

While it’s still early days for this feature, the reception so far has been positive. It’s a small tweak that could make a big difference, particularly for local businesses where time and clarity are critical.

In the fast-evolving world of local search and digital presence, updates like this one show that Google is paying attention to user feedback and looking for ways to improve core workflows. As video verification becomes more common, expect to see more refinements like this aimed at simplifying the experience.

For now, if you’re working on your Google Business Profile verification, take the time to use Video Previews. It’s your chance to get it right the first time and avoid the back-and-forth that slows everything down.

 

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By Manesh Ram, Digital Marketing Specialist. Please follow @maneshram & Meta