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Life with MaK/YouTube

Big creators risk losing checkmarks amid YouTube verification purge

YouTube announced a new, stricter verification process.

 

Libby Cohen

Streaming

Posted on Sep 19, 2019   Updated on May 20, 2021, 3:25 am CDT

Big creators are at risk of losing their coveted checkmarks amid a YouTube verification purge. YouTube announced a new, stricter verification process on Thursday.

The platform said it will be stripping channels of their checkmarks if they no longer qualify for verification under new guidelines. In addition to 100,000 subscribers, channels now must prove their authenticity. The authenticity requirement is simple: The channel must prove to YouTube that it is run by the person or group that it claims to its viewers.

YouTube has begun notifying accounts of pending verification removal. Accounts can appeal the decision in order to regain their YouTube clout.

ASMR star Life with MaK received a notice on Thursday. “Wow. The only ‘disappointing’ thing in my life is YOUtube,” the 14-year-old wrote in response.

https://twitter.com/lifewithmak2005/status/1174749699221274624

It was also alleged that Jake Paul lost his verified status, but a YouTube spokesperson confirmed that Paul did not lose his verification badge on Thursday.

“He used to have the badge and then changed his channel name a while back, which is why he lost the badge, it has nothing to do with today’s announcement. He can re-apply under the new channel name,” the spokesperson said. “(He lost verification) at the time he changed his name, it wasn’t today, it has nothing to do with today’s announcement.”

https://twitter.com/Schultzzie/status/1174770784310419462

Larger names in the YouTube community are standing in solidarity with those who are being unverified by speaking out against the new policy.

I’m really sorry to the creators who are being unverified on @YouTube today. This decision is really pointless and it’s yet another change not a single person asked for PLEASE know that you are still valid as a creator and I hope that a stupid checkmark doesn’t discourage you!” James Charles tweeted.

https://twitter.com/jamescharles/status/1174760618642903042

The Verge reports YouTube likely implemented the authentication step to help moderate suggested videos by ensuring content is verified and from well-known creators.

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H/T the Verge

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*First Published: Sep 19, 2019, 4:56 pm CDT