With over 2.9 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become a pivotal business communication tool. However, engaging your audience on this competitive platform requires credibility.
The WhatsApp green tick verification signals that your business is verified and authentic, thereby building brand trust
This guide will walk you through the process of how to apply for WhatsApp green tick verification, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and essential steps to secure this recognition from WhatsApp.
What is the green tick on WhatsApp?
The WhatsApp green tick is an official verification badge that appears next to a business name, signifying that the business is recognized as legitimate by the platform.
This badge helps WhatsApp users identify verified profiles and ensure they engage with an authentic business.
Types of WhatsApp Business accounts
There are two types of WhatsApp Business accounts: regular (ideal for small-scale and proprietorship businesses) and official (ideal for large-scale businesses with a broad audience base).
Here’s a quick overview of these accounts:
| Feature | Regular Account | Official Account |
| Account creation | Can be created on the Messaging app or by using the WhatsApp Business Platform (formerly known as the WhatsApp Business API) | May only be obtained through the WhatsApp Business Platform and Meta approval |
| Verification status | Can apply, but not guaranteed | Displays a green tick on WhatsApp chats, indicating official verification by WhatsApp |
| Business name display | The business name is only visible if the customer saves the number | The business name is displayed even if the customer hasn’t saved the number |
| Trust indicator | Customers see a business account, indicating a basic level of trust | Customers know they are engaging with a verified business, which is the highest indicator of trust |
| How it appears (Source) |
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Purpose of the WhatsApp green tick verification
Although the green tick on WhatsApp doesn’t offer features beyond those of a regular business account, it does enhance a brand’s credibility and visibility. Let’s discuss the benefits of the green tick and the challenges of getting it.
Eligibility criteria for obtaining the WhatsApp green tick
Here’s a concise list of what you need to clear WhatsApp’s green tick verification process.
- WhatsApp Business account: Your business must use the WhatsApp Business platform. Get assistance from a WhatsApp Solution Provider like Plivo.
- 2-Step verification: Your WhatsApp account must have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled for added security.
- Strong reputation: Meta tends to verify well-known brands with strong reputations. Larger enterprises and businesses with significant customer followings on platforms like Facebook and Instagram have a better chance of being verified.
- Registered business: Verification is reserved for registered businesses. Individuals, public figures, and influencers are not eligible for the green tick.
- Tier 2 messaging level or above: Your WhatsApp channel should be at least a Tier 2 messaging level, meaning your outbound messaging limit is a maximum of 10,000 unique users in 24 hours. Leveling up can be quite difficult, but here are some tips to help:some text
- Maintain a high response rate by consistently responding to customer messages. Tools like Plivo’s no-code WhatsApp AI Chatbot can automate responses and help maintain efficiency in customer service.
- Stay compliant with WhatsApp’s guidelines. Avoid spamming customers with unsolicited or excessive promotional messages to prevent being blocked.
- Promote your WhatsApp presence through various channels and offer incentives to encourage customers to join your WhatsApp contact list. Plivo’s marketing automation tools can help you send personalized campaigns, with WhatsApp marketing automation being a soon-to-be-added feature.
- Use WhatsApp Business tools like messaging templates for standardized communications, such as order confirmations and shipping updates, to streamline your interactions.
- Track your messaging performance with WhatsApp Business insights to identify areas for improvement in response times, message volumes, and customer feedback.
5-step guide on how to get the WhatsApp green tick
The WhatsApp green tick next to your display name not only symbolizes trust and authenticity but also helps your brand stand out. Plivo can help streamline the application process and give you the best chance of getting your green tick request approved.
Here’s how to get a green tick on WhatsApp in five steps using Plivo.
1. Sign up for WhatsApp Business and connect with Plivo
Register for WhatsApp Business and set up your business account through a Business Solution Partner (BSP) like Plivo.
- Request a trial account if you don’t have an existing account.
- Once you’ve gained access to the WhatsApp Platform, create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) through Plivo’s console using Meta’s Embedded Signup flow.
- Register the business phone number you want to use on WhatsApp. You can rent a number from Plivo (available in specific countries) or use an existing number. If your number is registered with a different provider, you can migrate it to your new WABA with Plivo. Find more information on the migration process here.
For detailed guidelines, refer to Meta’s guidelines for business phone numbers.
Note: Ensure the registered number can receive a one-time password (OTP) via text or voice call.
- Set your WhatsApp display name and make sure it complies with Meta’s display name guidelines.
- Grant Plivo the necessary permissions to function as your WhatsApp solutions partner. Plivo will handle all payments for your WABA, ensuring you’re only billed through Plivo’s platform.
Note: Meta charges a fee per conversation based on the type, but with Plivo, you pay a single fee for any conversation, anywhere, with no extra charge for media messages. Plus, volume-based discounts offer significant savings. Check our pricing for more information.
2. Set up Meta Business Manager
You can get verified on Meta Business Manager with your BSP in a few steps:
- Your WABA will be displayed in your Plivo console once integration is successful.
- Verify onboarding by navigating to your Meta Business Account, selecting your Meta account, and going to Business Settings. Click on WhatsApp Accounts and open the Partners tab. You should see Plivo listed as one of your partners.
- Next, click on the Settings tab within Meta Business Manager. You should see ‘PLIVO INC’ listed under the payment method, indicating that Plivo now manages your payments.
- Click on WhatsApp Manager to confirm that the onboarded phone number is connected. This step ensures that your WABA is properly linked and ready for use.
Now you can create and manage WhatsApp message templates to start sending messages through your verified WhatsApp account.
3. Enable two-step authentication
To add an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp Business API account, enable two-step verification (2FA).
Register your phone number on WhatsApp with a unique six-digit PIN and turn on two-factor authentication in your Meta Business settings to complete this step.
4. Build a reputation for your brand
Meta tends to recognize companies that are frequently searched for and have a solid reputation. For this reason, not every business qualifies for the WhatsApp green tick badge.
Aim for three to five media coverage links from reputable news outlets or magazines to increase your chances of being recognized as an official business account. But remember, Meta does not consider paid or promotional content as valid sources for evaluation.
5. Apply for the WhatsApp green tick
You can apply for verification in two ways — through your Meta Business Manager or with a BSP like Plivo.
a) Meta Business Manager
If you prefer to handle the application process independently, follow these steps:
- Go to Meta Business Manager and navigate to Business Settings > WhatsApp Accounts.
- Choose the account for which you’re applying for the green tick.
- Click Settings > Contact Support > Ask a Question > WABiz: Request Official Business Account Status.
- Submit the required documents and information, ensuring that two-factor authentication is enabled.
b) BSP
If you’re utilizing the WhatsApp Business Platform or an on-premises API, you may work with a BSP to streamline the verification process.
BSPs typically offer assistance with the application process, charging a fee. The procedure can vary depending on the BSP, so it’s advisable to contact your provider for specific details and associated costs.
The BSP may either apply on your behalf or guide you through the application process. If a BSP applies for you, the approval process can take up to three weeks.
Note: The final decision to award the WhatsApp green tick badge will be solely made by Meta. If you don’t get verified, you can reapply after 30 days.
Businesses that can’t apply for WhatsApp Business verification
WhatsApp does not allow certain types of businesses to use its Business Platform or obtain the verified tick. Businesses offering the following products or services cannot get clearance:
- Cryptocurrencies
- Gambling
- Tobacco
- Drugs
- Medical products
- Alcohol
- Adult products and services
- Weapons
- Dating services
Using WhatsApp APIs without a green tick
Even if your account doesn't have the green tick, you can still fully utilize the WhatsApp Business Platform’s robust features to engage with your customers. Additionally, with Plivo by your side, you can continue to:
- Programmatically send WhatsApp messages to customers.
- Use WhatsApp templates for automated messaging.
- Automate your customer service with a no-code chatbot powered by ChatGPT.
- Run personalized campaigns on WhatsApp with marketing automation.
Note: WhatsApp has transitioned from a green tick to a blue tick for verification, part of Meta's strategy to unify branding across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Existing green tick holders will automatically transition to the blue tick without any action or additional fees.
Conclusion
Meta recently announced that it will be slowly rolling out a subscription service that allows businesses to pay for Meta Verification. Meta Verified will also offer account support, impersonation protection, and more. Until this feature is widely available, pursuing a WhatsApp check mark could be worth the effort.
Securing a WhatsApp green tick for your business boosts your brand’s credibility, helping win customer trust and engagement. While the process may seem complex, following the steps outlined in this article should make it much more manageable.
Partnering with a reliable service provider like Plivo can simplify the entire process, from authentication to alerts and notifications, promotions, product updates, and customer support. Request a trial with Plivo and build a trusted and recognized brand on WhatsApp.
