Google Business Profile Video Verification Is Stuck “Pending” (or Rejected): What to Do (Late 2025)
The problem (and who it hits hardest)
If your Google Business Profile (GBP) suddenly requires video verification—and then your verification (or core edits like address/phone) gets stuck as “Pending” for far longer than expected—or your video is repeatedly rejected—you’re not alone.This tends to hit:
- Service-area businesses (locksmiths, plumbers, cleaning, mobile services)
- Suite / shared-building offices (medical buildings, coworking spaces)
- Businesses that recently changed address, name, category, or phone
- New listings that can’t get postcard or phone verification options
The practical impact is real: you may have limited control over your listing, your updates don’t publish, and customers may not find accurate information.
Why it’s happening
Google uses verification to confirm that a business exists and that the person managing the profile is authorized. Google notes that verification methods are automatically determined and may require more than one method in some cases. [1]For video verification specifically, Google requires a single, unedited, continuous video recorded and uploaded from a mobile device through the Business Profile flow. The video must show evidence of location, business existence (signage), and management/authorization. [2]
Even though Google says video reviews can take up to 5 business days, real-world cases often stretch longer, especially around holidays or when listings trigger extra scrutiny (for example, suite addresses, service-area ambiguity, inconsistent citations, or changes that require re-verification). Google also states that changes to business info may require re-verification. [2]
Fixes that work (without accidentally restarting your review)
Solution 1: Re-record the video exactly to spec (most common fix)
This sounds basic, but most rejections happen because one required proof element is missing.Step-by-step (storefront / hybrid):
1. Open your Business Profile on your phone and start the video verification flow. [2]
2. Plan a one-take path that shows:
- Location proof: street signs/building number/nearby businesses or landmarks. [2]
- Existence proof: permanent signage with the business name matching your GBP name. [2]
- Management proof: something only staff can access (opening a register, entering an employee-only area, POS usage, storage room, etc.). [2]
3. Record a continuous video (no edits/breaks), at least 30 seconds. [2]
4. Avoid filming faces or sensitive documents/IDs. [2]
Step-by-step (service-area business):
1. Do not rely on “empty land” or vague shots—Google explicitly warns against unclear locations. [2]
2. Show:
- Your service area confirmation (street signs/landmarks) and business promotion in that area where possible. [2]
- Tools/products in use (for example, branded vehicle, equipment, uniforms). [2]
- Proof of management/authorization (non-sensitive business documents like invoices/permits/utility bill matching the GBP name, shown briefly and safely). [2]
If you get “Review issues”:
Use Google’s “Review issues” prompt and re-record including everything from your first attempt plus the missing items. [1][2]
Solution 2: Stop re-submitting every day (it can keep you in limbo)
If you’re already in review, repeatedly changing key fields (name/address/category) or re-requesting verification can prolong the process.Google’s postcard guidance is explicit: editing key info or requesting a new code can invalidate the process. While video verification isn’t identical to postcards, the same principle applies in practice: avoid unnecessary changes while waiting. [1]
What to do instead:
- Pause major edits for a few days.
- Collect the proof you’ll need if support asks (lease, photos of signage, utility bill, etc.).
Solution 3: Try another verification method (only if Google offers it)
Google states the available verification methods depend on business type, region, hours, and other factors—and you can’t manually choose methods that aren’t offered to you. [1]If your profile shows other options (phone/SMS, email, live video call, or mail), try them.
Live video call tip: Google’s help page lists exactly what you should be prepared to show (outside signs/street signs, equipment, and proof of management like keys or employee-only areas). [1]
Solution 4: When it’s truly stuck, use official “Contact us” support
If you’ve followed the requirements and you’re past the stated review window, the most reliable next step is to use the official GBP “Contact us” path referenced in Google’s verification help. [1][2]Support-ready packet (make it easy for a reviewer):
- Business name as shown on GBP
- Address (or service area setup)
- Photos of permanent signage
- Photo of building directory (if in a suite)
- Proof you control the space (lease or utility bill)
- Short timeline (date you submitted video; current status message)
Note: Community threads show many businesses reporting “pending” for weeks and needing escalation to move forward; these reports are common in late 2025. [3][4]
Quick checklist
- [ ] Video is one take, unedited, 30+ seconds [2]
- [ ] Shows location proof (street sign/building number/nearby landmark) [2]
- [ ] Shows permanent signage matching GBP name [2]
- [ ] Shows authorization/management proof (employee-only access, tools, documents—no sensitive info) [2]
- [ ] No faces, no IDs, no bank/tax numbers [2]
- [ ] You didn’t keep changing name/address/category while waiting [1]
- [ ] If still stuck past the stated window: use GBP Contact us [1][2]
FAQ
Q1: Google says video review can take up to 5 business days—why am I seeing “up to 30 days”?
Google documents the standard review window as up to 5 business days for video verification, but real-world cases frequently report longer “pending” periods (especially for address edits, suites, and higher-risk categories). If you’re well past the stated window, move to support escalation with strong evidence. [1][2][3]
Q2: Can I record the video with my camera app and upload it later?
No. Google states you can’t record offline and upload later; it must be recorded and uploaded through the Business Profile on a mobile device. [2]
Q3: What’s the single most common reason for rejection?
Missing proof—typically either (a) permanent signage that matches the GBP name, (b) clear location confirmation, or (c) proof you manage/represent the business (employee-only access, tools, or documents). [2]
Q4: My business is online-only. Can I verify anyway?
Google states online-only businesses that don’t offer in-person services are not eligible for a Business Profile and can’t be verified. [2]
Q5: Should I keep submitting new videos until one works?
If you receive “Review issues,” re-record once you can clearly include the missing requirements. If you keep re-submitting without changing what you show, you’ll likely get repeated rejection. Use the “Review issues” reasons and build a support-ready packet if it stays stuck. [1][2]
Key Takeaways
- Google video verification has strict requirements: one take, 30+ seconds, and clear proofs of location + existence + management. [2]
- “Pending” can last longer than expected, especially after key listing changes or when details look inconsistent.
- Don’t keep making major edits while waiting; prepare documentation instead. [1]
- If you’re past the expected review window, use the official Contact us support path and provide a clean evidence packet. [1][2]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Compact summary: Google Business Profile verification via video recording can be rejected or stuck pending when the video lacks required proofs (location context, permanent signage matching the GBP name, and management authorization) or when listing changes trigger re-verification. Google requires an unedited continuous video (30+ seconds) recorded and uploaded through the mobile Business Profile flow. If verification remains pending beyond the expected review period, pause major edits, re-record using “Review issues,” try alternate verification methods only if offered, and escalate via GBP support with signage and authorization documents.Keywords: Google Business Profile stuck pending, GBP video verification rejected, verify business video recording requirements, Review issues Google Business Profile, live video call verification, business profile address edit pending, Google Maps business verification help