All about WhatsApp Business Platform Green Tick (now Blue Tick) Verification and Steps to Apply

The green tick (now blue tick) signifies that the account is an Official Business Account (OBA) and is verified by WhatsApp (owned by Meta) as authentic and associated with a legitimate, renowned brand or organization. This badge is exclusive to businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), not the free WhatsApp Business app. The verification badge is displayed next to the business name or profile picture when a user accesses the WhatsApp Business Profile of a business

This green tick appears across multiple touchpoints - the account’s profile, chat history, and contact list, ensuring customers can identify the account as authentic, without even saving the contact in their phone. This verification badge differentiates official accounts from regular business accounts.

Why is the Green Tick Important?

The green tick (now blue tick) is a powerful tool for businesses, offering several key benefits that enhance credibility, customer trust, and engagement. Below are the primary reasons it is important:

• Builds Trust and Credibility: The green tick assures customers they are interacting with a legitimate, WhatsApp-verified business, reducing the risk of engaging with fake or impersonating accounts. This is critical in an era where cyber attacks on mobile devices increased by 50% in 2023, making customers cautious about sharing personal information. It promotes confidence, as customers know they communicate with an authentic brand, thereby positively influencing their purchasing decisions.
• Enhances Brand Visibility and Recognition: The badge displays the business name in chats and profiles, even if the customer hasn’t saved the contact, improving brand recall and visibility. It sets the business apart from competitors, signaling professionalism and authenticity, which is particularly valuable for well-known brands susceptible to impersonation.
• Increases Customer Engagement: Verified accounts with the green tick often see higher message open and read rates, as customers are more likely to trust and engage with messages from a verified source. The badge reduces the chances of customers blocking or ignoring messages, as they recognize the sender as a trusted business, potentially increasing ROI on messaging campaigns.
• Protects Against Impersonation: The green tick helps distinguish legitimate businesses from scammers or imposters, protecting both the brand’s reputation and customers from fraud. This is especially important for popular brands that are frequent targets of impersonation.
  
• Strong Perception Impact: While the green tick doesn’t unlock additional or differentiating functional features compared to a regular WhatsApp Business account, it significantly enhances how customers perceive the brand. This psychological impact can drive higher engagement and conversions without requiring extra tools.

Eligibility & Prerequisites:

To apply for the green tick, a business must:

• Have an Active Facebook Business Manager (business.facebook.com)
• Use the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), not the free app.
• Have a verified Meta Business Manager account with two-factor authentication enabled.
• Business details matching legal documents (tax ID, address, website)
• Maintain ≥2FA rating (two-factor auth enabled)
• Send message templates consistently for ≥2 months
• Low block/report rates (<0.5% of messages)
• High quality messaging (response time <24 hrs, opt-in compliance)
• Comply with WhatsApp’s Commerce and Business Policies.
• Do not operate in restricted industries (e.g., cryptocurrency, gambling, financial services, etc).
• Press Links: 3+ recent media mentions (Forbes, TechCrunch, etc.)
• Marketing Collateral: Branded assets showing business name/logo
• Consistent Volume Proof: ≥500 message templates sent monthly
• Platform Presence: Active website/app with WhatsApp integration

Application Process:

The Application Process: Businesses apply through a Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Chakra Chat or directly via Meta Business Manager by submitting required documents and meeting notability standards. Approval typically takes up to business days, but only a small percentage of applicants are approved, as WhatsApp prioritizes well-known brands. If the application is rejected, businesses can reapply after a 30-day cooldown.

• No Cost for Verification: The green tick application is free through Meta, though some BSPs may charge for setup or support services. However, BSPs cannot influence Meta’s final decision.
• Transition to Blue Tick: As of July 2024, WhatsApp has shifted to a blue tick for verified accounts, aligning with Meta’s broader verification branding (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). The blue tick serves the same purpose and carries the same benefits as the green tick.

Steps to apply for the Green Tick on WhatsApp:

• Log in to your Meta Business Manager.
• Navigate to Business Settings > WhatsApp Accounts.
• Select the WhatsApp account you want verified.
• Contact Support and request official business account status.
• Submit the required information and documents

Tips to increase Green Tick approval chances

• Build Brand Presence:
• Get featured in 3-5 reputable publications
• Maintain active social media (10k+ followers preferred)
• Optimize Messaging:
• Maintain >95% template approval rate
• Keep response rate >90% within 24 hours
• Work with a Meta BSP:
• Partners like Twilio/MessageBird have dedicated OBA support teams
• Document Everything:
• Prepare press kits, business licenses, and domain proofs in advance

Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Inconsistent business name across platforms
2. Insufficient media coverage or brand recognition
3. New WhatsApp account (<2 months activity)
4. High message block rate (>1%)
5. Template message violations

Tips for maintaining the Post Green Tick post approval

• Maintain messaging quality standards
• Renew verification annually
• Avoid policy violations (automatic badge removal if detected)

Conclusion

The green tick (now blue tick) on the WhatsApp Business Platform is an essential asset for businesses aspiring to establish trust, enhance brand visibility, and boost customer engagement. By ensuring authenticity, businesses stand out in a competitive digital landscape, reduce the risk of being blocked, and foster stronger customer relationships. While it requires meeting stringent criteria and using the WhatsApp Business API, the badge’s impact on credibility and engagement makes it a valuable goal for notable brands. For businesses seeking verification, working with a BSP and building a strong online presence can increase approval chances.