Meta recently changed its WhatsApp verified badge from a green tick to a blue tick, aligning it with the verification system used across Facebook and Instagram.
For organisations that use WhatsApp Business to communicate with customers, the blue tick acts as proof that your account is genuine. It helps customers trust the messages they’re receiving from you, adding an extra layer of credibility to every conversation.
This guide will look into what the verification symbol means, who’s eligible and how your business can get blue ticks on WhatsApp in 2025.
What is the WhatsApp Blue Tick?
The WhatsApp blue tick shows that Meta has confirmed an account is authentic and that messages are genuinely coming from the business sending them.
Once approved, businesses are designated as an Official Business Account (OBA), meaning customers can instantly recognise that they’re engaging with a verified, legitimate organisation.
When verified, the business name appears at the top of the chat instead of the phone number, adding visibility and reinforcing trust in every interaction.
More information is available on Meta’s official support page for verified badges.
The Difference From a Regular Business Account
Any business that uses WhatsApp through the Business Platform or the free Business App automatically receives a standard Business Account label. However, only a select number of businesses are granted the verified badge and elevated to Official Business Account (OBA) status.
For verified OBAs, the business name appears in the chat list and conversation header, even if the user hasn’t saved the number.
This makes verified accounts immediately recognisable and helps customers identify genuine messages from official sources.
Is Your Business Eligible for WhatsApp Blue Tick Verification?
Not every organisation that uses WhatsApp is eligible for the WhatsApp blue tick verification. Meta reserves the verified badge for businesses that meet specific criteria designed to confirm both authenticity and notability.
Approval depends on several factors — including how your business uses WhatsApp, how established your brand is, and whether it meets Meta’s policy and compliance requirements.
Let’s break down what’s needed to qualify, starting with the most important step: using the WhatsApp Business Platform.
You Must Use the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)
The WhatsApp blue tick is only available to businesses using the WhatsApp Business API, not the free WhatsApp Business app.
The API is built for medium to large organisations that manage customer conversations at scale. It provides verified sender IDs, advanced automation, analytics, and integration with enterprise systems — features not available in the app version.
In short, if a business isn’t using the WhatsApp Business Platform, it isn’t eligible to apply for verification.
Your Business Must Be “Notable”
Meta grants the WhatsApp blue tick only to businesses that are considered notable.
This means the brand must be recognisable, have an established online presence, and demonstrate consistent, professional activity across its digital channels, including WhatsApp. Public visibility, such as media mentions or a verified social profile, can also strengthen eligibility.
Certain industries are not permitted on the WhatsApp Business Platform, including those related to:
- Cryptocurrency
- Gambling
- Tobacco
- Drugs
- Medical Products
- Alcohol
- Adult Products & Services
- Weapons
- Dating
Businesses looking to get the blue tick must also operate from the country where the verification is being requested, have an active account, and comply fully with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service and Commerce Policy. Meeting these conditions significantly increases the likelihood of approval.
You Must Have a Verified Meta Business Manager
A verified Meta Business Manager is a prerequisite for WhatsApp blue tick verification. This process confirms the legal identity of the organisation and proves that it’s a legitimate business entity.
Verification involves submitting official documents — such as a business licence or certificate of incorporation — through Meta Business Manager for review. Without this step, the WhatsApp blue tick application cannot be processed or approved.
Your Step-By-Step Guide on How to Get Verified on WhatsApp
The process for earning the WhatsApp blue tick is straightforward but requires a few essential steps.
Get Access to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)
The blue tick is only available through the WhatsApp Business API — not the free Business app. The API gives enterprises the scale, security and automation needed for verified messaging. Partnering with a trusted provider like Soprano makes setup and integration simple.
Complete Your Meta Business Manager Verification
Meta requires all applicants to verify their business identity. Upload official documents, such as a business licence or certificate of incorporation, through Meta Business Manager for review.
This step can take several days and must be approved before applying for verification.
Initiate the Application from WhatsApp Manager
Once verified in Meta, open WhatsApp Manager and:
- Select the business phone number.
- Go to Profile.
- Click ‘Request an Official Business Account’
Submit and Wait for Meta’s Review
Once the request is submitted, Meta will review the application to confirm eligibility.
The process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, and the current status can be viewed at any time in WhatsApp Manager.
What if Your WhatsApp Blue Tick Verification Application Gets Rejected?
It’s not uncommon for applications to be declined, especially for brands that are still building their public presence. Rejections don’t mean you’re permanently ineligible — they simply indicate that Meta needs more evidence of authenticity or notability.
If your WhatsApp verification tick application is rejected, you’ll need to wait 30 days before reapplying. During that time, focus on strengthening your brand visibility, ensuring compliance with Meta’s policies, and using an official business number connected to your verified Meta Business Manager.
It’s also worth reviewing whether your organisation might fall under one of WhatsApp’s restricted business categories, as those applications won’t be approved.
Benefits of the WhatsApp Blue Tick
Earning the WhatsApp blue tick goes beyond recognition. It gives your organisation added credibility and reach on one of the world’s most trusted messaging channels.
Once verified, businesses benefit from:
- Instant trust – Customers can see at a glance that messages are from an official, legitimate source.
- Higher engagement – Verified accounts tend to see stronger open and response rates because recipients know who they’re speaking with.
- Consistent brand visibility – Your business name appears at the top of chats and conversation headers, not your number.
To make the most of verification, it’s worth understanding the key features of WhatsApp Business API, which power these official business accounts.
If your organisation is ready to start the process or explore what’s possible with the WhatsApp Business API, our team at Soprano Design can help you get there.
With omnichannel reach across SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, Email, Conversational AI and more, enterprises choose Soprano to consolidate their messaging into one ultra-secure communication platform.
Get in touch with us today to learn more!
