WhatsApp Green Tick Verification

What is the green tick?

The green tick is the visual badge displayed next to a business's display name in WhatsApp chats and contact info. It tells customers: "Meta has verified this is the authentic account of [Brand Name]." Internally Meta calls this status Official Business Account (OBA).

The badge is purely a trust signal — it does not unlock any technical features, message types, or pricing benefits. But for consumer-facing brands, it dramatically reduces the "is this really them?" hesitation when customers receive a marketing message or OTP.

Who is eligible?

Meta describes OBA as "notable, well-known brands." In practice that means at least one of:

• Significant news / press coverage — multiple articles in major outlets
• Large social media following — typically 100k+ on at least one major platform
• A recognizable brand identity — distinct logo, public website, established product or service
• An established business with operating history (not a brand-new startup unless backed by significant press)
• Risk of impersonation — brands that competitors or scammers might fake

Generic terms or descriptive names ("Best Mobile Shop", "Quick Loans India") typically get rejected — Meta wants to verify specific entities, not generic businesses.

How to apply for the green tick

1. Complete Meta Business Verification first. Your business must be verified in Meta Business Manager (this is separate from OBA — and required before OBA).
2. Have a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) set up via a BSP like Zaptilo with a registered phone number and an approved Display Name that matches your brand.
3. Build your evidence package: news article links (at least 3-5), social profiles with follower counts, official website, brand mentions in press releases.
4. Submit the OBA application through Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp Manager → Account Quality → Apply for Official Business Account. Your BSP can submit on your behalf.
5. Wait for Meta's decision — typically 2-3 weeks. Meta reviews case-by-case and does not negotiate.
6. If approved: green tick appears next to your display name automatically.
7. If rejected: you can reapply after addressing the gaps (typically more press, larger following, etc.).

Tips to improve approval chances

• Get press first. A few articles in YourStory, Inc42, ET, Mint, Forbes India, etc. carry significant weight with Meta's reviewers.
• Display name must match your brand identity — don't use generic terms or your legal entity's name if it differs from the consumer-facing brand.
• Strong public website with about page, team, contact details, and product information.
• Active social presence — Meta cross-references your other Meta-platform brand accounts. Verified Instagram/Facebook helps.
• Don't rush. Apply when you have a real case. Failed applications can hurt your chances on resubmission.

Common reasons for rejection

• Insufficient press coverage (the #1 reason)
• Display name is generic or doesn't match brand
• Business too new — operating less than 6 months
• Profile incomplete — missing logo, business description, or website
• Social media presence too small or inactive
• Business name doesn't match registered legal entity (mismatch between WABA and Business Manager)

For Indian businesses

Meta is particularly strict for India given the volume of WhatsApp Business accounts. Most Indian SMBs and growth-stage startups won't get OBA right away — and that's OK. Your customers see your Display Name regardless, and your messages are equally deliverable. Focus on having a clean Display Name, a verified Business Manager, and approved templates. Apply for OBA when you have genuine notability — usually after Series A or significant press attention.

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