What Does “To Make External Links Clickable, Please Complete a One-Time Verification” Mean?

If you see a message like “To make external links clickable, please complete a one-time verification” on platforms such as YouTube, it means you need to verify your account for security and anti-spam reasons before you can add clickable external links (for example, in your video descriptions or channel info).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Click the “Verify” Button
   • Click the “Verify” or similar button in the message prompt.
2. Choose a Verification Method
   • Usually, you can choose from these options:
     • Video Verification: Submit a short selfie video.
     • ID Verification: Upload a photo of a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
     • Channel History: Build up your channel’s history (by uploading videos, live streaming, etc.).
   • The fastest and most common is ID verification.
3. Submit Required Information
   • Follow the instructions to upload your ID or complete the chosen verification method.
4. Wait for Approval
   • After submitting, you’ll need to wait for the platform to review and approve your verification.
   • This usually takes a few hours to a day.

Important Notes

• Until verification is complete, external links in your descriptions or about section will not be clickable (they’ll appear as plain text).
• If your verification fails, you can usually try again or appeal.
• This requirement helps prevent spam and malicious links on the platform.

Summary

To make external links clickable on your channel or content, you must complete a one-time account verification process. Once approved, any external URLs you add will become clickable for viewers. Just follow the on-screen instructions, submit the necessary documents or information, and wait for confirmation.