Registering as a verified fan on Ticketmaster gives you early access to tickets for concerts and events from artists using Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform. It helps prevent scalpers and bots from buying up all the tickets and lets genuine fans get access first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a verified fan on Ticketmaster:
1. Make sure you have a Ticketmaster account
To register as a verified fan, you’ll need a Ticketmaster account. If you don’t already have one, go to www.ticketmaster.com and click “Sign Up” in the top right corner. Follow the prompts to create your account by entering your email address, creating a password, and providing some basic information like your name and location.
2. Look for offers to register on the Ticketmaster homepage
When high-demand tours and events that are using Verified Fan go on sale, you’ll see an invitation near the top of the Ticketmaster homepage to “Register Now.” This is your chance to sign up to get early access before tickets go on sale to the general public.
The registration period is usually open for a limited time, anywhere from a couple days up to a week. So check the Ticketmaster homepage frequently and jump on the chance to register when you see it.
3. Click “Register Now” and request a verification code
When you find the Verified Fan registration for the event you want tickets for, click the “Register Now” button. You’ll be prompted to log into your Ticketmaster account if you aren’t already.
On the next page, click the “Request Verification Code” button. Ticketmaster will send a verification code to the email associated with your Ticketmaster account.
4. Enter the verification code
Check your email for the 6-digit verification code from Ticketmaster and enter it on the Verified Fan registration page. This confirms you have access to the email for your Ticketmaster account.
5. Answer a few questions
Ticketmaster will ask you some questions to determine if you’re likely to actually attend the event if you get tickets. The questions are usually pretty simple, like “How many events from this artist have you attended?” and “How far are you willing to travel for the event?” Answer honestly.
6. Wait to find out if you’re verified
After registration closes, Ticketmaster will review all the submissions and select fans who they believe intend to actually attend the event to be Verified Fans. You’ll get an email within a few days letting you know if you were selected.
7. Get early access to buy tickets
If you’re chosen as a Verified Fan, you’ll be emailed a unique access code and instructions for purchasing tickets before the general on-sale date. This code can only be used once to purchase tickets.
Make sure to log into your Ticketmaster account early on the Verified Fan presale date and look for the link to enter your code. Verified Fan presales typically sell out very quickly, so you need to be ready to jump on tickets right at the start time.
Tips for boosting your chances of being verified
Not everyone who registers gets selected as a Verified Fan. Here are some tips to improve your odds:
- Register as early as possible during the registration period.
- Only register for events you fully intend on going to.
- Accurately answer the screening questions.
- Use an active Ticketmaster account with previous ticket purchases.
- Make sure the billing and shipping info on your Ticketmaster account is current.
Can I register multiple times?
You can only register once per event, using the same Ticketmaster account. Registering multiple times or with different accounts may get you disqualified or banned.
What if I don’t get selected?
If you aren’t chosen as a Verified Fan, you’ll have to buy tickets during the general on-sale, along with everyone else. Set a calendar reminder for the on-sale date and time and be ready on Ticketmaster right at the start to get the best selection.
Not getting verified doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get tickets at all. It just may be more competitive with high demand. Have backup options in mind for ticket quantities or show dates in case your first choices sell out quickly.
Can I transfer or sell my Verified Fan code?
No, Verified Fan codes are only valid for the original recipient. Ticketmaster’s system tracks the codes and will invalidate any that are used by someone other than the intended Verified Fan. Attempting to sell or transfer your code could get your Ticketmaster account banned.
How does Ticketmaster verify fans?
Ticketmaster uses proprietary technology and data analysis to determine who is most likely an actual fan vs. a scalper or bot. According to Ticketmaster, factors considered include:
- Ticket purchase and browsing history
- Social media engagement with the artist
- Geography and ability to attend event
- Frequency of attending similar events
- How long the Ticketmaster account has been active
While Ticketmaster doesn’t publically share further details, they generally try to identify real human fans with a demonstrated interest in attending the event.
Why does Ticketmaster use Verified Fan?
Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform aims to get more tickets directly to fans instead of scalpers and bots. Some stats they’ve shared on the results:
- Less than 5% of Verified Fan tickets end up on resale sites, compared to 20-30% normally.
- 50% of Verified Fan tickets go to buyers who’ve never purchased that artist before.
- 2 million Verified Fan codes have been issued, with a 96% redemption rate.
Both artists and fans seem to appreciate Verified Fan giving more people a fair shot at great seats for in-demand shows.
Verified Fan and other presales
In addition to Verified Fan presales, there are often other presales leading up to the general on-sale date. These may include presales for the artist’s fan club members, credit card holders, Ticketmaster customers, or members of groups like American Express or Amazon. Verified Fan presales occur before these other presales.
Tips for the Verified Fan presale
Here are some top tips for having the best experience during the Verified Fan presale:
- Log into Ticketmaster at least 15 minutes before the presale starts.
- Have your Verified Fan code ready to enter right at the start time.
- Know the number and type of tickets you want to buy.
- Be flexible on city, date, and seat location.
- Use Ticketmaster’s interactive seat maps to pick seats quickly.
- Save payment info in your TM account to checkout faster.
- Keep trying if tickets disappear, they may get released from other carts.
What events use Verified Fan?
While Ticketmaster doesn’t release a full schedule, Verified Fan is used for most major concerts and events when tickets are expected to sell out instantly. Some artists who have used Verified Fan include Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Paul McCartney, and many more. Certain sporting events, theaters, and festivals also sometimes use it.
Issues and downsides
While well-intentioned, Verified Fan has received some criticism, including:
- Technical issues like codes not arriving or not working
- Little recourse if you feel wrongly rejected as a Verified Fan
- Prevents casual fans from buying great seats
- Rewards those with time and ability to register and repeatedly buy presale tickets
Still, most see it as an improvement over all tickets immediately vanishing to scalpers and bots. But Ticketmaster does continue to refine the system based on feedback.
Conclusion
Registering as a Verified Fan on Ticketmaster requires creating an account, actively looking for registration opportunities, going through the verification process, and scoring an access code. It offers genuine fans a much better chance at great tickets for popular shows and events.
While not perfect, Verified Fan does help get more tickets directly into the hands of people who actually want to attend. So it’s worth understanding and taking advantage of as an avid concert and event goer.
