Verified fan registration is a tool used by many artists and event organizers to help ensure tickets get into the hands of real fans. It requires fans to register in advance and provide information to verify their identity and level of fandom. This allows the artist or organizer to vet potential buyers and weed out scalpers or bots. While verified fan registration has its benefits, many wonder if it can be edited or changed once registered. There are a few key factors to consider.
The Registration Process
The verified fan registration process varies by artist or event, but typically requires providing personal info like name, email, phone number, and sometimes linking social media accounts or answering fan-specific questions. Data like purchase history or social media engagement may also be analyzed. Once registered, fans are usually assigned a verification status like “Verified” or “Waitlist” based on the vetting process. Most registration systems don’t allow fans to edit core data like name, email, etc. after submitting. However, some may allow modifying or adding social accounts.
Registration Window
Registrations usually open weeks or months before a tour or event begins. The verification process takes time, so the window needs to be far in advance. Changes are usually not allowed after the registration period ends. Attempting to edit info after the deadline could risk getting your registration revoked. The registration period timeline is controlled by the artist/event organizer, not the fan.
Verification Status
Getting an initial “Verified” status doesn’t guarantee tickets in the end. Organizers often have to change status due to fluctuating supply and demand. Some fans originally marked “Waitlist” may eventually be upgraded to “Verified” if capacity increases. Additional fan data may also be utilized right before the on-sale to reassess and adjust status levels. Beyond the registration window, fans have no control over status. It’s solely dictated by the artist’s team based on availability.
Table of Allowed Registration Edits
Registration Field | Can Be Edited? |
---|---|
Name | No |
Email Address | No |
Phone Number | No |
Social Media Accounts | Sometimes |
Fan Verification Status | No |
This table summarizes what types of edits are typically allowed or prohibited on a verified fan registration. Core identity fields like name, email, and phone number are locked. Social media can sometimes be added or removed. The assigned verification status level is completely out of the fan’s control.
Examples of Artists Using Verified Fan Registration
Many major artists and events use some form of verified or presale ticket registration:
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour implemented a vigorous verified fan registration. Fans had to register using Ticketmaster and were given priority to purchase tickets based on their level of recent engagement on Swift’s website and streaming her music. Additional factors like touring and merch purchase history were also incorporated into the verification algorithm. Registrations could not be altered after submission.
Harry Styles
For Harry Styles’ recent Love on Tour, Ticketmaster used their Verified Fan system. Fans had to register ahead of time and were verified based on previous ticket purchases and geographical data. Unique presale codes were provided to verified fans. No changes could be made to a registration after signing up.
Coachella Music Festival
The iconic Coachella festival utilizes verified registration for access to passes. Fans must create accounts providing personal info. Based on engagement metrics and past attendance, they are designated Registered, Interested, or Waitlist status. Once registered, fans are unable to edit their information.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is now on his Mathematics Tour. For this tour, he required fans to register as Verified Fans via Ticketmaster. Additional registration tiers like Superfans were available based on previous engagement with Sheeran’s music and touring. No changes could be made after an initial registration was completed.
Fan Strategies for Registration
For fans hoping to secure tickets through a verified program, here are some helpful strategies:
Register Immediately
Sign up for verification right when registration opens. Don’t delay. Capacity is limited and waitlists typically form quickly. Act fast to get the best shot at an initial Verified status.
Provide Accurate Info
When registering, double check that all personal information entered, like name, email, and phone number, is absolutely accurate. Even small typos could risk issues validating your identity and registering properly.
Link All Social Accounts
Connecting as many active social media accounts that engage with the artist is wise. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, etc. provide data points for validating your fandom, so link anything relevant.
Be Active on Fan Channels
Engage frequently with the artist’s official website, fan clubs, email newsletters, social media channels, streaming playlists, etc. in the time leading up to the tour. This activity helps boost your status as a true fan during registration vetting.
Team Up with Other Fans
For high demand tours, try registering with a group of other diehard fans. Get assigned registration codes or links and coordinate efforts for the ticket on-sale timeframe. This improves chances in the rush.
The Benefits of Verified Fan Registration
While the registration restrictions and lack of editing ability may frustrate some fans, verified programs do offer significant benefits:
Filters Out Scalpers and Bots
By requiring identity verification, it helps prevent scalpers and ticket bots from instantly gobbling up tickets and reselling them at inflated prices. This ensures more tickets reach real fans first.
Makes Buying Experience More Fair
Raw speed is no longer the only factor for securing tickets. Verified status levels the playing field and gives passionate, loyal fans better shot at tickets over casual listeners trying to buy.
Rewards Long-Time Fans
Engagement metrics and purchase history allow longtime, devoted supporters to be rewarded with priority access before the general public. Their fandom commitment is recognized.
Discourages Multiple Purchases for Resale
Identity verification limits how many tickets one person can buy, helping deter brown bag ticket brokers who try to unlawfully sweep up bulk ticket inventory.
Provides Perks Like Presales
Artist fan clubs and other programs associated with the registration often come with special benefits like presale ticket access, exclusive merch, signed items, VIP events, and more.
Conclusion
The verified fan registration system places some restrictions on fans in order to create a more fair and controlled ticket buying experience. While fans are unable to edit their registration information after submission, the process offers significant protections against scalpers, bots, and dishonest brokers. For loyal, devoted fans, registering properly provides the best chance at securing tickets to see their favorite artist or attend an exclusive event. As more organizers adopt verified registration platforms, fans should understand how they work so they can best navigate the system. While not perfect, verified fan programs succeed in getting more tickets into the right hands. With smart registration strategies, true fans can better compete against bad actors trying to profit off their enthusiasm and exploit the system.