Getting access to tickets for popular concerts and events through Ticketmaster can be very competitive. Demand often far outweighs supply for hot shows, leading many fans to be left empty handed when tickets go on sale. In an effort to make the ticketing process more fair for dedicated fans, Ticketmaster developed the Verified Fan program. This system aims to identify real human fans and prevent scalpers and bots from gobbling up large portions of ticket allotments.
What is Ticketmaster Verified Fan?
Ticketmaster Verified Fan is a program that requires users to register in advance for a chance to purchase tickets for concerts and events with high demand. Fans must provide their name, contact info, and agree to Ticketmaster’s terms and conditions when registering. Registering does not guarantee you will receive a code to buy tickets.
Prior to the tickets going on sale, Ticketmaster uses its proprietary algorithm to analyze the pool of registered users and determine who will receive a unique code to access the ticket sale. The goal is to filter out potential scalpers and bots who sign up to buy tickets in bulk.
If you are selected and verified by Ticketmaster’s system, you will receive an email with your unique code and instructions on when and how to purchase tickets. This code can only be used once to attempt to buy the number of tickets you were allotted (typically 2-4 per person).
Why use Verified Fan?
Ticketmaster implemented the Verified Fan system to make the ticket buying process more equitable for real fans. Some of the key benefits of the system include:
- Prevents scalpers and bots – The verification process makes it much harder for ticket brokers and automated bot programs to scoop up huge numbers of tickets.
- Gives fans a fair shot – Regular fans registering have a better chance to get tickets since they aren’t competing with thousands of automated bots.
- Reduces number of sell outs – There are typically fewer instant sell outs, giving more fans a chance to purchase tickets during the sales window.
- Rewards loyal fans – Artists and event organizers can work with Ticketmaster to give preference to their biggest fans in the registration process.
While the system isn’t perfect, Ticketmaster Verified Fan provides a more level playing field for diehard fans to score tickets before brokers and unofficial resale sites grab them up.
How does the Verified Fan selection process work?
There is some mystery around Ticketmaster’s process for actually selecting Verified Fans who will receive codes. Here is what we know about how it works:
- Registration period – There is generally a set window of time when fans can register, often about 1 week prior to the sale.
- Info required – Fans must provide basic info like name, email, and phone number to register.
- Selection analysis – Ticketmaster uses an algorithm to assign Verified Fan status. Factors may include past ticket purchases, artist fan club membership, social media engagement.
- Notification – If selected, fans will be notified via email and given next steps 1-3 days before the sale.
- Unique code – Verified Fans get 1 unique code to access the sale and purchase tickets.
Artists may also work directly with Ticketmaster to identify their biggest fans and make sure they are prioritized in the selection process. While Ticketmaster doesn’t share specifics on their algorithm, it considers past ticket buying behavior with the artist and overall frequency over time.
Tips to improve your chances
Because the Verified Fan selection process is somewhat ambiguous, fans are often left wondering how they can stand out to receive a code. Here are some tips that may help improve your chances of being picked as a Verified Fan:
- Register as early as possible
- Only register once with accurate info
- Purchase tickets to other recent shows by the artist
- Attend multiple shows and build purchase history
- Engage with the artist on social media
- Join artist fan clubs if available
The most important factors seem to be having an established history of past purchases directly through Ticketmaster for the specific artist. Always use the same ticket buying account and profile when registering as well.
What if you aren’t selected?
With many Verified Fan sales, more people register than there are tickets available. So there will inevitably be fans who miss out on getting a code, which is frustrating after taking steps to register and get verified.
If you aren’t selected as a Verified Fan, here are a few things you can try if you still want to secure tickets:
- Join the waiting list on Ticketmaster – Additional Verified Fan codes may be released over time leading up to the event.
- Check fan-to-fan exchanges – Register for Ticketmaster fan resale platforms like TicketExchange.
- Try during general public on sale – Any tickets not sold thru Verified Fan may be released later.
- Consider resellers if urgent – Use trustworthy resale sites like StubHub as a last resort.
It also helps to be flexible about things like date, seating location, and number of tickets if possible. Your chances go up dramatically if you open up more options.
Pros and cons of Verified Fan
The Ticketmaster Verified Fan system brings some major benefits but also has its own flaws and criticisms. Here is a quick rundown of the program’s pros and cons:
Pros
- More fair distribution of tickets
- Fewer instantly sold out shows
- Blocks bulk scalpers and bots
- Rewards real fans with access
Cons
- Does not eliminate all scalpers
- Leaves many fans without tickets
- Lacks transparency on selection process
- Can create false hope if registration is too open
While not perfect, Verified Fan seems to be an improvement over the previous method of popular tickets selling out instantly to scalpers. The system will likely continue to evolve over time as well.
Examples of Verified Fan events
Here are some examples of notable concerts and events that have utilized Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system:
- Harry Styles – Love on Tour 2022
- BTS – Permission to Dance Tour 2022
- Adele – Weekends with Adele Las Vegas Residency 2022
- Louis Tomlinson – Faith in the Future Tour 2023
- Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band 2023 Tour
- Morgan Wallen – The Dangerous Tour 2022
- Eric Church – The Gather Again Tour 2022
The program continues to expand into festivals, comedy tours, Broadway and other live entertainment realms beyond just major pop/rock concerts.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Verified Fan
One of the most high-profile examples of the Verified Fan program was Ticktemaster’s sale of tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2023. The tour was Swift’s first since 2018 and demand was off the charts from her global fanbase.
Here is an overview of how Ticketmaster handled Swift’s tour on-sale with Verified Fan:
- Fans had to register for Verified Fan during a 2 day window a week before the sale.
- 3.5 million people pre-registered for the program, but only 1.5 million invite codes were issued.
- Selected fans were emailed a code and instructions to access the sale.
- Tickets were priced from $49-$449 USD and sold out rapidly.
- Many fans were frustrated after not getting picked for a code.
The massive demand and scarcity of tickets led to widespread complaints about how Ticketmaster handled the process. But Verified Fan likely still helped real fans secure tickets over industrial scalpers.
Tips for buying Verified Fan tickets
If you are lucky enough to be selected as a Verified Fan and receive a code, here are some tips to have the best shot at actually buying tickets:
- Log in early – Be ready on Ticketmaster with your code at least an hour before the sale starts.
- Enter code immediately – The waiting room opens 30 minutes early so enter it ASAP.
- Understand ticket limits – Look for info on max number you can buy (typically 2-4 per code).
- Act fast – Have an idea of your preferred section/price point and click thru quickly.
- Use mobile app – Ticketmaster highly recommends using their iOS/Android app for fastest access.
- Have payment ready – Make sure your payment method and shipping address are already set up.
- Try for as many shows as possible – Don’t get stuck on just one date or city.
Speed and persistence are the keys to success. Even if you encounter errors or sold out tickets, keep trying different date combinations. Don’t give up until the sale window closes.
Is Verified Fan required for all Ticketmaster tickets?
The Ticketmaster Verified Fan program is only used for select high demand shows and events. Plenty of less popular events will just go on sale normally without any Verified Fan registration required.
Here are some examples of when you may or may not need to use Verified Fan:
- Major artists like Beyoncé – Verified Fan required
- Stadium tours and festivals – Usually requires Verified Fan
- Small club and theater shows – Typically normal sale
- Niche genres and artists – Often normal ticket sales
- Non-music events like sports, comedy – Sometimes Verified Fan used
In general, you’ll know in advance when the Verified Fan system is being used thanks to announcements from the artist and Ticketmaster. Big national tours playing arenas and stadiums are the most likely to utilize it due to massive demand.
Alternatives to Verified Fan
While Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform is the largest player, there are some emerging alternative systems with similar goals of helping real fans get access to tickets.
Some examples include:
- FanPass – Offered by AXS, requires registration for chance to buy
- Verified Resale – Vetted Season Ticket Holder resale via Ticketmaster
- Lyte Waitlist – Get tickets released close to events via Lyte
- Fan-to-Fan – Delayed delivery anti-scalping via Ticketmaster
These all have their own pros and cons compared to Ticketmaster Verified Fan. But they demonstrate there are some competititors trying different systems to improve the fan experience and shut out scalpers.
Conclusion
Getting Verified Fan status remains one of the best ways for dedicated fans to gain access to top concerts and events with limited ticket inventory. While not perfect, Ticketmaster’s system has dramatically leveled the playing field versus scalper bots and broker groups.
The program continues to evolve, but by registering early, having purchase history, and being ready to act fast, fans can maximize their shot at tickets for the most in-demand live entertainment via Verified Fan.