Verified Fan is a ticket buying system created by Ticketmaster to help get tickets into the hands of genuine fans during high demand onsales. It helps filter out bots and scalpers so more tickets go to real fans. Here’s a closer look at how Verified Fan works and what fans need to do to get verified.
What is Verified Fan?
Verified Fan is a registration system from Ticketmaster. It requires fans to register in advance of an onsale for in-demand shows where tickets are expected to sell out quickly. By getting verified ahead of the onsale, fans can get a code that gives them access to purchase tickets.
The goal of Verified Fan is to make buying tickets fairer by eliminating bots and scalpers. It helps filter out these automated purchases and third-party resellers so more tickets actually end up with real fans who want to attend the event.
Why use Verified Fan?
Verified Fan aims to solve some common ticket buying problems:
- Bots and scalpers buying up all the tickets instantly
- Not being able to get tickets before they sell out despite trying right away
- High prices on resale sites due to third-party resellers
By requiring an advance registration, bots can’t automatically buy up tickets in bulk. Scalpers are also deterred since they have to go through the verification process rather than instantly reselling. This helps increase regular fans’ chances of getting tickets.
Some key benefits of Verified Fan include:
- More tickets going directly to fans
- Improved ticket availability during the onsale
- Fewer overpriced resale tickets
- Fairer chances for fans to get tickets
How does Verified Fan work?
Here are the basic steps for how Verified Fan works for fans:
- Fans sign up for Verified Fan in advance of the onsale
- Ticketmaster reviews registration data to verify real humans
- Verified individuals are emailed a personal access code before the onsale
- Codes allow access to purchase tickets once they go on sale
- Fans with codes compete for tickets just like a regular onsale
In more detail, the process involves:
1. Registering for Verified Fan
Fans sign up for Verified Fan using their Ticketmaster account. This is usually open around 1 week before the tickets go onsale. Fans need to register separately for each event they want to buy tickets for.
As part of registration, fans provide info like:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Basic questions to prove they’re human
This identifies real people rather than fake accounts or scalpers trying to game the system.
2. Verification Process
Once registration closes, Ticketmaster reviews all the submissions. They use the info provided to verify real human fans and filter out bots or suspicious accounts. Factors may include:
- Account history & activity
- Accuracy of personal details
- IP location data
- Responses to human verification questions
Fans will either be Approved, Waitlisted, or Denied based on the verification review. Not all registrants are guaranteed to get verified.
3. Access Codes
Fans approved through Verified Fan will be emailed a personal access code before the tickets go onsale. This code is tied specifically to their Ticketmaster account and event registration.
Codes allow verified fans to access the ticket onsale and gives them a chance to buy tickets. Different access times may be assigned based on when someone registered or other factors.
4. Ticket Onsale
Once the tickets go onsale, fans sign in to their Ticketmaster account that received the access code. They use the code to unlock the event page and access the ticket buying options.
The onsale runs just like normal – whoever searches and checks out fastest gets tickets. Tickets are first come, first served among the verified fan pool.
Having an access code doesn’t guarantee tickets but levels the playing field so real fans have a shot at buying before scalpers and bots scoop them all up.
Tips for Verified Fan
Here are some tips for having success with Verified Fan when trying to get popular show tickets:
- Register as soon as possible – Earlier registrants are prioritized so sign up right away when the Verified Fan window opens.
- Provide accurate info – Make sure all personal details on your Ticketmaster account like name, email, location etc are correct.
- Only register once – Don’t create duplicate registrations which can get you flagged.
- Use a desktop – Purchasing via desktop rather than mobile provides a better experience.
- Be ready at least 15 mins early – Log in ahead and have payment details saved so you’re ready.
- Act quick – Have the event page loaded and refresh right at the onsale time to search fast.
Pros & Cons of Verified Fan
Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of the Verified Fan system:
Pros
- More fair ticket buying process
- Cuts down on scalpers and bots
- Increases regular fans’ chances
- Reduces inflated resale prices
- Rewards loyal fans already in Ticketmaster system
Cons
- No guarantee of getting tickets
- Registration not always open far in advance
- Doesn’t eliminate competition for tickets entirely
- Penalizes new or occasional Ticketmaster users
- Still requires luck and speed for in-demand shows
While not perfect, Verified Fan improves the ticket buying process and helps get more tickets directly to fans. But popular events will still sell out quickly given supply and demand.
Verified Fan vs Presales
Besides Verified Fan, presales are another way fans can sometimes get earlier access to tickets before the general onsale. Here’s how they compare:
Verified Fan | Presale | |
---|---|---|
Timing | 1+ week before onsale | 1-2 days before onsale |
Registration | Required for each event | Varies by type of presale |
Access | Personal code emailed | Usually password published online |
Avilability | Smaller fan allotment | Larger presale allotment |
While presales offer more inventory, Verified Fan targets getting tickets just to genuine fans. Using both strategies together can further improve chances of getting good seats.
The Future of Verified Fan
Looking ahead, here are some possible improvements and changes for Verified Fan:
- Faster verification using AI to better flag bots and scalpers
- Expanded registration periods to allow last minute signups
- Allowing transfers to friends to enable fan resales
- Tiered access times based on tenure as a Ticketmaster customer
- Limiting number of events each person can register for
As events continue selling out quicker, demand for fairer ticket access will likely drive more evolution of Verified Fan. There may also be pressure for greater transparency around the approval criteria and process.
Conclusion
Verified Fan has become an important tool to help get more tickets directly into the hands of genuine fans. By requiring registration and verification, it reduces scalpers and bots scooping up all the inventory immediately.
The system rewards loyal fans who regularly use Ticketmaster. But it still comes down to acting quickly once tickets go onsale to compete for the limited supply. While not perfect, Verified Fan makes the buying process fairer so more real fans can get tickets at face value prices.