This feature is applicable for all non Enterprise plans.
To meet new regional requirements, Vimeo is introducing mandatory age verification for users in the UK and EU. Starting in September 2025, logged-out and logged-in viewers on vimeo.com will need to verify their age to access their accounts. This article explains what this means for creators and viewers, and how the verification process works.
In this article:
- Feature availability
- What changes for viewers?
- What changes for creators?
- Verification methods
- Failed verification process
- Common error messages and troubleshooting
- Data Retention and Erasure Policy
- FAQs
Feature availability
Age verification is required for users located in the following regions:
- United Kingdom
- European Union
This list will expand as additional regions adopt age verification requirements.
What changes for viewers?
- Logging in: If you’re in a region where age verification is required, you’ll need to verify your age the first time you log in to vimeo.com
- Logged-out viewing: Unrated or mature content won’t be available to watch on vimeo.com unless you complete verification.
- Embedded viewing: This requirement only impacts viewing videos on vimeo.com. Verifying your age is not required to watch Vimeo videos embedded on other websites.
What changes for creators?
- Creators who publish unrated or mature content may notice reduced views in regions where age verification to access content on vimeo.com is required, since some viewers may not complete the process.
- This does not impact videos you embed outside of vimeo.com.
- We strongly encourage all creators to rate their videos. This helps viewers know what to expect and reduces unnecessary verification prompts. For detailed steps, see our Content rating instructions.
Verification methods
Vimeo has partnered with Persona, a trusted third-party verification service, to securely confirm viewer age. Persona handles the verification process, and Vimeo does not store raw ID images or sensitive details. Read more about Persona’s privacy practices.
There are a variety of verification options available depending on your region. Examples may include:
- Age estimation selfie
- Government-issued ID
- Credit card verification
Failed verification process
If you cannot complete verification via Persona, you’ll be prompted to contact Vimeo Support. Support may offer next steps such as:
- Transfer your account to an adult
- Close your account
- Export your data so you can keep a copy of your content
- File an appeal for further review.
Common error messages and troubleshooting
Error type | Example message | How to fix |
Temporary (retryable) | "Couldn’t verify. Please try again." | Retake the photo in brighter light, and ensure your ID is clear and readable. |
Facial recognition error | “Please move to an area with brighter light…” | Improve lighting and retry. |
Government ID error | “Make sure your ID details are clear to read.” | Adjust camera focus and retry. |
Final failure | “Could not confirm your age.” | Contact Vimeo Support for manual review. |
Data Retention and Erasure Policy
- Selfies and ID images are deleted immediately upon successful verification.
- Failed verification attempts are securely stored for seven (7) days to allow for an appeal if you contact support.
- After that period, the images are automatically deleted.
FAQs
-
Why is age verification required?
This is required to comply with regional requirements designed to protect young audiences from age-restricted content. -
What happens if I fail verification?
Vimeo Support will guide you through the next steps, which may include account review, transfer, or closure with data export. -
Will all users need to verify their age?
Age verification applies if you are logged out and trying to view unrated or mature content on vimeo.com, or if you are a logged‑in user in a region where verification is required. -
What if I travel between regions?
If you access vimeo.com from a region where age verification is required, you’ll be subject to verification even if your account was created elsewhere.