After seeing Twitter successfully roll out its paid subscription and verification system, Twitter Blue, Meta is following suit by introducing Meta Verified for both Facebook and Instagram users. Mark Zuckerberg made the big announcement on February 19th and we have since learned that Meta Verified will start rolling out in Australia and New Zealand first before moving to other parts of the world. The company has also said that the move is to increase the level of security and authenticity on the network.
Benefits of Verification
The program is a subscription based model that will give subscribers a blue verification badge to better communicate the authenticity of their account. Primarily built with creators in mind, Meta Verified will also allow users to gain increased protection against impersonation and promises a higher level of visibility and reach in areas like search, comments and recommendations. It will also allow users to have direct access to Meta’s customer service and support team.
While Twitter shows Twitter Blue subscribers fewer ads on its platform, it doesn’t look like Meta Verified will be doing the same in that regard at least for the time being.
Getting Verified
While Twitter Blue does not have many rules when it comes to becoming verified, Mata Verified will require a few things on the user’s part. All subscribers will need to meet the minimum requirements before they can officially be verified. These will include:
- meeting the minimum activity requirements such as prior posting
- being at least 18 years old
- submitting goverment ID that matches the profile name being used and the photo of the Facebook or Instagram account(s)
It’s important to note that, at this time, Meta Verified will only allow you to use your real name on your profile. If you wish to change your profile name, username, date of birth or profile photo after becoming verified, you will need to go through the application process all over again.
For accounts that were already verified prior to the rollout of the new program, they will continue to stay verified because they are considered to be a “notable” account. So far, business profiles are not eligible for this program.
Cost of Verification
Being verified will come with a monthly cost of $11.99/month USD if done through a web browser or $14.99/month USD if done using the Facebook or Instagram mobile app. The difference in price, when it comes to web versus the mobile app, is due to commissions charged to the company via the app store.
Currently, users will need to become verified on Facebook and Instagram separately – meaning you will need to pay for two separate subscriptions – and the Facebook subscription is only available on web.
