Meta has launched a premium subscription service that allows users to obtain verification for their profiles on Facebook and Instagram. By subscribing to this service, users can get their profiles verified with a government ID, as well as gain additional protection against impersonation. This move comes after the introduction of Twitter Blue, a similar premium service offered by Twitter.
In his Meta Channel on Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, wrote;
“Good morning! New product announcement: this week we’re starting to roll out Meta Verified a —subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support. This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services. Meta Verified starts at $11.99 / month on web or $14.99 / month on iOS. We’ll be rolling out in Australia and New Zealand this week and more countries soon.”
For many social media users, the blue checkmark has become a symbol of credibility and importance. Historically, this feature was only available to public figures such as politicians, celebrities, and journalists who were deemed to have a significant presence and influence in their respective fields. The verification badge served as a way to distinguish them from fake accounts and impersonators, while also allowing users to identify credible sources of information. However, in recent years, social media platforms have expanded the availability of verification to include other categories of users, such as business accounts and popular content creators. Despite this expansion, the blue checkmark remains a sought-after feature for many who see it as a valuable marker of authenticity and legitimacy on social media.
Several popular social media platforms, including Reddit, YouTube, and Discord, have adopted subscription-based models to offer additional features and perks to their users. With the rise of online communities and influencer culture, users are increasingly willing to pay for exclusive content, ad-free browsing, and other benefits that enhance their experience on these platforms.
Meta’s recent launch of a premium subscription service is a reflection of this trend and demonstrates the company’s efforts to provide value-added services to its users. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that more platforms will explore subscription-based models as a means of generating revenue and fostering user loyalty.