In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Meta’s decision to introduce paid subscriptions for Instagram and Facebook, known as Meta Verified, in the US.
We will also discuss the features and pricing of the subscription service, as well as its initial success in Australia and New Zealand.
Key Takeaways:
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently announced the expansion of the Meta Verified subscription service to the US market.
This service, which offers a blue checkmark for Instagram and Facebook accounts, was first launched in Australia and New Zealand earlier this month, where it achieved significant success in terms of increased visibility and reach for users.
As per Zuckerberg, Meta Verified is accessible for $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 per month on mobile devices in the US.
Users who subscribe will receive a verification badge, direct access to customer support and protection from impersonation.
To sign up for Meta Verified, users must be at least 18 years old and join a waitlist. They will also need to provide identification to confirm their identity and complete the verification process, which includes two-factor authentication.
Meta Verified subscribers in the US will have access to exclusive stickers for Facebook and Instagram Stories, as well as Facebook Reels.
They will also receive one hundred stars per month on Facebook, which can be used to support creators.
However, unlike the Australian and New Zealand versions of the service, Meta Verified in the US will not offer increased visibility and reach.
Meta spokesperson Paige Cohen explained that they are still evaluating the value of this feature before considering its expansion beyond Australia and New Zealand.
Once verified, subscribers will not be allowed to change their profile name, icon, username, or date of birth without undergoing the verification process again.
The introduction of Meta Verified follows the relaunch of Twitter’s verification system, Twitter Blue, under the direction of new owner Elon Musk.
However, Meta has clarified that existing verification badges on Instagram and Facebook will remain unaffected by the introduction of Meta Verified.
Despite Musk’s promise to remove “legacy” verification badges on Twitter, they still remain on the platform.
Meta’s decision to introduce the Meta Verified subscription service in the US is an interesting development in the world of social media.
By offering users additional features and a coveted verification badge, Meta hopes to attract subscribers who are willing to pay for increased credibility and support on their platforms.
