Meta to test monthly subscription service - Meta Verified
Users opting for the service will get a blue badge
Meta in a blog post has announced the launch of Meta Verified, a service starting at $11.99 a month to authenticate one's account, which follows a similar move by Elon Musk at Twitter.
Meta Verified will be rolled out in Australia and New Zealand this week followed by the rest of the world, the blog said, referring to an announcement in this regard by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Subscribers will get a badge indicating their account has been verified with a government ID, extra protection against impersonation, direct access to customer support and more visibility, according to the company.
Zuckerberg said, “The service would be primarily aimed at content creators looking to expand their presence on the platforms and could see adjustments after a test phase.”
“Some of the top requests we get from creators are for broader access to verification and account support, in addition to more features to increase visibility and reach. Since last year, we’ve been thinking about how to unlock access to these features through a paid offering,” he said.
Cost
Meta Verified is available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in Australia and New Zealand starting later this week. People can purchase a monthly subscription for (USD) $11.99 on the web and (USD) $14.99 on iOS and Android.
No changes to accounts already verified
Meta has assured that there will be no changes to accounts on Instagram and Facebook that are already verified based on prior requirements, including authenticity and notability.
Eligibility
To be eligible, accounts must meet minimum activity requirements, such as prior posting history, and be at least 18 years old. Applicants are then required to submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they’re applying for.
“Subscriptions will include proactive monitoring for account impersonation. We’re also committed to continuous monitoring and review of reported violations, as well as taking swift action against those who try to evade our systems,” Meta blog post stated.