Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has announced the launch of a paid verification service for both Facebook and Instagram, which would give the verified user a profile badge and identity monitoring services.
Meta unveils paid verified subscription for Facebook, Instagram https://t.co/Pve0nPPWbE pic.twitter.com/fbext1elJh
— New York Post (@nypost) March 17, 2023
Existing verified accounts will not be charged — but those who now wish to be verified have to pay $11.99 a month on the web version of the site, and $14.99 a month on the mobile app, according to The Hill.
Individuals who sign up for the paid verification option will be given access to direct account support and “proactive account protection.” They will also have access to exclusive stickers that can be used on both Instagram Stories and Facebook Reels.
The service was tested via a rollout in Australia and New Zealand, where subscribers were given boosted reach and visibility. Meta has noted that this feature is currently on hold for the official release.
Meta’s move follows a similar paid verification service that was provided by Twitter after Elon Musk took over the platform, though Twitter Blue’s subscription prices are cheaper at just $8.00 per month.
To be eligible for Meta’s subscription service, users must be at least 18 years old and will have to present a government ID that matches the name on their profile and photo of their Facebook or Instagram account. There is also a minimum activity requirement such as posting history on the platform.
After signing up for Meta Verified, users will not be able to change their profile name, username, photo or the date of birth on their page without going through the verification process again.
The news comes just as Facebook is facing intense backlash from the left for daring to allow former President Donald Trump, who is currently running for president, back on the platform. Trump’s two-year suspension was lifted in January, but the former president didn’t post until March 17.
The presidential candidate celebrated his return to Facebook with an “I’M BACK” post that included an old video of himself from a campaign stop.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Complicated business,” Trump says in the clip, where he is seen standing next to former Vice President Mike Pence and his youngest son, Barron.
🚨 BREAKING: Donald Trump posts on Facebook for the first time since being restored from his two year suspension
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 17, 2023
