Instagram and Facebook are testing a new subscription bundle called Meta Verified to help up-and-coming creators grow their presence and build community faster. The subscription bundle includes a verified badge, proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach. The gradual test will be conducted in Australia and New Zealand later this week to determine the most valuable features, and the company hopes to bring Meta Verified to the rest of the world soon.
Creators have been requesting broader access to verification and account support, in addition to more features to increase visibility and reach. The company has been considering how to unlock access to these features through a paid offering since last year. With Meta Verified, subscribers will receive a verified badge that authenticates their account with a government ID. They will also receive more protection from impersonation with proactive account monitoring, help when needed with access to a real person for common account issues, increased visibility and reach, and exclusive features to express themselves in unique ways.
Meta Verified will be available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in Australia and New Zealand starting later this week. People can purchase a monthly subscription for $11.99 on the web and $14.99 on iOS and Android. As the company tests and learns, there will be no changes to accounts on Instagram and Facebook that are already verified based on prior requirements, including authenticity and notability. The company wants to build a subscription offering that’s valuable to everyone, including creators, businesses, and the community at large. As part of this vision, they are evolving the meaning of the verified badge so that more people can trust the accounts they interact with are authentic.
It’s important to feel confident that your identity and accounts are safe, and that the people you’re interacting with are who they say they are. Therefore, the company is building a series of checks into Meta Verified before, during, and after someone applies. 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. The company is also committed to continuous monitoring and review of reported violations, as well as taking swift action against those who try to evade their systems.
Meta Verified subscribers may see a more noticeable impact on their reach, depending on their existing audience size and the topic of their posts. All subscribers and their content must meet the company’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. All content will be treated according to the existing guidelines for recommendations on Instagram or Facebook and their Content Guidelines. The company will offer exclusive stickers on Facebook and Instagram Stories and Facebook Reels, and 100 free stars a month on Facebook so subscribers can show their support for other creators. The subscription costs AUD 19.99 on the web, AUD 24.99 on iOS and Android, NZD 23.99 on the web, and NZD 29.99 on iOS and Android.
Businesses are not eligible to apply for Meta Verified at this time, and once a profile is verified, subscribers cannot change the profile name, username, date of birth, or photo on their profile without going through the Meta Verified subscription and verification application process again.
