Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, on Sunday launched a new paid ‘Blue Tick’ verification system, similar to its rival Twitter, for creators of Facebook and Instagram.
The subscription bundle known as ‘Meta Verified’ allows paid users to verify their profile on Instagram and Facebook by using a government identity card (ID).
However, there will be no changes to accounts on Instagram and Facebook that are already verified based on prior requirements, including authenticity and notability. Additionally, this paid subscription service is currently not available for business profiles.
“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,” Zuckerberg announced on its official Facebook page on Sunday. “This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services.”
Meta Verified’s features include a verified blue badge that authenticates the user’s account with a government-issued ID, proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach.
What Are Verification Badges?
A verified badge is a check that appears next to an Instagram and/or Facebook account’s name in search and on the profile. It means Instagram and/or Facebook has confirmed that the Page or Profile is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents. It helps people more easily find the accounts they wish to follow.
“Our verification team vets all requests thoroughly and bases their review on a number of inputs to determine whether an account is eligible to be verified,” explains the social media platforms about the verified badge.
What Will ‘Meta Verified’ Offer?
- A verified badge, confirming you’re the real you and that your account has been authenticated with a government ID.
- More protection from impersonation with proactive account monitoring for impersonators who might target people with growing online audiences.
- Help when you need it with access to a real person for common account issues.
- Increased visibility and reach with prominence in some areas of the platform– like search, comments, and recommendations.
- Exclusive features to express yourself in unique ways.
Additionally, those who sign up for Meta Verified will get a few additional benefits, such as exclusive stickers that one can use for Stories and Reels, as well as 100 free stars per month, or Meta’s digital currency to tip creators on Facebook.
Eligibility Requirements To Get A Meta Verified Profile:
To be eligible for a Meta Verified profile, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have a prior posting history.
Further, the applicant is required to submit a government-issued ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they are applying for.
Additionally, Meta said: “At this time, Meta Verified will only support your real name on your profile.
Once your profile is verified, you can’t change the profile name, username, date of birth, or photo on your profile without going through the Meta Verified subscription and verifications application process again.”
Starting this week, Meta Verified for creators is available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in Australia and New Zealand before it is made available in additional countries “soon”.
The monthly subscription starts at $19.99 AUD on the web and $24.99 AUD on iOS and Android in Australia, while it is $23.99 NZD on the web and $29.99 NZD on mobile in New Zealand.
This is equivalent to a monthly subscription of $11.99 (USD) on the web and $14.99 (USD) on iOS and Android.
