The highly coveted blue checkmark on social media is no longer reserved for just the famous and influential. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced today the rollout of Meta Verified subscription service on Instagram and Facebook in the US. The service, which already launched in Australia and New Zealand last month, allows users to add the coveted blue checkmark to their accounts for a monthly fee of $11.99 on the web and $14.99 on mobile.
Aside from the blue checkmark, Meta Verified subscribers also get exclusive stickers on Facebook and Instagram Stories, Facebook Reels, and 100 Stars a month on Facebook to show support for other creators. Plus, subscribers get proactive impersonation protection and direct access to customer support.
To sign up, you must be at least 18 years old, complete the verification process, and provide a government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity. Two-factor authentication is also required. It’s worth noting that Meta and Twitter aren’t the only companies that have introduced subscription services, with Snap launching its own last year.
To get started, navigate to your settings on Instagram or Facebook and click “Accounts Center.” If the subscription service is available for your account, you will see “Meta Verified available” under your name and profile picture.
This move follows in the footsteps of Twitter’s paid verification through its Blue subscription service. However, unlike Twitter’s playbook, users who are already verified on Instagram and Facebook won’t have to pay for their verification. While the blue checkmark has been a coveted symbol, Elon Musk has argued that it should be open to all.
Although Meta has previously opted not to charge for most of its services, things are changing. Meta plans to reflect on feedback from subscribers in Australia and New Zealand before expanding Meta Verified beyond those countries.
