Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to launch its own paid verification service, which will be called “Meta Verified.”
It will be introduced on Instagram and Facebook platforms located in Australia and New Zealand this week before being gradually adopted around the world. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that “This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services.”
The service will cost around $12/month for its web version and $15/month for Apple device users. The price difference between web/android and iOS devices is due to Apple’s 30% fee on any in-App purchase on their devices.
The subscription service will provide a blue badge to verified accounts on their Facebook and Instagram platforms. According to the Meta, a subscription to the service will include many benefits, such as
- Increased post visibility
- Protection against impersonation
- Direct line to customer support
Meta is also keen on avoiding the security limitations experienced by Twitter during the maiden launch of its paid verification service, to that effect, users need to pass specific criteria before they can be eligible to subscribe. Such criteria’s are:
- Valid profile pictures on both platforms that include their face
- A profile name that matches a government-issued ID
Most tech companies have lost money in recent years, and Meta was also a victim, as late last year, the tech giant had to let go of 13% of its total workforce. Due to these harsh economic conditions, these tech giants must look for other means to generate revenue and stay relevant, as they can no longer depend on ad sales alone.
Millions of Facebook and Instagram users have complained that it is extremely difficult to gain verification and that when they need help with their accounts, it is difficult to reach customer service on time.
Social media was once known as the great enabler, a free space that enabled all individuals and businesses to thrive and grow, but now it seems that before people can achieve all of this, it will cost them money. Creators and influencers are one of the main drivers of social media, and meta verified could impact the reach of many influencers, especially those who can’t pay for subscriptions every month. How will they reach their audience?
The blue check mark does not have the same representation as before. It was a symbol of authenticity back in the day, but now all you have to do is pay $12–$15 for it. What do you think about Facebook and Instagram paid verification? As a social media user, will you want to subscribe to it? Let us in on your thoughts in the comments.
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Photo By GSMArena
