Meta is testing paid account verification badges for Facebook and Instagram

Facebook and Instagram users will soon get a new paid verified badge option in the form of Meta Verified. The $12 per month on web and $15/month on iOS and Android subscription will grant users a blue check next to their account name for increased visibility in search, comments and recommendations alongside protection against impersonation, priority customer support and exclusive features.

Users in Australia (AUD 19.99 on web and AUD 24.99 on mobile) and New Zealand (NZD 23.99 on web and NZD 29.99 on mobile) will be able to subscribe for the new verification feature later this week.

Once a user applies for Meta Verified, they will be required to confirm their identity via a government ID that matches the profile name and photo for their account. Accounts must also meet a minimum activity requirement for prior posting history and the owner has to be at least 18 years old. Businesses are not eligible for Meta Verified for now.

The big addition to the new verified plan is proactive monitoring for account impersonation which is a big issue on all social media platforms. Meta verified users will also get exclusive stickers for Stories and Reels as well as 100 star tokens (Meta’s digital currency) per month which are used to tip creators on Facebook. Previously verified Facebook and Instagram accounts via the old requirements for notability and authenticity will not be altered.

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