Meta‘s CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on his Instagram channel that the social media giant’s paid verification program is now available in the United States. Named Meta Verified, this program offers its subscribers a blue verification badge on Facebook and Instagram, proactive impersonation protection, and direct access to customer support.
The program costs $12 per month via the web and $15 per month for iOS and Android users, which includes the platform’s cuts of in-app payments. Subscribers also get some stars each month that they can use to tip Facebook creators, along with extra stickers for Stories and Reels.
However, unlike in Australia and New Zealand, where Verified subscribers get increased visibility in some parts of the apps, users in the US will not have this feature just yet. According to a Meta spokesperson, the company has received feedback that the offering was causing confusion, so they’re taking time to further explore its value and learn before expanding this component outside of Australia and New Zealand. The company will continue to test the program while looking into adding other features to Verified.
Meta debuted the program in Australia and New Zealand last month. Unlike Twitter Blue, which allows users to pay for a blue check mark and other perks, Meta’s Verified program requires Instagram and Facebook users to provide Meta with a piece of government ID that matches the name and photo on their account. Users must also meet other eligibility requirements, such as being 18 or older and having two-factor authentication enabled.
It’s important to note that Meta Verified subscribers can’t change their profile name or photo, username, or date of birth unless they’re willing to go through the verification process again. Notable Instagram or Facebook accounts that were previously verified will keep their blue check.
