Meta tests paid account verification badges for Facebook and Instagram

Facebook and Instagram users will soon receive a new paid verified badge option in the form of Meta Verified. The $12/month on the web and $15/month on the iOS and Android subscription will grant users a blue checkmark next to their account name for increased visibility in search, reviews and recommendations as well as a identity theft protection, priority customer support and exclusive features.

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

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

The big addition to the new verified plan is proactive monitoring for account takeover, which is a big deal on all social media platforms. Meta verified users will also receive exclusive story and reel stickers as well as 100 star tokens (Meta’s digital currency) per month which are used to tip creators on Facebook. Facebook and Instagram accounts previously verified through the old Notoriety and Authenticity requirements will not be changed.

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