Meta introduces $12 monthly subscription for Facebook, Instagram verification

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, plans to charge users for verification on both platforms in order to increase revenue.

Similar to Elon Musk’s decision to take over Twitter last year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the previously free blue badge will now cost $12 per month.

And, just as Twitter charges iPhone users more for the blue subscription, Facebook and Instagram users will pay more for verification. According to Zuckerberg, iPhone users will pay $15 per month, while web and Android users will pay $12.

According to Zuckerberg’s announcement, the subscription service will begin rolling out this week in Australia and New Zealand, with more countries to follow soon.

Announcing the introduction of the subscription service on Sunday via his Facebook and Instagram pages, Mark Zuckerberg said:

“This week we’re starting to roll out Meta Verified — a subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support.
“This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services. Meta Verified starts at $11.99 / month on web or $14.99 / month on iOS. We’ll be rolling out in Australia and New Zealand this week and more countries soon.

recalls that Twitter currently charges Android users $8 per month for its blue subscription, while iPhone users pay $11. On both packages, Facebook and Instagram users will be paying higher for the subscription.

The extra charge for iPhone users is a reflection of the 30% cut that Apple takes on revenues from apps for iOS, its operating system for iPhones and iPads.