Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, is launching a paid subscription service called Meta Verified. The service adds benefits that resemble a social media verification system, including a verification badge for paying subscribers.
The planned price is 11.99 USD per month (11.18 EUR) or 14.99 USD (13.98 EUR) when purchased through the iOS app, and the offering is primarily targeted at creators who publish content on the platforms.
A Meta spokesperson told Bloomberg that the subscription includes not just the verification badge but also proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach across Meta’s apps.
Mark Zuckerberg announced the new product on his Instagram channel. The service will be available on both Facebook and Instagram in the future, though the two apps will use separate subscriptions.
Subscription models have gained traction among social networks as a way to diversify revenue beyond advertising, a stream that can be volatile and influenced by broader economic shifts.
Competitors like Snap and Twitter have also rolled out or expanded paid tiers, with verification being a central selling point for many users and brands.
consistent revenue stream
Advertising remains the primary revenue driver for Meta, but fluctuations in the ad market can impact results. Economic pressures during the pandemic and more recently in Europe have underscored the appeal of recurring subscription income as a stabilizing factor.
Yet there is uncertainty about how many users will pay for services that have traditionally been free. The adoption trend for paid access has varied, with some platforms facing slower-than-expected uptake.
One of the most valuable elements of Meta’s subscription pitch is the potential for greater visibility. In today’s crowded feeds, standing out from the crowd on Facebook and Instagram is increasingly difficult, even for followers already connected to a creator or brand.
In practical terms, higher visibility could translate into more appearances in search results, stronger recommendations, and more timely engagement with content—areas where Meta claims the subscription can make a difference.
Unlike some competitors, Meta will require identity verification with government-issued ID for a badge. This step contrasts with other platforms that offer verification without the same identity checks, and it may influence how users perceive trust and authenticity on these networks.
Testing for the new service is set to begin first in Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks as Meta seeks real-world feedback and usage patterns before a broader rollout.