Meta Platforms Enters a Paid Verification Era with Meta Verified
Meta Platforms Inc. is rolling out a paid subscription service called Meta Verified. The plan includes a Twitter-like verification badge for paying users, along with added features designed to boost protection and support for accounts.
The new Facebook and Instagram subscription is priced at 11.99 USD per month (11.18 EUR) when purchased through the iOS app, or 14.99 USD (13.98 EUR) in other configurations. The price points position the service as a creator-focused option, with the badge serving as a key incentive.
A Meta spokesperson described the package as offering proactive account protection, access to account support, and greater visibility and access, as reported by Bloomberg. The badge is part of a broader bundle of benefits that accompany verification for paying customers.
Mark Zuckerberg announced the product via his Instagram channel. The plan will be available on both Facebook and Instagram, but the two subscriptions will be managed separately rather than bundled together.
Subscription offers have become a strategic tactic for social platforms seeking diversified revenue streams beyond advertising. In recent years, companies have experimented with paid tiers to stabilize income against market swings and shifts in user behavior.
Other social networks, such as Snapchat with its Snapchat Plus and Twitter with its subscription tier, have also highlighted verification as a primary selling point for paying users. The appeal lies in a perceived premium status and additional tools for creators and power users.
In the larger digital economy, a steady revenue stream matters. Advertising can be volatile, influenced by global events, inflation, and economic cycles. Meta has seen earnings fluctuate during periods of crisis, underscoring the appeal of subscriptions as a more predictable income line. Analysts and observers note this shift as part of a broader industry trend toward mixed monetization models.
People are paying closer attention to how social platforms balance openness with control. The debate centers on the value of a blue check mark and what it signals about trust, authenticity, and reach. In Meta’s plan, the badge is tied to identity verification, requiring users to confirm their identity with a government-issued ID before receiving the verification status. This approach aims to curb impersonation and strengthen accountability on the networks.
Australia and New Zealand were selected as early testing grounds for Meta Verified, with the company signaling a staged rollout. The latest move follows a similar pattern seen with other platforms testing paid verification in select markets before broader expansion.
From a user experience perspective, the blue badge is designed to be more than a vanity symbol. It is positioned as a tool to improve visibility within searches, comment threads, and recommendations, helping verified accounts stand out in a crowded social feed. Meta frames the badge as part of a broader effort to enhance discoverability and trust for creators and public figures alike.
Still, questions remain about adoption. Will enough users be willing to pay for features that were once free? Early attempts by other platforms indicate a cautious embrace rather than instant, widespread uptake. The dynamics of consumer behavior, platform value, and perceived return on investment will shape how this initiative unfolds in North America and beyond.
In this context, Meta’s subscription strategy aligns with a shift toward hybrid monetization models that combine advertising with paid services. The outcome could influence how creators monetize their presence, how brands engage with audiences, and how platforms prioritize user experience alongside revenue optimization.
As the rollout progresses, industry observers will monitor whether Meta Verified becomes a durable revenue source or a temporary experiment. The balance between offering credible value and maintaining a broad, accessible platform remains at the heart of the conversation. The answer may lie in how well Meta manages protection, support, and perceived value for paying users across both Facebook and Instagram.