Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has recently launched a paid verification service in the United Kingdom.
This service, similar to Twitter Blue introduced by Elon Musk, offers Facebook and Instagram users the opportunity to obtain a blue tick on their profiles for a monthly fee starting at £9.99.
To be eligible for this service, subscribers must be at least 18 years old and provide a government ID for verification purposes. The feature has already been rolled out in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Users who have expressed interest in Meta Verified will receive a notification when the service becomes available to them, while others in the UK can expect it to be introduced in the coming weeks. Once approved by Meta, verified users will receive a verified badge, which offers enhanced protection against impersonation. Meta will also monitor these verified accounts to detect and deter fake profiles. Verified users will have access to personalized assistance from a real person should they encounter any issues with their accounts.
This move by Meta follows in the footsteps of Elon Musk’s implementation of the premium Twitter Blue subscription in November 2022.
It caused some controversy as it replaced the previous system of blue ticks used to verify high-profile accounts. Mr. Musk removed the legacy verification ticks from account holders, reserving the verified blue badge exclusively for Twitter Blue subscribers who had authenticated their phone numbers. The removal process led to confusion as some high-profile users lost their verification badges, and imposters took advantage of the situation by impersonating them. Twitter eventually restored blue ticks to several prominent individuals, organizations, and government accounts at no charge.
It is worth noting that Facebook and Instagram already have their own verification systems for public figures, celebrities, and brands, which will continue to operate alongside the new paid verification service. Users who meet the necessary criteria can still apply for a verified badge without subscribing to Meta Verified.
The decision to introduce a paid verification system represents a change in direction for Facebook and Instagram, as both platforms have traditionally been free to use.
The companies have relied primarily on advertising revenue, which constitutes the majority of Meta’s earnings. While the platforms will remain free, the addition of a paid tier that enhances visibility aims to explore alternative monetization strategies.
