Facebook and Instagram launch paid subscription for a verified account

After Twitter, now Meta is testing a new subscription service that would let Facebook and Instagram users pay for a verified account.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg announced the subscription service for platforms Facebook and Instagram on Sunday, after almost 20 years of defending an economic model based on free services and advertising.

Facebook & Instagram paid subscription

For USD 11.99 per month on the web or USD 14.99 per month on Apple and Android operating systems, Meta will use a government identification to verify a user's account and give the account a blue badge. Previously, Meta's blue badges were free and reserved for notable public figures or businesses.

Subscribers will also get extra protection against account impersonation and direct access to customer support, Meta said.

“This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services," Zuckerberg said in his message.

Meta said public figures and others who were previously verified won't be affected by the change. Meta Verified is aimed at influencers and others who use social media for their business but aren't notable public figures.