Meta Verified is a subscription service that allows anyone to access the previously elusive blue checkmark icon on Instagram and Facebook. So how does it work, how much does it cost and who can apply?
Read on for everything you need to know about this new meta verification option.
What is a meta-check?
Meta Verified is a subscription package for creators on Instagram and Facebook. It includes:
- account verification (including blue verification badge)
- account impersonation protection
- exclusive stickers
- expanded coverage
- and access to people support agents
The Meta Verified subscription costs $14.99 per month when you sign up for iOS and Android. Or you can pay $11.99 per month by signing up online. (Web option is only available for Facebook).
For now, Meta Verified is only available to individuals, not brands.
In contrast, the original verified badges on Instagram and Facebook were and still are only available to public figures, celebrities and brands. These account types can still be used for the initial checkout style if they are prominent (for example, they appear on the news or are household names).
The “Meta Verified”icon and the “Verified”icon for known accounts look the same. They both get the familiar blue tick. Both types of verification indicate that the account has gone through the verification process.
However, the original verification badge (free) does not include the additional benefits included in the Meta Verified package. A person who has the original verification style as a prominent profile can apply for Meta Verified to access other subscription components.
TL version; The DR is that there are now two ways to get verified badges on Facebook and Instagram:
- If you’re a celebrity, public figure, or well-known brand, you can request a verification badge on Instagram or Facebook.
- If you are an individual, you can apply for Meta Verified as soon as it becomes available in your region.
So what do you do about social networks charging you for verification?
Instagram head Adam Mosseri told Reel that Meta sees these types of premium subscriptions for exclusive features as an industry-wide trend. He named YouTube, Reddit, and Discord as other social platforms with premium subscription plans.
But remember the chaos that erupted when Twitter launched a similar plan? This is probably why Meta launched Meta Verified with a small trial – and why the program is only open to individuals and not brands so far.
And since the meta-verification process includes checking your name and photo against a government-issued photo ID, there should be less of an issue with illegal verified accounts.
When Meta Verified launched at the end of February, it was only available in Australia and New Zealand. Adam Mosseri said the program will “hopefully quickly”expand to other countries, including the United States. And everything seems to be going according to plan. Less than a month later, on March 17, Mosseri announced on his Instagram channel that Meta Verified is available in the US.
Similarly, it looks like the program will eventually be extended to all accounts rather than limited to individuals. Meta for Creators’ announcement of Meta Verified reads:
“In the long term, we want to create a subscription offering that will be of value to everyone, including creators, companies, and our community as a whole.”
Who can get meta-verified?
Requirements to apply for Meta Verified:
- Your account must represent a real person, not a company or brand.
- You must be 18 years old or over.
- You must live in Australia, New Zealand or the USA.
- You must not violate the Instagram Terms of Service or Community Guidelines or the Facebook Terms of Service or Community Guidelines.
- Your profile must include your full real name, which must match the name on your government-issued ID.
- Your profile photo must show your face and must match the photo on your government-issued ID.
- Two-factor authentication must be enabled.
- You must have a previous post history (i.e. you cannot apply for a brand new account).
You can join the waitlist to be notified when Meta Verified becomes available in your region.
Benefits of getting a meta check
Remember that Meta is promoting Meta Verified as a subscription package, not just a verification plan. So, what package components do you get for this monthly subscription fee?
Confirmation icon
Source: Meta
As the name suggests, Meta Verified includes a verification process. After verifying your government ID to verify your identity, Meta will provide you with a verified badge.
This badge looks exactly like the verification badge given to “known”accounts.
Imitation protection
Meta Verified includes “proactive monitoring of accounts for impersonators who may be targeting people with a growing online audience.”
Meta didn’t elaborate on how this works, but we can assume they will use their vast AI resources on this front.
Regarding existing efforts to combat fake Facebook and Instagram accounts, Meta says:
“Our investment in machine learning technology is critical to help us discover faster… We combine machine learning with a trained team of experts who analyze and take action when content is breached.”
These resources will likely also apply to a Meta Verified account proactive monitoring plan.
Access to support agents
Yes, you will get access to live support agents offering live chat support. Meta says this account support will solve “the most common problems.”
Customer support access requests are a recurring theme in the comments that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg posts on his profiles. For creators, this could be a game changer.
Stickers and stars
Meta Verified users get access to exclusive Stories stickers on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook also has exclusive Reels stickers.
On Facebook, you also get 100 stars every month to “support other creators”. For every star you send to another author, Facebook pays them $0.01.
Increasing coverage
Details are not yet clear, but Meta says that Meta Verified members will receive increased “visibility and notoriety”in comments, searches, recommendations, and suggested Facebook and Instagram accounts.
They elaborate that this expanded reach will make the most difference for those who don’t already have a large following, noting:
“Subscribers with fewer followers may see a more visible impact on their reach as their audience is smaller.”
To benefit from increased reach, your content still needs to be compliant. It is also helpful to understand the Facebook Algorithm and the Instagram Algorithm to maximize your reach.
How to Get Meta Verification in 5 Steps
Applying for Meta Verified is pretty easy. You can do this from the Instagram app, the Facebook app, or the Facebook web interface.
Method 1: Apply for Meta Verified from the Instagram or Facebook app ($14.99 per month).
Source: Meta
- Open Instagram or Facebook and from your profile open “Settings”.
- Tap Account Center, then tap Verified Meta.
- If your account is eligible for meta-verification, it will indicate that meta-verified is available. Tap the appropriate account name, review the list of benefits, then tap Continue.
- Set up or confirm your payment method and click “Pay Now”.
- Complete the verification process and upload a photo of your ID. Your ID must match the profile name and photo on your Instagram or Facebook account.
Method 2: Apply for Meta Verified from the Facebook web interface ($11.99/month).
- On the Facebook profile you want to verify, click the three dots icon to the right of the top menu.
- Click Subscribe to Meta Check.
It may take up to 48 hours for your account to be verified.
Once verified, you cannot change the username, profile name, date of birth, or photo on your account (unless you want to repeat the verification process).
Keep in mind that Meta Verified is currently only available in Australia, New Zealand, and the US, so if you live outside of those regions, you won’t see the option to sign up yet. Instead, join the waiting list.
Note. Although it’s called “meta verification,”you’ll still need to apply (and pay) separately on Instagram and Facebook if you want to verify accounts on both platforms.
Meta Verified FAQs
What is a meta-check?
Meta Verified is a subscription verification program for Instagram and Facebook that includes other benefits including live chat customer support and account impersonation protection.
Anyone can pass metaverification?
Currently, Meta Verified is available to individuals aged 18 and over in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. You must use your real name on your profile, and this name must match your government-issued ID.
How to get Meta Verification on Facebook?
To join Meta Verified from Facebook, click on the three dots icon in the top menu of your profile, and then click “Subscribe to Meta Verified”.