Meta Verified: A Controversial New Subscription Bundle for Instagram and Facebook Users

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), recently announced the launch of a new subscription bundle called “Meta Verified” for Instagram and Facebook users. The bundle includes features like a verified badge, proactive account protection, account support, and increased visibility and reach. The company plans to test the offering in Australia and New Zealand and hopes to bring it to the rest of the world soon.

To be eligible for Meta Verified, users must meet minimum activity requirements, be at least 18 years old, and submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they are applying for. Users can purchase a monthly subscription for $11.99 on the web and $14.99 on iOS and Android.

Meta promises to provide proactive monitoring for account impersonation, continuous monitoring, and review of reported violations. The service is part of the company’s vision to expand access to verification while building a valuable subscription offering.

However, the announcement of Meta Verified has been met with criticism from users who call it a “cash grab” and a ripoff of Twitter Blue, which offers a similar set of features. Critics are accusing Meta of being unoriginal and trying to profit off features that shouldn’t cost money.

The fact that the service is being tested in only two countries has also raised questions about Meta’s commitment to its global user base. It remains to be seen whether users will see value in Meta Verified. For now, the service is only available in Australia and New Zealand, and it will be interesting to see how users in those countries receive it.

The Controversy Surrounding Meta Verified

Meta Verified has generated mixed reactions from users, with some hailing it as a valuable offering while others criticize it as a “cash grab.” Critics argue that features like a verified badge, increased visibility, and access to exclusive features should be available to all users for free. They also accuse Meta of being unoriginal and copying Twitter Blue’s offering.

The similarities between Meta Verified and Twitter Blue are hard to ignore. Both offer a verified badge, increased visibility, and access to exclusive features. The only difference is that Meta Verified gives users a badge on two websites instead of one.

Some users have also expressed concerns about the cost of Meta Verified, especially considering that the service is being tested in only two countries. They question why users should pay for features that are already available for free on other social media platforms.

Meta’s Response

In response to the criticism, Meta has defended the value of Meta Verified, citing the proactive monitoring and review of reported violations as key features that are not available for free on other social media platforms. The company argues that the cost of the subscription is necessary to provide these services and to expand access to verification.

Meta has also addressed concerns about the limited availability of the service, stating that it is testing the offering in Australia and New Zealand to learn what is most valuable and hopes to bring it to the rest of the world soon.

The Future of Meta Verified

It remains to be seen whether Meta Verified will be a success, particularly given the controversy surrounding its launch. The service is only available in two countries, and it will be interesting to see how users in those countries receive it.

However, if Meta Verified does prove to be a valuable offering, it could pave the way for more subscription-based features on social media platforms. As social media companies seek to monetize their offerings and provide more value to users, subscription bundles like Meta Verified could become more common.

Conclusion

Meta Verified is a controversial new subscription bundle for Instagram and Facebook users. The service offers features like a verified badge, proactive account protection, account support, and increased visibility and reach. While some users see the value in these features, others