Facebook parent company, Meta, on Sunday, announced it is testing a new subscription service called ‘Meta Verified’ that would allow Facebook and Instagram users to pay to have a verified account. According to the company, the Meta Verified would be available for direct purchase in Australia and New Zealand starting later this week. The company said it would cost $11.99 on the web and $14.99 on iOS and Android. In a blog post on Sunday, Meta said it will begin testing the new offering called Meta Verified, a subscription bundle on Instagram and Facebook that includes a verified badge that authenticates accounts with a government ID, proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach. “We’re starting with a gradual test in Australia and New Zealand later this week to learn what’s most valuable, and we hope to bring Meta Verified to the rest of the world soon. “Meta Verified is available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in Australia and New Zealand starting later this week. People can purchase a monthly subscription for (USD) $11.99 on the web and (USD) $14.99 on iOS and Android,” the company said. “Long term, we want to build a subscription offering that’s valuable to everyone, including creators, businesses and our community at large. As part of this vision, we are evolving the meaning of the verified badge so we can expand access to verification and more people can trust the accounts they interact with are authentic,” it added. The company said it would also offer “exclusive stickers” on Facebook and Instagram stories and Facebook reels and 100 free stars a month on Facebook so users can show their support for other creators. It noted that businesses are not eligible to apply for Meta Verified at this time. “At this time, Meta Verified will only support your real name on your profile. Once your profile is verified, you can’t change the profile name, username, date of birth, or photo on your profile without going through the Meta Verified subscription and verifications application process again,” it said.
