If you're an avid user of Facebook or Instagram then chances are you might have heard mention of Meta Verified in recent months and wondered what it is.

Earlier in 2023 Meta revealed that it was testing a new verification system for its platforms.

Meta Verified, as it's known is a subscription-based service that gives users access to extra features on both Instagram and Facebook for a monthly fee. What does Meta Verified offer though and is it worth your hard-earned money?

What is Meta Verified?

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Verified through a post on Facebook in February 2023. At its core Meta Verified is a paid verification subscription service. Meta Verified allows users on both Instagram and Facebook the opportunity to get a Twitter-like blue verification badge after submitting their government ID for authentication.

Obviously, people aren't likely to pay for a verification badge alone though, so Meta Verified also offers some additional benefits for subscribers. These extra features include things like:

• Exclusive stickers on both Facebook and Instagram Reels and Stories
• 100 Stars a month to use on Facebook and support creators
• Active account monitoring to prevent impersonators
• Access to account customer support

At the start of the launch, Meta was also suggesting that users would get increased reach for their posts on Instagram and Facebook, though it has since removed that from the list of benefits of the verification service.

Where is Meta Verified available?

The Meta Verified subscription service is that's currently being tested in a few different regions and is not yet available worldwide. At this time Meta Verified is available in these countries:

• The United States
• The United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand

If you live outside these regions and wish to find out when you can sign up for Meta Verified then you can use these links on Instagram and Facebook to register to be notified.

At this time Meta Verified is not available to businesses only individual users and creators.

How does Meta Verified work?

If Meta Verified is available in your country (and you want to try it), you will be asked to submit a government ID that matches your profile name and photo.

In order to use Meta Verified you must be at least 18 years old and meet minimum account activity requirements, according to reports. Once your identity is confirmed, you will receive a blue verification badge that will appear on your profile. You will also get "extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you" and "direct access to customer support", Zuckerberg said.

How much does Meta Verified cost?

Meta Verified costs the following depending on where you are in the world:

• $11.99 a month in the US on the web and $14.99 a month on iOS and Android devices.
• AUD 19.99 a month in Australia on the web and AUD 24.99 a month on iOS and Android devices.
• NZD 23.99 a month in New Zealand on the web and NZD 29.99 a month on iOS and Android devices.
• £9.99 a month in the UK on the web and £11.99 a month on iOS and Android devices.

How to apply for Meta Verified

If you want to start the process of getting your account verified then follow these steps:

1. Open up Instagram or Facebook on your phone
2. Click on your profile and open up settings
3. From there click on Accounts Center
4. There you can then tap on Meta Verified to start the process
5. Assuming you are eligible you should then be able to tap on your relevant account name and click to continue
6. You'll need to set up a payment method first and pay
7. Then to complete the process you'll need to take a photo of your ID and submit it

Note that the ID you upload needs to match the profile name on your account in order for verification to be successful.

Is Meta Verified in testing?

Yes, Meta Verified is currently being tested on Instagram and Facebook. A spokesperson for Meta said that the company will not make changes to user accounts that are already verified on those platforms as it tests its new verification service.

Meta Verified's benefits are being tested and improved as users access the service. Initially, it was designed to include increased “visibility and prominence” in Facebook and Instagram comments, recommendations and searches as well. This increased reach would no doubt be appealing to many, especially those creators trying to grow an audience on the platforms, but Meta has since made some changes here.

On 17 March 2023, the company rolled out Meta Verified to the United States and at that time removed the increased reach feature:

"We’re removing increased reach as a subscription feature for now, as we gather more feedback and further evolve Meta Verified. We’re exploring elements to add to the subscription as we roll out to more places and will share more when we’re ready."

Why would you want to be Meta Verified?

Being Meta Verified means that your identity on Meta's platforms has been verified by the company itself, providing increased authenticity for your account. It also means your profile will display a blue verification badge, which can help your account stand out and be more easily found by other users. This is especially useful for public figures, businesses, and content creators.

Also, by having a verification badge, your account will not be drowned by impostors or fake accounts.

Is Meta Verified worth it?

At the moment Meta Verified might not appeal to everyone. The benefits you get for your monthly subscription aren't as rich as those you get elsewhere. The lack of increased reach might put many off as that's a sizable benefit.

Meta Verified is in the early stages of testing though and more features may be added in the future. However, if you're a big user of Stories and will make use of the stickers or if you would like the Stars to support other creators then these might be nice extras.