$Meta Platforms(META.US)$ is rolling out a Twitter-like subscription tier for Facebook and Instagram that will hand out blue badges to individuals who pay, according to an announcement on Sunday by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The subscription, called Meta Verified, will cost $11.99 a month for web users and $14.99 on Apple's iOS. Subscribers, who submit a government ID to be verified, get prioritization in other people's comments, exclusive stickers for Instagram stories, and recommendations in Reels. They also get 100 free stars each month, a form of digital currency on the platforms used to tip creators.
This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services, Zuckerberg said.
In December, Elon Musk's Twitter rolled out a revised Twitter Blue subscription, giving those who pay $8 a month by web and $11 over iOS the blue check and other features such as tweet editing.
Musk started the subscription plan to shake money out of the social media platform, which he bought in October for $44 billion. In March, Twitter will restrict access to the most basic form of two-factor authentication to Twitter Blue subscribers.
Zuckerberg has also faced pressure at Meta (ticker: META) over costs and profitability. He has fired 11,000 workers and could be preparing for more layoffs, according to reports last week. He has declared 2023 the year of efficiency.
Meta Verified subscribers get "extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support," the note on Facebook said.
A more detailed note on Instagram said subscriptions are only available to people 18 years and older and only individuals, not businesses.
Instagram profiles also have to meet minimum eligibility requirements, including two-factor authentication, a name that matches the government ID, and activity, including posting history.
The Meta subscriptions roll out for Australia and New Zealand this week and other countries soon, the note on Facebook said.
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