Meta Launches a New Subscription Bundle on Instagram and Facebook

Meta introduces the "meta verified" package, which provides customers with a monthly fee.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said today that the business would begin testing a brand-new subscription bundle dubbed "Meta Verified" on Facebook and Instagram. which provides customers with protection, account verification support, and visibility for a monthly fee.

Account verification badges are also available for those who pay. The new membership, which will cost $11.99 a month if purchased through the iOS app, is primarily aimed at content creators. The membership offers "proactive account security, access to account assistance, and greater exposure and reach," according to a Meta spokeswoman in an email.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed the new feature via his Insta Channel, a feature that debuted just a week ago. Both Instagram and Facebook will have the option, but they will require separate memberships. Subscription offers have been popular in recent years as a method for social networking sites to diversify their operations, which are highly reliant on advertising. Snap Inc. offers a product called Snapchat Plus, while Twitter Inc. is also promoting a subscription service with account verification as a main selling factor.

The majority of Meta's revenue comes from advertising, however, that industry is volatile and heavily influenced by the overall economy. Meta's business was heavily damaged during the start of the epidemic, then again last year amid the conflict in Europe and the spike in inflation. Subscriptions provide a more stable revenue source. Nevertheless, it is uncertain whether people want to pay for products that have historically been free. Twitter's subscription service has been sluggish to catch on. "Increased visibility" is likely to be the most beneficial component of Meta's membership plan. Sticking out on Facebook or Instagram these days is increasingly challenging, even among a user's followers. The firm has begun to direct consumers towards more stuff that they may be interested in, rather than content from individuals they follow.

Improved exposure will result in "prominence in various sections of the platform — such as search, comments, and recommendations," according to the business. Unlike Twitter, which does not need users to prove their identity with a government ID to acquire a verification badge, Meta will require users to authenticate their identity with a government ID to receive a verification badge.