'Meta Verified' rolls out in India; check out prices, features, other details here

After Twitter, social media behemoth Meta has rolled out ‘Meta Verified,’ a paid subscription model for its Facebook and Instagram in India. The new subscription-based model is aimed to provide secure services and authentication for its users and would offer a wide range of features including account verification for its users.

"Meta Verified is now available in India, the UK, and Canada with Brazil coming soon. Any previously verified account will maintain its status on Instagram and Facebook for free," Mark Zuckerberg said on Meta Channel late Wednesday. India is one of the most lucrative consumer markets of Meta with more than 200 million WhatsApp and Instagram users.

Meta Verified is priced at ₹699 per month on iOS and Android devices, whereas it is priced at ₹599 for web Facebook users. The pricing of Meta's paid subscription model in India is cheaper than what was speculated earlier. Unlike Twitter, the company has not rolled out the subscription model on a yearly basis. However, the price of Meta Verified is cheaper than the Twitter Blue subscription model which costs ₹650 per month for web users and ₹900 per month for Android and iOS users. 

Earlier this year, Meta Verified was primarily rolled out in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.  

Features of 'Meta Verified'

As the name suggests, the new feature will enable the subscribers to get a blue badge, extra impersonation against fake accounts claiming to be the user, direct access to customer support, and increased visibility and reach. 

"Meta Verified—a subscription service that lets you verify the account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support. This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services," Zuckerberg had said earlier. The company had been thinking of a paid offering that will unlock these features since last year.

How to avail 'Meta Verified' subscription?

In order to avail 'Meta Verified,' accounts must meet minimum activity requirements, such as prior posting history, and be at least 18 years old. Applicants are then required to submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they’re applying for. Subscriptions will include proactive monitoring for account impersonation.

"The ID must match the profile name and photo of the Instagram or Facebook account that you're applying for. Once your profile has been verified, you can't change your username or date of birth on your profile without going through the Meta Verified subscription and verification application process again," Meta said. Moreover, users will have to subscribe to the new model on Instagram and Facebook separately.

What happens to already verified accounts?

Unlike Twitter, Meta said that there will be no changes to accounts on Instagram or Facebook that are already verified. "Existing verified badge holders can also apply for a Meta Verified subscription if they meet the eligibility requirements," the company said.