Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) is following in Elon Musk and Twitter’s footsteps and is now charging a monthly subscription for the “verified badge” or blue checkmark. While this subscription is currently out only in specific locations and not for businesses, we can expect Meta to expand this program to everyone on their platforms.

Even though this subscription is not currently available for small businesses, understanding the basics of the program will help small business owners make informed decisions when it is finally available to them.

 

The Basics:

 

An important part of the subscription is that you will have to buy two different subscriptions if you want a verified badge (blue checkmark) for both your Facebook and Instagram accounts. Each subscription is up to $14.99, so you will be paying $30 a MONTH if you want both. However, you do not have to purchase both but instead pick one platform to  focus on. As a small business owner, if you spend most of your time on only one of these platforms then you will want to consider only getting one subscription.

The justification for the price is that you are not ONLY getting that badge, but you will also get: proactive account protection, direct account support, and exclusive features.

Proactive Account Protection: You will receive proactive account monitoring to prevent fake accounts from gaining traction on the social media platform. You account will also require two-factor authentication. 

Something to keep in mind: you can currently set up two-factor authentication on your account whether you have the subscription or not.

 

Direct Account Support: You will have access to a “real person for common issues” with your account. Note that Meta specified “common issues”. There is no clarification on what exactly constitutes as a common issue, and this is something to keep in mind when contemplating purchasing.

Exclusive features: You will get access to exclusive stickers for reels and stories on either platform, as well as 100 Stars a month to use to show support to others. Stars are exclusively on the Facebook platform, so this feature will only be useful if you purchase the subscription for Facebook.

 

 

Verifying Who You Are

Now here’s a big part to keep in mind. To verify you are who you say you are and that you match up with your account, you will have to provide Meta with your government ID. You will also have to provide a “selfie video” to prove you are your authentic self. 

This is a great way to prevent others from impersonating your account, however some people are just not comfortable with sharing this much information with a social media platform.

We get it. Whether you decide that the verified badge subscription is worth it or not – we want to make sure you have all the information to make an informed decision.

 

Looking for a deeper dive into the new verified badge subscription? Check out our S.O.B. Marketing podcast episode on the topic. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube!

Did you find this content useful? Check out our other free resources.

Feel free to share your thoughts with me, I can be reached at vivian@theseasonedmarketer.com!