Meta Introduces Meta Verified: Get the Blue Tick on Facebook and Instagram in India

Meta , the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, recently introduced its Meta Verified program in India, offering users the opportunity to obtain a verified tick on their accounts in exchange for a monthly fee. This move follows a similar strategy implemented by Twitter, where users can pay for a verified badge and gain access to additional features such as enhanced account security and direct support.

To avail the Meta Verified subscription in India, users can follow a simple process. They need to open the Instagram or Facebook app, navigate to the desired profile, and click on Settings >> Accounts Center. If they have the latest version of the app installed, they will see the Meta Verified option. From there, users can add a payment method and provide a government ID proof. Once the information is authenticated by Meta, the verified badge will be added to their Instagram and Facebook accounts.

However, there are some prerequisites for obtaining verification. Users must be at least 18 years old, and Meta may review the posting history of the account before granting verification. Additionally, the name on the government ID must match the name displayed on the Facebook and Instagram profiles. Public figures and celebrities must meet specific account and eligibility requirements, and traditional badges will continue to be retained for them. However, it is expected that verification will become more uniform for all users in the future.

The Meta Verified subscription is currently available in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The monthly price for Meta Verified in India is ₹699 for iOS and Android users, with a web-only subscription plan priced at ₹599 per month set to be introduced soon.

Meta Verified offers several benefits to subscribers, including protection against impersonators and access to account support. Initially available only in English, the account support feature will be extended to Hindi in the coming months. Users can provide a government-issued ID and a selfie video to verify their identity. It is important to note that any changes to the username or date of birth on a verified profile will require going through the Meta Verified subscription and verification application process again.

One significant distinction from Twitter's approach is that Meta will not remove the verified badge from accounts that were verified prior to the launch of Meta Verified. These legacy accounts have already undergone a thorough authentication process and are considered more susceptible to impersonation. Therefore, retaining the verified badge helps protect these accounts and the individuals who engage with them.

Meta's introduction of a subscription-based verification system for Facebook and Instagram in India provides users with an opportunity to enhance their account security and authenticity. By implementing a robust verification process and offering additional support, Meta aims to create a safer and more trustworthy environment for its users.