Unlocking the Secrets of Meta Verification
Get ready social media users; you’re going to be seeing a lot more blue checks beside your favourite creator’s accounts. Why’s that? Account holders in Singapore can now get in on the Meta Verified action.
Launched in early 2023, Meta Verified is available for Facebook and Instagram accounts that are run by individual creators. There is a verification process for each account, and once approved, they get the famous blue check beside their username to show that they’ve got through some additional vetting.
But is it worth it? Read on, and we’ll break down some of the features, the application process, and more to help you decide if you need to be Meta Verified.
What exactly is Meta Verified?
Meta Verified is a subscription service that lets anyone access the blue check mark that was previously only handed out to larger, well-known accounts. Now, anyone can apply for the blue check mark beside their name.
Meta Verified is available for both Facebook and Instagram, but you have to apply (and pay the monthly fee) separately for each platform. Monthly subscription costs per platform vary depending on how you purchase it. Monthly subscriptions paid for on the Web are $15/month, while it jumps to $18 on iOS and Android.
For users curious if Meta Verified is worth their money, this is what is included:
Account verification (including the blue check)
Account impersonation protection
Exclusive stickers
Access to live support agents
While Meta Verified is aimed at accounts looking to grow their following, some features won’t necessarily appeal to those using their accounts for personal enjoyment.
I want that blue check mark; how do I get Meta Verified?
There are a few steps to take before you start flaunting that blue check mark. You’ll need to make sure you meet Meta Verified’s requirements:
You must be 18 or over, and your account must represent you, not a brand or company
You must live in eligible countries (Woohoo, that’s you, Singapore!)
You must adhere to Meta’s TOS for Instagram and Facebook
You have to have prior posting history (ie. You can’t be verified on a brand new, content-less account)
If you check all those boxes, then you’re able to go through the actual verification process.
For this, you’ll need to take a picture of your government-issued ID. Your profile will need to match your legal full name on your ID. You’ll also be asked to add a selfie video so Meta can verify your identity. Don’t forget that your profile photo also needs to match your ID.
Do I need to be Meta Verified?
The answer to this question comes down to how you use your social media accounts.
Do some profiles benefit from being Meta Verified? Sure.
Do you need to be Meta Verified to have a successful account? Not necessarily.
For individual accounts who are hoping to grow, Meta Verified is a great way to show some additional legitimacy in the social media world. Influencers are a great example of this. It confirms they are who they say they are, and proactive account protection is available to combat any copycat accounts.
Small businesses, for now, you’re out of luck. Meta hasn’t rolled this option out to business accounts yet, though brands that are big enough can still get verified the old-fashioned (aka free) way. Those brands are large household names, with hundreds of thousands or millions of followers.
Solopreneurs are a different story. Because of the ID verification process, some entrepreneurs who use their personal names as part of their branding might qualify for Meta Verified approval. This doesn’t guarantee approval but is an option some solopreneurs might want to explore.
Also, we have to make note that the benefits that come with being Meta Verified have shifted since its original launch earlier this year. Initially, accounts that were Meta Verified enjoyed additional reach on Instagram and Facebook, but that has now been removed from the listed benefits on Meta’s site.
So to verify or not to verify? While some users are quick to label it a cash grab, others are enjoying the peace of mind that comes with access to additional support and resources. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all feature, and each account user will have to make the decision about whether it’s worth it for their account type, and goals.
One thing we know for sure: Being Meta Verified doesn’t trump a quality social media strategy. A blue check mark won’t help you grow if you don’t have value-driven, outstanding content. But don’t worry; you’ve got For the Love of Socials to help with that.