For years, the blue tick on Facebook and Instagram was something only celebrities, brands and public figures could hope for. Then, in February 2023, Meta announced a way for ordinary users to pay for one. So do Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp really charge for the blue tick now? The short answer is yes, through an optional subscription called Meta Verified. Here's what it includes, who can get it, what it cost at launch, and whether it's worth paying for.
Quick Facts
- What it is: A paid monthly subscription for Facebook and Instagram that includes a verified badge
- Announced: February 19, 2023, by Mark Zuckerberg
- First test markets: Australia and New Zealand, followed by the US in March 2023
- Launch price (US, individuals): $11.99 a month on the web, $14.99 a month on iOS and Android
- Later expansion: Businesses (announced September 2023) and WhatsApp Business
- Is it required? No. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp remain free to use
What Is Meta Verified?
Meta Verified is a subscription that confirms your identity using a government ID and then adds a verified badge to your profile. Before 2023, the badge was free but limited to "notable" accounts that Meta approved. The new model lets eligible creators and everyday users buy verification, much like X (formerly Twitter) had done with its paid checkmark a few months earlier.
Meta pitched it as more than a status symbol. The company said the goal was to help creators build their presence and to give people better protection from impersonators, a growing problem on both apps.
What You Get With a Subscription
At launch, Meta listed four main benefits for individual subscribers:
- A verified badge showing your account has been confirmed with a government ID.
- Impersonation protection, with proactive monitoring for accounts pretending to be you.
- Access to account support from a real person, something free users often struggle to reach.
- Increased visibility in some areas of the apps, such as search and comments.
Meta has added and changed perks over time, and features can differ between countries, so check the Meta Verified page in your app for the current list.
Who Can Get Meta Verified?
For individual accounts, Meta set a few basic requirements when the service launched. You must be at least 18, have a profile that meets minimum activity requirements, and submit a government ID whose name and photo match your profile. Two-factor authentication must be turned on. Once you're verified, your profile name, username, date of birth and photo can't be changed without going through verification again.
How Much Does Meta Verified Cost?
Prices depend on where you live and where you subscribe. Here are the US launch-time prices that Meta announced:
| Plan (at launch) | Where you subscribe | Monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals / creators | Web browser | $11.99 |
| Individuals / creators | iPhone or Android app | $14.99 |
| Businesses (from late 2023) | Per Instagram account or Facebook Page | From $21.99 |
The app price was higher because Apple and Google take a cut of in-app purchases. In India, the service launched in June 2023 at ₹699 a month on mobile. Prices and plans have changed since launch in several markets, so always check the current price in your app or on Meta's website before you subscribe.
What About WhatsApp?
Regular WhatsApp chats don't come with a paid badge for individuals. Instead, Meta brought verification to WhatsApp Business. In September 2023 it said Meta Verified would expand to businesses on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and in June 2024 it began rolling out Meta Verified for WhatsApp Business in countries including India, Brazil, Indonesia and Colombia. Verified businesses get a badge that helps customers tell a real company from a scammer using the same name.
Is the Blue Tick Worth Paying For?
It depends on what you use the apps for.
It can make sense if you…
run a business or creator page, deal with impersonators, or depend on Instagram or Facebook for income and need faster help when something goes wrong.
You can probably skip it if you…
mainly use the apps to chat with friends and family. Strong security habits, such as a unique password and two-factor authentication, protect a personal account without a monthly fee.
Watch out for scams: Fraudsters send fake "verify your account" messages offering free blue ticks. Meta Verified is only purchased inside the official apps or on Meta's own website. Never share your password or login codes with anyone promising a badge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to keep using Facebook or Instagram?
No. Meta Verified is optional. The apps remain free, and the subscription only adds verification and extra features.
Can I still get verified for free?
Meta has said accounts that were already verified based on its earlier notability rules would keep their badges. For everyone else, the subscription is the main route to a badge.
What happens if I cancel?
Your account keeps working as normal, but the badge and subscriber benefits are removed when the subscription ends.
When was Meta Verified announced?
Mark Zuckerberg announced it on February 19, 2023, with tests starting that week in Australia and New Zealand.
Conclusion
Facebook and Instagram didn't start charging everyone; they started selling verification to those who want it. Meta Verified bundles a badge with impersonation protection and human support, and it has grown from a 2023 test into a service for creators and businesses, including on WhatsApp Business. If those extras matter to you, compare the current price in your country before signing up. If not, your account works just fine without it.
Image credit: Image: LPS.1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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