Meta is taking its paid verification service to a whole new level by extending it to businesses on Facebook, Instagram, and eventually WhatsApp, as Mark Zuckerberg unveiled during the recent “Conversations” event. Meta Verified, initially catering to individuals, made its debut earlier this year on Facebook and Instagram. However, this exclusive club is now welcoming businesses, albeit with a slightly steeper price tag.
For individuals, Meta Verified costs a reasonable $12 to $15 per month. But when it comes to businesses, be prepared to dig a bit deeper into your pockets. A single account verification on either Facebook or Instagram will set business owners back $27.99 per month for mobile sign-ups or $21.99 for web-based purchases. However, there’s a bundle option for the savvy business folks – you can secure both Instagram and Facebook verification for $34.99 per month. It’s a significant jump in pricing, but Meta is banking on the fact that business owners will gladly invest in these premium benefits.
So, what exactly does Meta Verified offer? Well, it’s not too dissimilar from Elon Musk’s X Premium. Subscribers get the coveted checkmark symbol, a higher ranking in search results, expedited access to customer support, and proactive measures against impersonation. Moreover, Meta plans to showcase “Meta Verified businesses” in its in-app recommendations on Facebook and Instagram, giving them even more exposure.
But the story doesn’t end here. Meta has big plans for WhatsApp as well. When Meta Verified arrives on WhatsApp, it will bring additional perks, including multi-device support for customer chats and the ability to create a business page that appears in web-based search results. As for the cost of verified status on WhatsApp, the details are still under wraps.
There’s a catch, though. Unlike X Premium, Meta requires subscribers, including businesses, to undergo identity verification. This means proving their association with the business through a phone number or email domain. Additionally, subscribers must opt-in to two-factor authentication and maintain a minimum level of activity.
The rollout of Meta Verified for businesses will initially be available in select test countries, though Meta hasn’t disclosed the specific locations. As for WhatsApp, its turn will come sometime “in the future.”
But that’s not all the news from Meta. They also have some exciting updates for businesses using their messaging tools. In-app payments on WhatsApp, currently accessible in Brazil and Singapore, are expanding to Indian merchants. This will enable credit and debit card payments, as well as integration with other apps like Razorpay.
Furthermore, Meta introduced “WhatsApp flows” to empower businesses to create custom features like appointment bookings directly from in-app chats. This feature will become available to WhatsApp Business users “in the coming weeks.” So, it looks like Meta is on a mission to make life easier and more interactive for both individuals and businesses across its platforms. Stay tuned for more updates in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Meta Verified Expansion
What is Meta Verified, and who can use it?
Meta Verified is a subscription service offered by Meta (formerly Facebook) that provides users, including businesses, with a verified checkmark symbol, higher search result rankings, faster access to customer support, and protection against impersonation. Initially, it was available for individuals, but it has now expanded to include businesses on Facebook, Instagram, and eventually WhatsApp.
How much does Meta Verified cost for individuals and businesses?
For individuals, Meta Verified typically costs between $12 to $15 per month. However, for businesses, the pricing is higher. A single account verification on either Facebook or Instagram will cost $27.99 per month for mobile sign-ups or $21.99 for web-based purchases. There’s also an option to bundle Instagram and Facebook verification for $34.99 per month.
What are the benefits of Meta Verified for businesses?
Businesses that subscribe to Meta Verified enjoy several benefits, including the coveted checkmark symbol, higher visibility in search results, expedited access to customer support channels, and proactive protection against impersonation. Meta also plans to feature “Meta Verified businesses” in its in-app recommendations on Facebook and Instagram, providing additional exposure.
Are there any additional benefits for businesses on WhatsApp?
Yes, when Meta Verified becomes available on WhatsApp, it will offer some extra perks, such as multi-device support for customer chats and the ability to create a business page that appears in web-based search results. However, the cost of verified status on WhatsApp has not been disclosed yet.
What are the requirements for subscribing to Meta Verified, especially for businesses?
Meta requires subscribers, including businesses, to undergo identity verification. This means they must provide proof of their association with the business, typically through a phone number or email domain. Subscribers are also required to opt-in to two-factor authentication and meet a minimum level of activity.
When and where will Meta Verified for businesses be available?
Meta has mentioned that it will initially make subscriptions available to business owners in “select test countries” but hasn’t specified the locations. As for WhatsApp, its rollout is planned for sometime “in the future.”
Are there any other updates for businesses using Meta’s messaging tools?
Yes, Meta has introduced in-app payments on WhatsApp, expanding from Brazil and Singapore to merchants in India. This feature supports credit and debit card payments and integration with apps like Razorpay. Additionally, Meta has unveiled “WhatsApp flows,” allowing businesses to create custom features like appointment booking directly from in-app chats. This feature will be available to WhatsApp Business users “in the coming weeks.”
More about Meta Verified Expansion
- Meta Verified: What You Need to Know – Details about Meta’s expansion of the verification service to businesses and the pricing structure.
- Meta’s “Conversations” Event – Official announcement from Meta about the expansion of Meta Verified to businesses and other updates.
- WhatsApp In-App Payments – Information on the expansion of in-app payments on WhatsApp to Indian merchants.
- WhatsApp Flows for Businesses – Details about WhatsApp flows, a new feature for businesses on WhatsApp.
- Meta’s Official Blog – For the latest updates and announcements from Meta regarding its services and features.
