Meta Subscriptions- Here's What You Need to Know

Juli Loomis
Oct 25, 2023 | 4 min read

Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Instagram and Facebook, has unveiled a subscription policy known as "Meta Verified," almost one year ago. This new feature is designed to provide creators with enhanced account protection, access to direct account support, and more exclusive benefits. With a subscription cost of $11.99 when subscribing on the web and $14.99 when subscribing in the app, let's delve into the details of what Meta Verified entails and how it can benefit creators.

What is Meta Verified?

Meta Verified is a premium subscription service, currently available and aimed at offering enhanced features and support to creators on Instagram and Facebook. By subscribing, users can access a range of exclusive benefits, making their experience on these platforms more secure, convenient, and personalized.

The Exclusive Benefits of Meta Verified:

  1. Verification with a Government ID:

    • One of the standout features of Meta Verified is the option to get your account verified with a government-issued ID. This verification badge not only adds a layer of authenticity to your profile but also helps your followers trust that they're interacting with the real you.

  2. Proactive Account Protection:

    • With Meta Verified, creators gain an extra layer of security for their accounts. This includes proactive monitoring and protection against potential threats, such as phishing attempts and unauthorized access.

  3. Direct Account Support:

    • Subscribers receive priority access to direct account support. This means that if you encounter any issues with your account, you'll have a dedicated team ready to assist you promptly, ensuring a smoother experience.

  4. Enhanced Customization:

    • Meta Verified subscribers may also enjoy additional customization options for their profiles and content, allowing for a more personalized and unique online presence.

  5. Ad-Free Experience:

    • Creators who subscribe to Meta Verified can enjoy an ad-free experience on Instagram and Facebook. This means no interruptions from sponsored posts or ads, creating a more streamlined user experience.

Pricing Details:

Meta Verified is available at two pricing tiers:

  • Subscribing on the web costs $11.99 per month.
  • Subscribing in the app, for added convenience, is priced at $14.99 per month.

Meta Verified is a compelling new subscription policy that offers creators on Instagram and Facebook a range of exclusive benefits, from verified accounts to proactive security measures and direct account support. This subscription aims to provide an elevated experience for those who want to maximize their presence on these platforms. While the pricing may raise some eyebrows, the added convenience and peace of mind that Meta Verified provides make it a valuable choice for dedicated creators.

What about the ad-preferred or ad-free Meta Subscriptions?

In a move prompted by the European Union's Digital Services Act, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to introduce a $14 per month subscription plan for ad-free access to these popular social media platforms in Europe. This significant change in how users interact with these platforms has raised questions about the potential impact on advertisers, privacy concerns, and the user experience.

The Subscription Model: Starting in response to the EU's Digital Services Act, Meta's subscription model offers European users a choice: they can either subscribe to the ad-free version of Facebook and Instagram or continue using the free versions but allow the platform to track their digital activities for targeted advertising. For many users who have long enjoyed the free access to these platforms, the $14 monthly fee might appear steep.

How will this impact advertisers?

One of the key concerns is how this shift to ad-free subscriptions will affect advertisers. The introduction of ad-free options could significantly reduce the number of people seeing ads on these platforms. As a result, advertisers may need to reconsider their strategies and potentially explore alternative advertising platforms to reach their target audiences effectively.

Understanding the European Union's Digital Service Act

This change is a direct response to the European Union's Digital Services Act, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024. The new regulations will limit platforms' ability to serve personalized ads without explicit user consent. This poses a significant challenge to businesses like Meta that rely heavily on advertising revenue. To comply with these regulations and maintain their business model, Meta is offering ad-free subscriptions to European users.

As of today, Meta has not yet released an official statement regarding the timing or introduction of paid-for versions of Facebook and Instagram. However, this move aligns with hints from the company's leadership in the past. In 2018, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, suggested that a product like this could be in the works, assuring users that there would always be a free version of Facebook. Meta's COO, Sheryl Sandberg, further emphasized the various forms of opt-out available and mentioned the possibility of a paid ad-free product.

Meta's decision to offer ad-free subscriptions for Facebook and Instagram in Europe represents a significant shift in how these platforms operate, driven by regulatory changes. While this may give users more control over their digital privacy, it also poses challenges for advertisers who rely on these platforms for reaching their audiences. It remains to be seen how many users will opt for the ad-free experience and how this change will impact the social media landscape in Europe. As of now, many questions remain unanswered, and it will be interesting to observe how this development unfolds in the coming months.