Image via Meta
Once reserved for celebs, influencers and various top tier talent, the covetable blue check has now been made available to the masses — for a price.
For a mere $14.99 a month, users can be Meta Verified, complete with blue check and a host of other benefits. Participants in the Meta Verified program are already receiving backlash, with memes calling the users "clout chasers" and "paying to be cool."
Fair points.
But, the Meta Verified program does include some useful perks aside from the check.
1. Account protection
If you've ever been locked out of your IG or have had accounts imitating you that Instagram can't/won't take down, this feature is enough to earn 15 bucks monthly. Particularly if you're an aspiring influencer or content creator and find it difficult to maintain control of your likeness.
2. Direct account support
Something wrong with your account? As a Meta Verified user you have access to a REAL PERSON for help with common issues. The current process of form submissions and emails is extremely frustrating, so again if you face reoccurring problems with account security, impersonations, etc. this could be worth the monthly fee.
Meta Verified is not yet available for businesses, so small business owners or service providers may find the service beneficial if the bulk of their followers are on their personal page as opposed to their brand page.
Meta goes on to mention additional features like exclusive stickers on Stories and Reels, (sound kinda cringe, but ok) and 100 stars a month on Facebook to support creators (not sure what a star is, but 100 sounds like a good and round number.)
All in, the customer service and additional layer of protection for content creators, small business owners, or aspiring influencers who want to protect their identity is a bargain for $15. The "cool factor" is just an added bonus.