Similar to what other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram have been doing, Meta now allows users to pay to get verified and unlock some extra features on Facebook and Instagram. To convince more people to pay for the Meta Verified service, the company has reportedly been working on a new option that will let users choose to only see content from verified accounts.
Instagram testing verified-only feed
As discussed by Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri (via The Verge), the platform has been testing a toggle that filters posts in the feed and only shows content from verified accounts. Users will find the new filter in the menu that lets them switch between the Following and Favorites feeds. Mosseri believes that the toggle will give creators and brands more visibility.
“We’re exploring this as a new control for people and a way for businesses and creators to get discovered,” the executive said.
There are no details at this point on how many people already have access to the new toggle for filtering posts by verified accounts only. Since the feature is experimental, it may be scrapped before it’s rolled out to everyone on Instagram.
Of course, the main idea behind such a filter is to persuade more Instagram users to pay for Meta Verified. In the US, the service costs $11.99 per month, or $14.99 when you subscribe via the iOS or Android apps. Users who pay for Meta Verified can submit a government-issued ID to verify their identity and get a blue seal.
Ad-free experience
In another attempt to increase the company’s revenue, Meta is considering launching another subscription plan, this one to remove advertisements from Instagram and Facebook. The plan would first be released to users in Europe, as a new EU regulation will force Meta to ask for express consent before collecting user data to deliver personalized advertisements.
By doing so, Meta would give people an option to use its apps without having data collected and without hurting the company’s revenue, while there would still be the option to use both platforms for free by letting Meta collect their data.
This plan would cost around $17 per month, and it’s uncertain whether it will come with Meta Verified included. Elon Musk has been considering doing something similar with X, as code found in the platform’s mobile apps reveals new tiers of the X Premium subscription that will let users remove ads.
Would you pay to remove ads from a social network? Let us know in the comments section below.
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