Instagram may introduce paid “Blue Tick” verification, following in Twitter’s footsteps
A developer has reportedly revealed the existence of paid verification in Instagram’s source code, which allows users to get the coveted “Blue Tick” next to their name, indicating that they are a verified account. This speculation has surfaced just a few months after Elon Musk bought Twitter and introduced the “Twitter Blue” verification feature, which offers similar benefits to users.
According to a TechCrunch report, Alessandro Paluzzi has uncovered evidence in the form of bits of code that suggest Meta-owned platforms Instagram and Facebook may soon introduce paid verification services on both platforms. Paluzzi shared screenshots via TechCrunch that read “IG_NME_PAID_BLUE_BADGE_IDV” and “FB_NME_PAID_BLUE_BADGE_IDV.”
is working on a subscription plan which includes the blue badge 👀— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a)
February 2, 2023
Although Instagram has not made an official announcement, such a feature may exist because Mark Zuckerberg and his team have invested heavily in the development of Metaverse and are looking for alternative sources of income.
In addition, due to Apple’s App Tracking Transparency requirement, companies like Meta have also lost a significant amount of advertising revenue—about a $10 billion hit last year, according to 9to5Mac.
Instagram has also been open about recent shortcomings, such as the removal of the Instagram shopping feature and excessive promotion of videos through Instagram Reels, as CEO Adam Mosseri admitted.
Like Twitter, Meta could potentially offer its users a subscription service that includes the desired blue ID verification, revenue sharing, and other features. Twitter Blue currently costs $8 per month or $11 in-app on both Android and iOS platforms.
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