Instagram Tests New Subscription Feature: Selling Verified Badges for $12 a Month

The blue checkmark on Instagram is a symbol of authenticity, meaning that the account has been verified by the social media platform as a legitimate public figure, celebrity, or brand. Currently, the verification process on Instagram is not available to everyone, and it can be quite difficult to obtain, with many users left frustrated by the lack of transparency around the process.

However, according to Jane Manchun Wong, a software engineer who is known for uncovering new features on social media platforms, Instagram is now testing a subscription service that would allow users to pay for a blue verified badge. The subscription service would reportedly cost $12 a month, and it would give users access to a range of exclusive features and tools, such as an Instagram Insights-style dashboard, exclusive filters and stickers, and more.

While the idea of paying for a blue checkmark might seem controversial, it could potentially be a game-changer for some users who are struggling to get verified on Instagram. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of fake accounts and spam bots on the platform, which has made it increasingly difficult for legitimate users to stand out and get verified. With a subscription service that offers a verified badge, users could potentially bypass the long and complicated verification process, and gain instant credibility and legitimacy.

However, it remains to be seen whether Instagram will roll out this feature to all users, or if it will remain a limited test. Some have already expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of this feature on the platform, with some users worried that it could lead to an influx of fake accounts and spam bots that are able to bypass the verification process. Others have also questioned whether the subscription fee is too steep, and whether the exclusive features and tools that come with the subscription are worth the price.

The introduction of a subscription service for a blue verified badge on Instagram is an interesting development for the platform, and it could have a significant impact on how users view and engage with verified accounts. However, it remains to be seen whether this feature will be widely adopted by Instagram users, or if it will remain a limited test. As with all new features and tools on social media platforms, only time will tell whether this one will be a hit or a miss.