Instagram is exploring new ways to cater to its paid verified users. The platform is currently testing a feature that offers a distinct feed showcasing posts exclusively from verified accounts. This development is part of Instagram's Meta Verified subscription service, which focuses on verifying users' identities and providing them with additional benefits, including priority customer support and exclusive stickers.
Prioritizing verified content
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, unveiled this new feed option, emphasizing its significance. The feature allows users to access posts from their favourite celebrities, influencers, and brands without having to scroll through their regular feeds. The objective is to provide both businesses and creators with a platform for increased visibility and discoverability.
Elevating Meta-verified subscribers
The new Meta Verified feed not only serves as a content aggregator but also adds value to users with the Meta verified tag, making it an appealing incentive for more businesses and creators. By using the Meta Verified option, users can curate content from verified accounts. This service comes at a price of $11.99 on the web and $14.99 via the app, potentially motivating more users to opt for the Meta Verified subscription, thus generating greater demand and engagement.
Instagram's official statement
Adam Mosseri shared a screenshot that illustrates the appearance of the new feed option. Named "Meta Verified," it is placed under "Following" and "Favorites" when users tap the Instagram logo. While Instagram is actively testing this new feature, specific details such as the scale of the test or eligibility criteria have not been disclosed.
Meta Verified Subscription
For context, Meta Verified is a paid subscription service introduced by Meta for Instagram and Facebook earlier in the year. Subscribers benefit from several advantages, including a blue verification checkmark, enhanced customer support, and protection against impersonation. Initially tested in Australia and New Zealand, it was then expanded to the US and businesses, and eventually, it was launched in the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and most global markets in the spring of 2023.
This move by Instagram reflects the platform's intention to monetize its services and enhance the user experience for those willing to invest in Meta Verified subscriptions.
Future of exclusive feeds
The ongoing testing of the Meta Verified feed signals Instagram's continued efforts to tailor its platform to different user segments, offering exclusive benefits to those who choose to participate. It aligns with the broader trend of paid subscriptions and the quest for enhanced user experiences across various social media platforms.
New monetization avenues
Instagram's exploration of a dedicated feed for verified accounts highlights its commitment to personalizing the user experience and creating new monetization avenues. While this feature is still in testing, it holds the potential to reshape how users interact with content from their favourite accounts, giving a significant boost to the Meta Verified subscription service.
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