Technology

Instagram Tests Dedicated Feed for Posts from Verified Users

AifrontierJanuary 3, 2025February 6, 202507 mins

New Feature: Exploring the Instagram Feed with a Twist

Instagram, the popular social media platform owned by Meta, is testing a new feature that will allow users to toggle their feed to display only posts from verified accounts. This move comes as a response to the growing trend of paid verification on other social media platforms, including Twitter (now X), which was acquired by Elon Musk last fall.

The New Feature: A Way to Explore Verified Accounts

According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the new feature will be tested in the coming weeks. In his broadcast channel on Instagram, Mosseri revealed that users will be able to toggle their feed to display only posts from Meta Verified and legacy verified accounts by clicking on the Instagram logo in the app.

What is Meta Verified?

Meta Verified is a subscription service offered by Meta that provides users with a blue checkmark, enhanced customer support, increased visibility and reach in search and comments, exclusive stickers, and more. The service costs $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 per month on mobile.

Borrowing from Elon Musk’s Playbook

Meta is clearly taking a cue from Twitter (now X), which debuted paid verification for $8 per month through its revamped X Premium subscription service. This move is seen as an effort by Meta to promote Meta Verified subscriptions and get people interested in signing up, thereby increasing the visibility of verified accounts.

The Impact on Creators and Businesses

Instagram’s new feature is also aimed at providing creators and businesses with a way to get discovered. By filtering out non-verified accounts from the feed, users will be able to focus on the most relevant and trustworthy content. This can lead to increased engagement, visibility, and reach for verified accounts.

Code Reveals ‘Meta Verified’ Feed Filter

Interestingly, Instagram’s code revealed a ‘Meta Verified’ feed filter even before the official announcement. However, when approached by TechCrunch in October 2023, an Instagram spokesperson denied that such a feature was being tested.

The Rise of Paid Verification

The introduction of paid verification on social media platforms is becoming increasingly popular. With the launch of Meta Verified and Twitter’s X Premium subscription service, it seems that social media platforms are shifting towards a more monetized model. This raises questions about the future of free social media services and the impact on user engagement.

What Does This Mean for Social Media Users?

The introduction of paid verification on Instagram may change the way users interact with their feeds. By filtering out non-verified accounts, users will be able to focus on the most relevant content. However, this may also lead to a decrease in user engagement as users become accustomed to seeing only verified accounts.

A Shift Towards Monetization

The rise of paid verification on social media platforms is a clear indication that these platforms are shifting towards a more monetized model. This raises questions about the future of free social media services and the impact on user engagement. As social media platforms continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to this new trend.

Conclusion

Instagram’s test of a feed filter that only displays posts from Meta Verified and legacy verified accounts is an exciting development in the world of social media. By allowing users to focus on the most relevant content, this feature has the potential to increase engagement and visibility for verified accounts. However, as social media platforms continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to the changing landscape.

FAQs

What is Meta Verified?
- Meta Verified is a subscription service offered by Meta that provides users with a blue checkmark, enhanced customer support, increased visibility and reach in search and comments, exclusive stickers, and more.
How much does Meta Verified cost?
- The service costs $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 per month on mobile.
What is the purpose of the new feature?
- The new feature allows users to toggle their feed to display only posts from verified accounts, increasing engagement and visibility for creators and businesses.