Meta Verified: Meta is testing a monthly subscription service priced at $11.99 for Facebook and Instagram

Mark Zuckerberg took a page out of Elon Musk’s playbook with the announcement of Meta Verified, a monthly subscription service that let users verify their accounts using a government ID and get a blue badge.

Meta Platforms announced on Sunday that it is testing verified subscription services as part of its effort to help content creators grow and build communities. The service is scheduled to be launched next week.

Meta said the subscription will include a bundle for Instagram and Facebook and also includes extra protection against impersonation and will be priced starting at $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 a month on Apple’s iOS system and Android.

“Good morning! New product announcement: this week we’re starting to roll out Meta Verified – a subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support,” Zuckerberg wrote.

He added: “This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services. Meta Verified starts at $11.99 / month on the web or $14.99 / month on iOS. We’ll be rolling out in Australia and New Zealand this week and more countries soon.”

Meta’s journey into subscription services follows Twitter, which announced its Twitter Blue service last month priced at $11 per month.

In a statement, Zuckerberg said the social giant was planning to launch several new products that would “empower creators to be way more productive and creative,” while cautioning about the cost associated with supporting the technology for a large user base.

Meta Verified will be rolled out in Australia and New Zealand this week, with gradual launches in other countries to follow.

With this announcement, Meta now joins a list of other social media apps looking to generate additional revenue streams. Last year, Snapchat and messaging app Telegram also launched paid subscription services.