- Facebook and Instagram are introducing a new subscription model.
- If you pay extra for it, you get additional functions on the social media platforms – such as a blue tick.
- The subscription will initially be launched in Australia and New Zealand. Other countries are to follow soon.
The additional functions include the blue tick, which users can add to their profile. This tick is intended to prove that you really are the person specified. Facebook wants to check an official ID for this. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg writes that future subscribers are better protected against identity theft.
The price will be $11.99 if you subscribe online. For purchases on iPhones, it should be $14.99. Apple initially charges a fee of 30 percent for subscriptions made on the iPhone.
Meta sales down
Meta’s revenue fell four percent last quarter. In addition to the general slowdown in the online advertising market, Facebook and Instagram continue to struggle with Apple’s privacy protections on the iPhone.
App developers must explicitly ask users for permission if they want to track their behavior across different applications and services in order to personalize advertising. With many refusing to do so, online advertising models went haywire.
Twitter is also hoping for more subscription revenue
Twitter is also hoping for more subscription revenue under new owner Elon Musk. In addition to a blue tick in the profile, which previously only existed with personal verification, paying users are currently given the opportunity to publish longer videos.
Another advantage announced for the future is that tweets from subscription customers will be placed more prominently. In addition, they should only see half as much advertising. The Twitter Blue subscription costs eight euros in Europe for monthly payment. The annual subscription costs 84 euros.