Facebook introduces free verified badge with selfie verification

Meta announced in February 2023 that Facebook and Instagram users could obtain a verified account (blue checkmark) by paying a monthly subscription fee. Since then, users around the world have been able to subscribe to receive the blue verification badge.

However, Meta has now introduced a new way for users to receive a free verification badge on their Facebook profiles, making the process much more accessible. The company has launched a new Facebook Verified program that uses a selfie-based facial recognition check along with a review of the user’s current profile photos.

According to Meta, the entire verification process takes only a few minutes to complete. The program is available only to users who are 18 years of age or older. Once a user successfully passes the selfie verification, a verified badge will appear next to their profile name across various Facebook services.

Unlike the paid blue checkmark, this free badge simply confirms that the profile belongs to a real person. It does not certify the person’s credibility or trustworthiness. The best part is that this verification badge is available free of charge.