Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta Inc., will soon charge users to become certified users on the social networking sites, following in the footsteps of well-known microblogging site Twitter.

While the move may be helpful for famous people, companies, or influencers, analysts warned that Indian customers may find the price tag excessive.

The program, known as Meta Confirmed, will launch in Australia and New Zealand later this week before being made available to the rest of the world, according to Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Meta.

For mid- to high-level content creators, small businesses, and brands that depend on their social media presence and authenticity on these platforms, it will be seen as an investment, while for smaller creators, it will be seen as aspirational.

The monthly fee for the subscription starts at $11.99 (Rs 992) for the web and $14.99 (Rs 1,240) for iOS platforms.

In practice, this is more expensive than the Twitter Blue membership, which provides subscribers with a blue tick for Rs 650 and Rs 900 a month on the website and mobile, respectively.

Users of Meta Verified can get a blue badge and "additional impersonation protection" by verifying their accounts with a valid government ID.

According to Zuckerberg, the feature aims to improve service-wide security and authenticity.

According to some, the verified badge is a requirement for any celebrity or influencer of any kind, and the cost of about Rs 1,250 is reasonable to ensure that they keep their reputation and integrity.

Industry observers predicted that most Indian consumers would keep their distance as not everyone is vying for a blue tick.

“Out of the over 500 million Facebook and Instagram users in India, only a few thousands might be concerned about this policy,” said Vishal Sengar, founder and CEO of Brand Provoke. “Having said that, Meta might end up generating large revenue from startups, small businesses and new influencers and pages that are hoping to build a brand."