Yes, you can now use paid Facebook and Instagram without ads. The subscription costs €9.99 per month for the web version and €12.99 for the iOS and Android apps.

Tired of ads interrupting your experience on Facebook and Instagram? Meta has a two-part update that might interest you: a subscription to remove ads and the Meta Verified service, which promises an improved social experience. But how do they work exactly? How much do they cost? And most importantly, is it really worth paying to say goodbye to ads?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both the Facebook and Instagram subscription that lets you use social media without ads, and Meta Verified, analyzing the costs, pros, and cons to help you decide if this new option is right for you. Get ready to find out if the future of social media is a paid one!

How Much Does It Cost to Use Facebook and Instagram Without Ads?

Let’s get straight to the point: how much will you have to shell out to enjoy Facebook and Instagram without ads? The subscription cost varies depending on the platform you use:

• Web version: if you access Facebook or Instagram through a browser, the subscription costs €9.99 per month.

• iOS and Android apps: if you prefer using the mobile apps, the cost increases to €12.99 per month.

Currently, there are no promotions or discounts on the price. However, Meta might introduce special offers in the future, so keep an eye out for any updates.

Remember that the prices shown are for the Italian market and may vary in other countries.

What Is Meta Verified?

Meta Verified is much more than just a subscription to say goodbye to ads on Facebook and Instagram. It’s a complete package offered by Meta, designed to enhance the user experience and offer a series of exclusive benefits.

The core of Meta Verified is, of course, the ability to browse Facebook and Instagram without ads. This means you can scroll through feeds, watch stories, and interact with content without being interrupted by annoying ads.

But that’s not all. Meta Verified subscribers also get the coveted verified blue checkmark next to their name, a symbol of authenticity and authority. This can be particularly useful for creators, influencers, and businesses looking to strengthen their online presence.

Additionally, Meta Verified includes priority customer support, ensuring subscribers receive fast and efficient help with any issues or questions.

Finally, Meta promises greater visibility for subscribers’ content, although the details on how this will be implemented are yet to be defined.

In summary, Meta Verified is a subscription that offers a cleaner, safer, and more rewarding social experience, with benefits that go beyond simply removing ads. But how much does this premium package cost? Let’s find out in the next section.

Meta Verified Subscription Comparison Chart

How to Subscribe to Facebook and Instagram to Remove Ads

If your main goal is to eliminate ads from Facebook and Instagram, you can opt for the subscription specifically for this purpose. Here’s how:

Once the process is complete, you can enjoy Facebook and Instagram without any ads.

How to Subscribe to Meta Verified

If you want to get the verified blue checkmark and other premium features in addition to removing ads, the Meta Verified subscription is the right choice for you. Here’s how to subscribe:

Remember that Meta Verified is available in different versions (Standard for creators, Standard for businesses, and Plus for businesses), each with specific costs and features. Make sure to choose the version that best suits your needs.

Important: Currently, Meta Verified is not available in all countries. In Italy, there is a waitlist. Check the service’s availability in your geographical area and proceed with the subscription.

Pros and Cons of Meta Verified

Now that we know the costs and how to subscribe to Meta Verified, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of this new option.

Pros

• Ad-free experience: the most obvious benefit is the ability to use Facebook and Instagram without ads. Goodbye to banners, videos, and ads that interrupt your browsing and distract from the content.
• Verified blue checkmark: getting the verified blue checkmark is a sign of authenticity and authority, useful for creators, influencers, and businesses who want to stand out from the crowd.
• Priority customer support: Meta Verified subscribers have access to a dedicated customer service, which ensures quick responses and timely resolutions for any issues or questions.
• Increased visibility (potential): Meta has stated that subscribers’ content may get more visibility, although the details on how this will be implemented are not yet clear.

Cons

• Additional cost: the Meta Verified subscription has a significant monthly cost, which might deter some users.
• Doesn’t remove all types of sponsored content: although traditional ads are removed, you might still come across sponsored content or promotions from pages you follow.

• Limited availability: currently, Meta Verified is only available in some countries, and it’s unclear when it will be extended to other regions.

Ultimately, the choice to subscribe to Meta Verified depends on your priorities and how you use Facebook and Instagram. If you’re willing to pay for a cleaner, interruption-free social experience, and if the additional benefits like the blue checkmark and priority support are important to you, then Meta Verified could be a good option.

Is It Worth Paying for Facebook and Instagram Without Ads?

The million-dollar question (or rather, the €9.99 or €12.99 question) is: is it really worth paying for Facebook and Instagram without ads? The answer, as is often the case, is not one-size-fits-all and depends on several factors.

Who It Might Be Worth It For

• Heavy users: if you spend a lot of time on Facebook and Instagram, and ads annoy you to the point of compromising your experience, Meta Verified could be a sensible investment.
• Professionals: for those who use social media for work, like influencers, creators, or businesses, the verified blue checkmark and potential for greater visibility could justify the subscription cost.
• Privacy enthusiasts: if you’re concerned about the amount of data Meta collects on users, Meta Verified might offer greater peace of mind, although it’s not clear how much subscribers’ data is actually protected.

Who It Might Not Be Worth It For

• Occasional users: if you use Facebook and Instagram sporadically, or if ads don’t particularly bother you, it’s probably not worth paying for Meta Verified.
• Those just looking to remove ads: there are free or cheaper alternatives to block ads on social media, such as ad blockers (though they don’t always work perfectly).

• Those on a limited budget: the subscription cost could be a barrier for those with limited financial resources.

Ultimately, the decision to subscribe to Meta Verified is personal and depends on your needs and priorities. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, consider your social media usage, and the value you place on the benefits offered by the subscription. Only then can you make an informed and conscious choice.

Remember: Before subscribing, make sure you are well-informed about the terms of service and Meta’s policies regarding privacy and user data management.

Free Alternatives to Remove Ads

If the cost of the Facebook and Instagram subscription or Meta Verified seems excessive, don’t despair! There are some free (or nearly free) alternatives to reduce the number of ads you see on Facebook and Instagram.

Ad Blockers

Ad blockers are browser extensions or apps that automatically block ads on websites and, in some cases, on apps as well. They are an effective option for eliminating most ads, but they are not foolproof and may not work on all platforms. Furthermore, using ad blockers can interfere with the proper functioning of some sites and apps, so it’s important to use them with caution.

Privacy Settings

Both Facebook and Instagram offer some options to customize the ads you see. You can go to your privacy settings and change your preferences regarding interests, demographic information, and the data sources used to show you ads. This way, you can at least reduce the number of irrelevant ads.

Follow Only Pages of Interest

Another way to reduce your exposure to ads is to follow only pages and profiles that truly interest you. This way, your feed will be populated with relevant content, and the ads will be more targeted and less intrusive.

A Word of Caution

Remember that these free alternatives do not offer the same “clean” experience as Meta Verified. You may still see some ads or sponsored content, albeit in smaller quantities. Furthermore, you won’t have access to the other benefits of Meta Verified, such as the verified blue checkmark and priority customer support.

The Future of Paid Social Media

The introduction of Meta Verified raises questions about the future of social media. We are witnessing a paradigm shift, where business models based on advertising may no longer be sustainable in the long term.

Growing concern for privacy and the use of personal data is pushing users to seek alternatives that are more respectful of their private sphere. Paid subscriptions, like Meta Verified, could be a solution, offering an ad-free experience and (potentially) greater data protection.

However, the adoption of paid models could create new challenges. Access to social media could become a luxury reserved for those who can afford it, creating a divide between “premium” and “free” users. Furthermore, it is not yet clear whether paid subscriptions will be enough to financially sustain social platforms, which will have to find a balance between the need to generate profits and the need to offer a service accessible to all.

The future of social media is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the traditional advertising-based model is showing its limits. The introduction of paid subscriptions like Meta Verified may be just the beginning of a broader transformation, leading to new business models and a different relationship between users and platforms.

It remains to be seen how users will react to this evolution and whether they will be willing to pay for a cleaner and more privacy-respecting social experience. The future of social media is in our hands, and our choices will determine the direction these platforms take in the coming years.

User Testimonials and Opinions

Now that we have analyzed in detail what Meta Verified is and how it works, it’s interesting to find out what users who have already tried the paid Facebook and Instagram subscription think about it.

The opinions are varied and conflicting. Some users are enthusiastic about being able to browse social media without ads, stressing how the experience has become more pleasant and fluid. They also appreciate the verified blue checkmark, which gives them more credibility and visibility.

However, there is no shortage of critical voices. Some users complain about the high cost of the subscription, especially considering that it doesn’t completely eliminate all types of sponsored content. Others report technical issues or difficulties in getting their account verified.

Here are some reviews from users who have shared their experience with Meta Verified:

• “I’m very satisfied with Meta Verified. I can finally browse Facebook and Instagram without being bombarded by ads. The subscription cost is a bit high, but for me, it’s worth it.” – Marco, Instagram user.
• “I tried Meta Verified for a month, but I didn’t renew it. The absence of ads is nice, but not enough to justify the monthly cost. Also, I had some issues with customer support.” – Laura, Facebook user.

• “For me, Meta Verified is an investment. The blue checkmark has helped me grow my professional profile and acquire new clients. Plus, the customer support has been impeccable.” – Giulia, influencer.

As you can see, opinions on Meta Verified are subjective and depend on the needs and expectations of each user. Before deciding whether to subscribe, we recommend you read the reviews carefully and evaluate whether the benefits offered by the service justify the cost.

Comparison with Other Paid Social Media

Meta is not the only company experimenting with paid subscriptions for its social networks. Twitter, with its Twitter Blue, also offers a premium service with additional features and exclusive benefits. But what are the differences between Meta Verified and Twitter Blue?

Costs

• Meta Verified: $14.99 USD per month for the Standard Version, $44.99 USD per month for the Plus Version.

• Twitter Blue: €9.76 per month for the web version, €11 per month for the iOS and Android apps.

As you can see, the costs are similar, with a slight difference in favor of Twitter Blue for the web version.

Features

• Meta Verified:

  • Ad-free browsing on Facebook and Instagram
  • Verified blue checkmark
  • Priority customer support

  • Potential increase in visibility

• Twitter Blue:

  • Edit tweets (within a certain time limit)
  • Upload longer videos
  • Reader mode for articles
  • Customizable app icon
  • Browsing with fewer ads (but not completely ad-free)

Benefits

• Meta Verified:

  • A cleaner, interruption-free social experience
  • Greater authority and credibility thanks to the blue checkmark

  • Dedicated customer support

• Twitter Blue:

  • More control over your tweets
  • Ability to share longer and more detailed content
  • More comfortable reading experience

Which One to Choose?

The choice between Meta Verified and Twitter Blue depends on your needs and preferences. If you mainly use Facebook and Instagram and want an ad-free experience, Meta Verified might be the best choice. If you are a heavy Twitter user and appreciate the additional features offered by Twitter Blue, then Twitter’s subscription might be for you.

In any case, we recommend you carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each service before making a decision.

Implications for Creators and Businesses

The introduction of Meta Verified doesn’t just affect regular users; it also has significant implications for creators, influencers, and businesses that use Facebook and Instagram to promote their activities.

Potential Benefits

• Authenticity and Credibility: the verified blue checkmark can increase user trust in a profile, distinguishing it from fake or unofficial accounts. This is particularly important for creators and businesses who want to build a solid and reliable reputation.
• Greater Visibility: Meta has promised that content from Meta Verified subscribers may get more visibility in feeds and searches. This could translate into an increase in followers, engagement, and, potentially, even sales or conversions.
• Priority Support: Access to dedicated customer service can be a significant advantage for businesses, who can quickly resolve any technical issues or receive support for their social media marketing campaigns.

Downsides

• Additional Cost: the Meta Verified subscription represents an additional cost for creators and businesses, who must carefully evaluate whether the benefits justify the investment.
• Competitive Pressure: with the introduction of the blue checkmark, pressure may increase on creators and businesses to subscribe to Meta Verified in order to maintain their competitive position and not be “left behind.”
• Dependence on Meta: subscribing to a paid service could increase the dependence of creators and businesses on Meta, which would have greater control over their activities and visibility.

Strategic Considerations

For creators and businesses, the decision to subscribe to Meta Verified should be based on a careful cost-benefit analysis. It’s important to evaluate your budget, marketing goals, and target audience.

If your strategy is based on building a strong and authoritative brand, or if you want to reach a wider audience and increase engagement, Meta Verified could be a worthwhile investment. However, if you have limited resources or if your social media presence is not central to your business, you might opt for free or cheaper alternatives to promote your content.

In any case, it is crucial to monitor the evolution of Meta Verified and Meta’s policies, to adapt your social media marketing strategy in a timely and effective manner.

Meta Verified and GDPR: The Controversy with the European Union

The introduction of Meta Verified, and in particular the subscription to use Facebook and Instagram without ads, has stirred up a storm of controversy with the European Union, questioning the service’s compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Heart of the Matter

The GDPR, which came into effect in 2018, aims to protect the personal data of European citizens, giving them control over how companies use it. One of the key points of the GDPR is informed consent: users must give their explicit and unambiguous consent before their data can be collected and used for specific purposes, such as personalized advertising.

Meta has traditionally based its business model on collecting and using user data to provide targeted advertising. However, the paid ad-free subscription has raised doubts about the legitimacy of this practice. Some critics argue that Meta is forcing users to choose between paying for privacy or accepting invasive profiling of their data.

Meta’s Position

Meta argues that the ad-free subscription complies with the GDPR, as users freely choose to pay for a service that does not involve collecting their data for advertising purposes. The company also states that the subscription gives users more control over their online experience and their privacy.

The European Union’s Position

The European Union, however, is not entirely convinced. Some European regulators have expressed concern that Meta is creating a “pay or accept” situation, where users are forced to pay to exercise their privacy rights. Furthermore, some experts believe that the ad-free subscription could be considered a form of discrimination, as it penalizes users who cannot or do not want to pay.

The Future of the Controversy

Currently, the issue is still open and under debate between Meta and European authorities. It is possible that the controversy will be resolved with a compromise, for example, by introducing more granular control options over data collection or by modifying the terms of the subscription.

However, it is also possible that the matter will end up in court, with the European Union potentially imposing fines or restrictions on Meta’s offering of the ad-free subscription.

In any case, this controversy highlights the importance of the GDPR and the growing attention to the protection of users’ personal data online. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves and what the implications will be for the future of social media and their business models.

Conclusions

In this article, we have thoroughly explored the new landscape of paid subscriptions for Facebook and Instagram. We have seen how Meta Verified offers an ad-free social experience, enriched with premium features like the verified blue checkmark, priority customer support, and potential for greater visibility.

We have analyzed the costs, which vary depending on the platform and the type of subscription chosen, and we have weighed the pros and cons of this new option. We have also considered free alternatives to reduce ads on social media and discussed the implications of Meta Verified for creators and businesses.

The introduction of paid subscriptions like Meta Verified marks a turning point in the business model of social media, paving the way for new possibilities and challenges. On one hand, it offers users the chance to enjoy a cleaner and more personalized experience, free from ad interruptions. On the other, it raises questions about the economic sustainability of this model and the accessibility of social media for everyone.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to subscribe to Meta Verified is a personal decision, which depends on your needs, priorities, and budget. Before making a decision, we invite you to carefully reflect on the pros and cons, evaluate the available alternatives, and inform yourself about Meta’s policies regarding privacy and data management.

The future of social media is constantly evolving, and it is up to us, as conscious users, to decide which direction we want it to take. Let’s choose wisely, for a more rewarding and privacy-respecting social experience.

Frequently Asked Questions