Is Instagram Considering Paid Verification? The code reveals references to a "paid blue badge"

New references in Instagram's code suggest the company may be developing a paid verification feature following the rollout of a similar system on Twitter under Elon Musk. Recently discovered code snippet references explicitly refer to a "paid blue badge" and a new subscription product, discovered by a developer. The same reference also appears in the latest version of the Facebook app, indicating that paid verification may be offered on Meta's platforms if the product continues to be developed.

The discovery was made by developer and reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who has already spotted a number of new Instagram features ahead of their launch, including the in-app scheduling tool launched in November and the new QR code sharing features. He also regularly spotted other internal prototypes, such as Instagram's Candid Challenges and features in development with Twitter.

Instagram usually confirms its small tests or prototypes when discovered, but in the case of the paid verification option, the company has chosen not to comment.

Given Paluzzi's track record, however, it's at least worth speculating why Instagram might weigh a decision on paid verification.

Specifically, Paluzzi shared with TechCrunch screenshots in the app's code that included lines referring to "IG_NME_PAID_BLUE_BADGE_IDV" and "FB_NME_PAID_BLUE_BADGE_IDV". He suggested that, given the context, "IDV" could stand for Identity Verification - as that is also a known meaning of the acronym.

Image credits: Screenshots of Alessandro Paluzzi's code (opens in a new window)

Additionally, the developer told us that they found other references to a new type of subscription product that weren't there before. The same references were also in one of the latest versions of the Facebook app, he noted.

Nevertheless, Paluzzi cautioned that there was nothing visible in the app itself beyond these small code references, so we can only speculate on those results at this time.

Still, it's fun speculation to have, especially considering how miserable Instagram's verification system is today.

The subject of numerous complaints over the years, Instagram's verification system is obtuse, convoluted and seemingly random, due to its reliance on automation. Although Instagram in 2018 started allowing users to request verification, the overall system itself hasn't changed much, despite Instagram director Adam Mosseri's promise that account verification would be a goal. improvement in 2020.

Currently, the coveted blue badge is still only awarded to high profile personalities, celebrities and global brands or entities. But everyday users and small creators have long sought similar recognition. This lead to