Is Instagram working on paid subscriptions?

(AP file photo)

Instagram could be working on a paid subscription model for its users, according to a report by TechCrunch.

Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi found evidence of a new paid verification "blue badge" similar to what Twitter offers to its Blue customers.

#Instagram is working on a subscription plan which includes the blue badge

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— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) February 2, 2023

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Given the context, Paluzzi suggested that IDV could stand for identity verification. IG stands for Instagram, and FB stands for Facebook.

If this is true, then it could mean Meta is considering verifying users for a fee across its platforms. Details are scarce for now, but Twitter Blue offers similar subscription benefits to its users with a blue verification badge.

You also get other perks with Twitter Blue, such as fewer ads, the ability to edit tweets, custom app icons, themes and more.

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Paluzzi told TechCrunch that he found references to a new type of subscription model in the app's code. He also said the same references were present in the latest builds of Facebook.

So far, nothing has been officially announced by Instagram or Meta, and until we have more details, Paluzzi says it is best to consider these findings mere rumours.