Observed Signal · Mar 20, 2023 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Meta Verified Waitlist Now Open
Meta has updated its Meta Verified program by rolling out a revised verification badge for Instagram and Facebook that centers on authenticity rather than popularity, authority, or expertise. The paid verification subscription remains available at $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 per month on mobile. After an initial rollout in Australia and New Zealand, Meta has opened a global waitlist for Meta Verified on Instagram and Facebook, with confirmation from social-media expert Matt Navarra. Meta states the badge reflects government ID verification and does not imply account relevance or public figure status, nor does it serve as endorsement. Access during the rollout may be limited and could take several weeks to broaden. Users who join the waitlist will receive guidance on the meaning of their new badge within the verification flow.
Technical release from a major platform (Meta) impacting verification and identity features.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Meta updated the Meta Verified badge to emphasize authenticity over popularity or expertise.
- Meta Verified costs $11.99/month on web and $14.99/month on mobile.
- Rollout began in Australia and New Zealand; worldwide waitlist for Instagram and Facebook verification opened.
- The badge is tied to government ID verification and does not indicate account fame or endorsement by Meta.
- Access during rollout may be limited and could take weeks to become available to all users.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
Instagram's Edits app now allows creators to create Carousel posts directly within the app, according to an announcement by Instagram's Creators account via Instagram and Threads. The feature is available immediately for iOS users, with an Android version expected soon. In a broadcast channel, Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed that users can mix photos and videos on any slide, connect images across slides, and use the same stickers, text effects, and cutouts used in video editing. This functionality aims to streamline content creation and boost engagement, as Carousels remain a popular format on the platform. Additionally, the Edits AI Assistant, which provides video ideas based on account metrics, is currently available only in the US. Meta continues to enhance its creator tools to support social media marketing efforts.
Global ad market grows 11.9% in 2026; print, TV weak
According to Warc Media's forecast, the global advertising market is set to grow by 11.9% in 2026 to $1.34 trillion, following 10% growth in 2024 and 2025. Key growth drivers include investments in AI and major events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Social media will see the strongest growth at 21.3% to $394.6 billion, followed by VOD, retail media, search, and DOOH. Traditional media declines: TV down 1.8%, print down 0.9%, and radio down 3.0%. Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will capture a combined 59.7% of global ad spend outside China. The growth is expected to normalize to 8.4% in 2027 and 7.9% in 2028. AI is reshaping targeting, creative, and campaign optimization, and creating new ad environments like generative search.
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