Meta has announced Facebook Verified, a new free verification badge designed to show that a real person is behind a Facebook profile.
Unlike the paid Meta Verified subscription, Facebook Verified does not require a monthly payment. Eligible users complete a short selfie-based verification process.
What Is Facebook Verified?
Facebook Verified is a free badge for personal Facebook profiles. It confirms that the person behind the account has completed Facebook’s identity verification process and meets the platform’s safety requirements.
The feature is intended to help users feel more confident when interacting with people through:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Facebook Dating
- Facebook Groups
- Personal profiles
Meta says the badge will eventually appear alongside posts in the Facebook Feed as well.
How Does the Verification Process Work?
Eligible users record a short video selfie. Facebook compares it with photos already on the user’s profile.
Meta says the verification process is free and usually takes only a few minutes.
To qualify, users must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a personal Facebook profile.
- Be in good standing with Facebook’s Community Standards.
- Have no record of fraudulent or inauthentic behaviour
- Complete the selfie verification successfully.
Facebook Verified is not currently available for Facebook Pages or accounts using Professional Mode.
Is Facebook Verified Free?
Yes. There is no subscription fee for Facebook Verified.
Users verify their identity once, and the badge appears in supported areas across Facebook. This differs from Meta Verified, a paid subscription offering benefits like account support and impersonation protection.
Where Will the Badge Appear?
Facebook will initially display the badge in areas where people frequently interact with strangers:
- Marketplace listings and seller profiles
- Facebook Dating profiles
- Group member profiles
- Personal Facebook profiles
This is especially helpful when purchasing an item on Marketplace, connecting in a community group, or considering an in-person meeting.
Does the Badge Guarantee That Someone Is Trustworthy?
No. A Facebook Verified badge only confirms that Facebook has verified that a real person is behind the profile.
It does not mean Facebook endorses the individual or guarantees every listing, message, or transaction is safe. Users should continue following normal online safety practices.
Before buying something through Facebook Marketplace:
- Review the seller’s profile and activity.
- Avoid sending deposits to unknown people.
- Meet in a safe, public location when possible.
- Inspect the item before paying.
- Be careful with prices that seem too good to be true.
- Never share passwords or verification codes.
When Will Facebook Verified Be Available in Canada?
Meta is introducing Facebook Verified gradually, starting in selected markets before expanding globally. The company has not provided a specific Canadian launch date.
Canadian users may see the verification option appear at different times during the rollout. If it is not yet available, you may need to wait for a future Facebook app update or notification.
Final Thoughts
Facebook Verified could make it easier to identify accounts belonging to real people, particularly on Marketplace, Dating and Groups.
However, verification should be treated as an additional safety signal, not a replacement for careful judgement. Even with a verified badge, users should remain cautious before sending money, sharing personal information, or arranging an in-person meeting.
Facebook’s free verification badge is expected to become more widely available as the global rollout progresses.
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