Meta: Instagram denies testing new ‘Meta Verified’ feed filter

Meta-owned popular photo sharing platform Instagram is reportedly planning to copy another Twitter feature. The company might be testing a new feed which will promoteVerified users to a more prominent spot in the mobile app. According to a new discovery made by Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram’s both iPhone and Android apps are now showing a new feed filter for some users.

In 2022, the company introduced the chronological Following and Favorites feeds. Now, some users are able to see a new feed for “Meta Verified” subscribers alongside these two existing options. However, we at TOI-Gadgets News checked for the latest feed on both iPhone and Android and were unable to see the “Meta Verified” option.

What Instagram said about the feed
According to a report by TechCrunch, Instagram has dismissed the new finding. The company said, “This is not a feature we’re testing”. Instagram also noted that no such feature was in internal development. The company has even mentioned that this isn’t a feature that was considered earlier and was later scrapped.
However, Paluzzi claimed that the feature was added to the code in the Android app (v296.0.0.0.16) released on August 4 and in the iOS app (v295.0) which was released later.
What this feed may mean for users
A “Meta Verified” feed is expected to consist primarily of content generated by creators. These users will benefit the most from the verification process.

Meta Verified offers multiple perks to content creators which include – protection against fake accounts, direct access to customer support, exclusive stickers, 100 Stars per month to support other creators, and the blue checkmark.
Similar features are also available for creators accessing Instagram’s new app, Threads. With this new feed, Instagram aims to offer creators more visibility. Just like Twitter Blue, Meta Verified is also designed to monetise most active creators on its social media platforms.