Who Can Get a Free Verified Badge on Facebook? Eligibility and Conditions

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has introduced a free verification feature to help confirm the authentic identities of its users. While this initiative aims to curb fake profiles—often created using artificial intelligence—and prevent misinformation, it will not be available to everyone. Only those who meet specific eligibility criteria and strict conditions will be able to add this special badge to their personal profiles.

According to Meta’s new policy, applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a free verified badge. Furthermore, the account must be a standard personal profile; Facebook Pages and profiles with "Professional Mode" enabled are not eligible for this feature.

Additionally, the feature applies only to active accounts that consistently adhere to Facebook’s Community Standards. Profiles found to contain false information, or those associated with fraudulent or suspicious activity, will be immediately disqualified.

To verify their identity, users must record and submit a short video selfie. Using artificial intelligence and automated technology, the system will compare this video with the profile picture; if they match, the identity will be confirmed within minutes. Otherwise, the application will be rejected.

This feature differs from the paid "blue tick" subscription. While paid subscriptions offer enhanced security along with a blue badge, this free version provides a black-colored verified badge. Meta is introducing this feature primarily to help users verify the authenticity of individuals they interact with—such as on Facebook Marketplace, within various groups, or in the dating section—ensuring that the person on the other end is who they claim to be.