https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/02/is-instagram-considering-paid-verification-code-reveals-references-to-a-paid-blue-badge/

New references in Instagram’s code suggest the company could be developing a paid verification feature following the rollout of a similar system at Twitter under Elon Musk. Recently discovered code snippets reference explicitly refer to a “paid blue badge” and a new subscription product, a developer has discovered. The same reference also appears in the latest build of the Facebook app, indicating paid verification could be offered across Meta’s platforms if the product continued to be developed.

The discovery was made by developer and reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who has previously spotted a number of new Instagram features before they launch, including the in-app scheduling tool that launched in November as well as the newer QR code sharing features. He’s also regularly spotted other internal prototypes, like Instagram’s Candid Challenges, and features in development with Twitter.