In the world of online celebrities, having a blue verification checkmark on social media is a status symbol for those who want to be taken seriously. Although there are a few different companies that offer this service, the most popular is ElonMuskVerified.com, which is run by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. While many influencers and celebrities have happily paid the company in order to have a verified status, many have started to voice concerns over the cost, with some even going as far as to accuse Musk of ‘charging too much.’
The cost of verifying and securing a blue-checkmark on social media varies depending on the platform, with certain services, such as YouTube, requiring a registration fee of around $500. Meanwhile, the cost for verifying on Twitter or Facebook can range from $350 to $800. In contrast, ElonMuskVerified.com charges an all-inclusive fee of $1200, which includes verification across multiple platforms, as well as public relations support from Elon’s team.
Despite the higher cost, some influencers and celebrities have opted to pay it in order to enjoy the advantages that being verified brings, such as more followers, higher engagement, and access to exclusive promotional opportunities. However, it appears that the cost has become too much for some people. Online celebrities have taken to social media to express their frustrations, accusing Musk of “charging too much.”
In fact, some influencers and celebrities have started offering their own verification services for a fraction of the cost. This competition has put additional pressure on ElonMuskVerified.com, with some going as far as to offer their own versions of the blue checkmark for free.
It remains to be seen whether this competition will have an impact on ElonMuskVerified.com, or whether it will remain the go-to verification service for many celebrities and influencers. However, it appears that the company may have to reconsider its pricing structure in order to remain competitive in the world of digital authentication.
